On Sunday, the last in 2013, I came to find Martin and realized that he only had three legs. A big, orange furred guy with upright ears and missing one front leg at the torso. Dogs put 60% of their weight on those two front legs and it is astounding to see how quickly they adapt to only one. Amazing really. Martin however had an unusual attitude when I went into his habitat to harness him. He jumped up and kind of twirled with enthusiasm. His coat was so soft and he had abundant energy and joy.
Off we went to cavort in the enclosed yard and he did. Sniffing and peeing and a big old poop too. He ran to me full of even more exuberance after he emptied his bowels and now ready for a walk. We set out and he continued his jaunty, hopping motion while looking happily up at me. I was a bit stunned and could no more feel sorry for him than simply try to keep up!
We sniffed, and hopped around the front and back, with that
same spirit that said to me, especially me, don’t feel sad because you are
hauling a big bag of troubles, just take that sack, dump it and walk like you
are ready for joy. For me, I felt sad to
have left my family in Texas the night before, running a bit on Texas time
still and having an interior pity party that was clouding my thinking.
Martin became my teacher and I am determined to use his
lessons to pull me into 2014 with love in my heart for others and a wish to share
my dreams and my enthusiasm. I want
change and I must be willing to put down my sack and use Martin’s lesson to
guide me. Thank you Martin-you made your
point and did so with only three legs!
