The Little Things

Today for some reason, I am pondering the little things in life that occur and we often over look. The little things that make some experience unique. The little things that happen all the time around us that we just take for granted. The little things that mean so much and one day we'll miss terribly. I'm not really sure why I got so focused on this and why it's been occupying my mind for the past little bit. But I appreciate it either way.

Just a bit ago, I was sitting on the couch and Bess immediately came up and curled up against me. Not just a casual lying next to me to be near me. But a "I would crawl into your skin" to be nearer to you, kind of snuggle. She can be very intense about her snuggling. The moment was just perfect. She fits herself so perfectly into the fold of my legs. And she's just so happy and contented to be there. I usually have an arm lying on her. If I pick that arm up, she immediately raises her head and looks at me. I'm not sure why exactly, but I think that part of it is her craving every possible physical connection to me that she can get. Or maybe that's just me anthropomorphizing things. It's just one of those perfectly sweet moments where I just want to hug her closer. She's so soft and loving. And her affection is so complete. Those are the little moments with her that I treasure.

Shortly thereafter I changed positions and went into our office area. Bess lay down on one of the dog beds and Heffner picked up a chew toy. He has this habit of preferring to chew on his chew toys while they are some how on me. I'm sure many of you know what I'm talking about. If I pick it up and hold it for him to chew on, all the better! As I'm sitting on the floor reading a book, he drops the chew toy in my lap and looks down at it. All the loose skin on his face falling forward and big floppy ears hanging in a most adorable manner. That look in and of itself was priceless. So I picked up the chew toy and held it for him, knowing exactly what he wanted. Overly indulgent I may be at times, but I do enjoy these little moments that are particular to each dog. Heffner is so gentle while he's chewing on it. It's almost akin to a self soothing act that I'm a part of. Instead of sucking on something or idly chewing, he's brought me something that we can "both" interact with. Or at least that's how I like to look at it.;o)

Like I said, I don't know what it is that's got me pondering these little things and enjoying them more than I normally would, but these are the moments that make my relationship with my dogs all the more richer. They're special. They're unique. And in their own ways, they're very tender. These are the moments that are often impossible to capture in a picture or on video. The feelings going on at the time can't really be captured on either.

This time of year I think it's especially important for us to slow down in our busy hectic lives and catch those special moments, imprint them on our memories, and savor them as they're happening.