Lessons from Berry

For a little greyhound, she was pretty darn smart.  Given her past, she learned life lessons most of us take a lifetime to learn.

Just because someone says they love dogs doesn’t mean they really do.  They will adopt and abandon or turn over one that has become inconvenient, or never treat them as they deserve.

That is not love.

So, my smart girl taught me:

1. Love is a give and take.  A lot of work, but ultimately, well worth it.
2. You have to earn my trust.  I have been treated unkindly in my life.  I don’t know if I can trust you, but I am willing to learn.
3. Trust is earned.  It is never a given. Just because I am fed, does not mean I am cared for.
4. Understand my insecurities and understand my past.  I want to get beyond those as much as you do.
5. Practice patience with me.  Your patience and love will heal all that was done.
6. When the winds blow and the thunder rolls, provide a safe haven.  Provide comforting words and love.  And when all else fails, let me hide in the bathtub or under the stairs.  A safe haven.  If I must quiver, let me work through it.  I know you are waiting with your love.
7. Provide quality food, a warm, safe home and a soft bed to lie in.
8. Love me, because I love you and would follow you anywhere.
9. Protect me from anything that would harm me.
10. And when it is my time to go, stay by my side and love me.
11. When my time has come, fight for my brothers and sisters, so they may know the loving life I lived.  In your home and in your heart.

Yes, my beautiful greyhound was one smart little girl.  Trust and love.  Earned.  She was a smart little girl.