I went for a nice after dinner stroll with Louie last night in the neighborhood where we live adjacent to the lovely but often overlooked Eastwoods Park near the University of Texas. I really love meditative walks in this older Austin hood, and Lou really loves to stretch his little legs after a long day cooped up at my work shop. I have always been a fan of Eastwoods and when I moved here almost 3 years ago, I intended on spending time there. As with so many good intentions, it was something that never really happened much. That changed when I adopted Lou. Him taking me to the park is how I like to think of it and was one of the first of many ways I realized he was adding real value to my life.
I have been reflecting on our relationship recently and the incredible bond between people and dogs. Man's best friend is beyond cliche at this point and it seems the popularity of dog ownership is at an all time high. That said, I don't know of another relationship between two species , short of cats, which are also awesome, quite like the one that has evolved over the past millennia between humans and the domesticated canine. Its just too cool when you think about it. Such a perfect fit these two have become. A dogs ability to give love and connection seems almost boundless at times. And I think its safe to say for the majority of people, receiving love and attention is top on our list whether we admit it or not. A perfect fit indeed.
The other things that I value in my relationship with Louie is that it has given a certain depth to my life that would otherwise be lacking. Considering I am a single, lets face it, self absorbed creative type, having to take care of and think of another little being in my life is very healthy for me as it gives me the perfect chance to get out of myself which is an exercise I have found to be very beneficial. And even some of the little hard ships that we have gone through in our two years together have given the relationship a certain character and depth that I find helpful in my own personal growth toward a more meaningful existence.
In a few months it will have been two years since I signed the dotted line and took Louie home from Austin Pets Alive. Since then he has become a regular part of my schedule and my life, from being a road buddy through our summer long journey in Colorado, to helping man the booth at different art and craft events he is generally with me and weaving him into my day has become second nature. I have mentioned the many ways he has added value to my world. The greatest and perhaps sappiest ( but I don't care because its true) is that multiple times per day, pretty much every day without fail, I look at him, connect and have this warm, intense feeling of love well up inside. That has just got to be good for a person mentally, spiritually and physically. With that intuitive thought comes a lot of gratitude, another life ingredient I've found most helpful. Thanks Lou, you're the coolest.
Wood shop yoga
Snoozin' in a wood pile
No one knows the Louness that lurks beneathe ....