Ray Ray... Our happy dog

You know, the more I stop and pay attention to the world around me, the more I notice how much I can learn from it. One of the verses the I remember from way back in Sunday school is one Proverbs 6:6. About watching the ant that works even though no one is watching. I know it is telling us not to be lazy amongst a couple of other things, but for some reason I always think of it as an example of how to observe nature. Granted, I do like some of nature more than others (insects).

Over the years, Tiffany, Jeremy and I have remarked at the different attitudes and personalities that each of our very loved dogs have. Baby is our boy. He is the protector, the peaceful one (now that he is older). He is the one that will sit at my feet forever. He loves my chair and will sneak into it if I give him half the chance. He is the one that I cried on when I read Marley and Me. Jewels the newest edition to the pack is the playful one and the one the drives me the most crazy. She plays a game of tag with me by licking my hands and then jumping all around me.

Now Ray Ray... She is the friendly one. She is the happiest one. If you have come to our house you have probably had the attention of our little Ray Ray. She will lick you forever.

Even her bark sounds happy. She is a favorite at the vet. She flirts with everyone. So far she is the only one I have taken to the vet that gets a treat from almost all of the vet's staff. She was the dog we almost lost when she was a puppy. After 2 weeks (or so), and more Pepto Bismol, Pedialyte and pink puppy throw up than we ever want to experience again, she made it.

I have no idea why she is the way she is. Part of it is nature and the way dogs are, I think another reason is her previous life experiences. I know they say dogs only remember for a couple of seconds. But I think she remembers things. She seems to care for everyone. At night, when Baby and Ray Ray come in to go to sleep, she takes the time to visit with me and when Baby comes to sit by her she takes care of him. She is the nurturer. Sometimes she is the forgotten one because she is so easy. She just seems to fade into the pack sometimes. But she is amazing to watch. She can crack you up with the use of surroundings to get some of what I can only imagine is fantastic sleep. Whether it be a box, a pillow, a chair arm, anything turns into a pillow if needed.

I love the carefree life of dogs... How long has it been since I ran just to feel the wind in my hair, took a special interest in a bug (that will probably never happen), enjoyed the car ride, ran in a sprinkler? Dogs are amazing creatures. I know that my "babes" will be there whether I am rich or poor, ugly or pretty, whether I am having a bad day or a good day. There is never a time where I am not a major focus in their life. I know they would follow me to the ends of the earth. I thank God everyday for my dogs. In this time of my life, where changes are everywhere and money is tight, and people are not always truthful, it is amazing to come home and have her waiting for me who thinks I am amazing and is ready to share her love of the world with me.