A Girl's Best Friend

This is a big week in my little family. Not only is life going on for me, but this is the time of year I get to celebrate my two best friends. I’m more than okay with being the crazy dog lady.

Four years ago (Dec 7^th), Murphy came home. He has been my shadow and constant companion ever since. He is sweet and always knows when I need extra love. He hasn’t figured out the barking at stranger’s thing, but I wouldn’t trade him for the world. He also protects me from squirrels, cats, mailmen, and thunder.

Three years ago (Dec 9^th) Mya found me! She was not in good condition, so I nervously took her home. It had just been Murphy and I for so long and I was worried he would be okay even if only for the night. That night, I made a bed for her on the couch and Murphy and I went to bed, and shut the door. I woke up the next morning to both dogs snuggled with me (next to each other.) We have been a trio

Ever since!

In honor of two buddies, I would like to share a few things I think we humans can learn from our furry friends.

1. Live in the moment

My pups can remember who they’ve met before, and where the treats are kept, but they only use that in the moment. The past is the past. They love life where they are.

2. Overcome fear with love

Mya may was a scared little pup when she first came home. She didn’t make any noises, was jumpy all the time, and often hid under my bed. Through a little love and time, she is a completely different dog. Love truly does conquer all.

3. Don’t hold grudges

Holding a grudge doesn’t hurt the other person, it only hurts you. My pups have never held a grudge if I forget to give them their treat. Let grudges go so you can be emotionally free.

4. Find joy everyday

Murphy and I have a routine when I get home. They both greet me and I take them outside. After a bit, when we go back inside, Murphy heads straight to moose. For the next 5 minutes or so, we play fetch with his favorite toy. He is so happy EVERYTIME. It is so simple, but it is his favorite. We live in a world where the sun comes up every day and it is amazing. Enjoy it!

5. Enjoy the journey

My dogs have traveled quite a bit. One of Murphy’s favorite things in the car is to stick his head out. He really doesn’t care where we are going, just that he gets to go. He is enjoying the ride. Life is not always about the destination…it’s about the thousands of detours it takes to get us there.

6. Be loyal and dependable

I’ve been told my two friends are “odd” for a sibling pair. This has been said that it is odd in the sense that they are not from the same litter, but act as though they are from the same pack. When Mya was injured in September, I was told that Murphy laid by her all day until I was able to get to them. Even after her surgery he protected her and rarely left her side. Treat others how you want to be treated. Be dependable…be loyal, be a good human.

7. Love unconditionally

Whether I have been gone for an hour or for a week, had the best day or worst, every time I open my door I get the same reaction. Both of them run to me and fight to see who gets to me first. I have to pick one up and say hello, then it is the others turn. Every. Single. Time. I LOVE IT. They instantly forgive me when I have failed. If we humans forgave like this, imagine what the world would be like.

It sounds crazy, but we have so much to learn from our furry friends. Their unconditional companionship, loyalty, and love are incomparable to any human standards. Yes, they are dogs. But, YES, they are a big part of my heart.

Happy "Got ya" day to my two very best friends!