“A person can learn a lot from a dog, even a loopy one like ours. Marley taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught me to appreciate the simple things-a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, a nap in a shaft of winter sunlight. And as he grew old and achy, he taught me about optimism in the face of adversity. Mostly, he taught me about friendship and selflessness and, above all else, unwavering loyalty.”

― John Grogan, Marley and Me: Life and Love With the World’s Worst Dog

Yesterday our little family picked up a puppy.

Everybody smiled and laughed and cuddled the little bundle of fur.

Reading “Marley and Me” a few years ago told the story of dog ownership so well.

Dogs have been bred to relate to humans in a very distinct and unique way. We fall in love with them so easily because they seemingly love us back so effortlessly as well.

We give them names and treat them as members of the family.

We forgive their missteps and accidents.

We clean up after them and dote on them as if they were one of our kids.

In return, they provide companionship and love, in one its purest forms.

If we pay attention, there are some good life lessons in there for us to pick up on along the way.

Make it a great day.

Jake