I’ve been working on my writing skills, planning for the coming year, and learning better ways to communicate with the world. Whew!! It’s been a challenge.

In reviewing material I plan to compile for a book on wellness and self-care tips, I came across an article I wrote for a regional magazine that I thought might interest you as we approach Thanksgiving—especially for dog lovers! It reminded me that despite our everyday challenges of learning, working, and interacting with others, it is vital that we cherish the beautiful, touching moments we encounter on a regular basis.

A “What If” Reverie-a version was previously published in Allegany Magazine

I’m just sitting here loving my sweet dog, Calli (short for Calliope Jane).  She’s a gray, curly, slightly built Yorkie/Bichon Frise mix with beautiful big black eyes, a stubby tail, and curly hair. She presses her warm body against my leg as I sit on the oak glider in our sunroom, nestled among the bright and comfortable pillows on it.  It is a peaceful moment. I touch Calli’s belly, and she licks my hand lovingly, with great tenderness.  

If the whole world of humans could feel those moments of unconditional love, trust, acceptance, and mutual admiration regularly, would it change current world events? Would the rage attacks and murders decline or abate? Would there be more reconciliation and forgiveness? Would there be a pause when irritated with the day’s events? Would there be anticipation as we plan to go home to find comfort with the precious pet, who waits to spread joy and celebration, asking for some of the same in return?

Does understanding and forgiveness of individual foibles and mannerisms increase as dog owners learn that we all have idiosyncrasies, such as snatching a piece of cheese from a snack tray left on a coffee table, chewing a hole in a favorite sock, or barking too loudly at the neighbor when you’re on the phone? 

These actions weren’t meant to annoy or alienate. They were just manifestations of ancient canine behavior: protection of the pack, scavenging for survival, or finding comfort in familiar scents. We forgive those because of our interdependence on our pets for love and comfort.  Could we learn to forgive human foibles, such as being cut off in our lane on the freeway, vehemently arguing over a difference of opinion, or someone pushing ahead in line at the grocery store?  Could we chalk those incidents up to manifestations of ancient human development, such as having occasional lapses of attention, tribalism, territoriality, or sense of competition?  Could we forgive those infractions because of our interdependence on others for sheer survival, safety, consumer goods, food, and goodwill?  Wouldn’t that be a nice change?

As the artificial intelligence industry continues to design robot pets to provide people with some of the comforts and companionship of live animals, hopefully it will build in some behavioral characteristics that will help develop and reinforce more patience, understanding, and acceptance in the world of human customers. Perhaps we could better learn to let go of our desire for other people to be perpetually perfect…

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In a writer’s group this week, a friend suggested I consider offering an online group to discuss themes or points of interest included in my books to engage my readers in the material I cover about life skills. I would like to get feedback from you about this idea, knowing that we all are busy, but sometimes find it interesting to briefly discuss a topic of interest with a group.

If you have feedback on that for me, please respond!  

Thank you and be well my friends,

Suanne