Stephanie and Jake in
Just the Light You Bring

There’s a quote that goes something like this, “selflessness is having humanity in one’s heart”. I think that means my dog may have more humanity than some humans. Isn’t that profound? She is happier when she knows she makes me happy. She doesn’t pretend to be someone she’s not. She doesn’t strive for perfection or hide behind ugliness. And the light she brings to everyone she meets - she gives selflessly, without trying, because she just is.

Shouldn’t we be more like this?

The goodness of a dog reminds me of Stephanie and Jake and the story Ginger told me.

“Many years ago, I found myself as a single parent to my beautiful young daughter, Stephanie. At that time, I already had cats, birds, and fish when a tiny, wriggly, energetic, poodle puppy named Jake came into our lives. It was a tumultuous time. 

Somehow, having Jake as part of our fold made everything feel just right. He was “my” dog, but he was hers, too. Even the cats decided he was fine to play with – after a fashion. As she grew, he did too. He would let her dress him up in play clothes, he would cry to be outside with her if he could see her playing without him, and he was always underfoot if she had company. He was her guardian. She called him her brother. And he was in heart.

I was so lucky to have a camera close at hand to catch this fleeting glimpse of pure peace and rest. It was on a beautiful sunny day where they had stolen a moment for a nap together. They both were in their teens by now. Time had flown by so quickly. Life had changed, our family had grown, and it was good.

Jake’s time was long in dog years. Eighteen, in fact. And that was still too short. He never met a stranger and loved everyone he met. I’ve never seen a dog whole-body wiggle with joy as much as he did. He was such a happy boy who brought us laughter, love, and light.”

Even though we don’t speak the same language, I think I have a deeper connection with my dog than with most people. There’s no hate in her heart, no cruel intentions. I don’t have to worry she’s thinking I’m right or wrong. She listens without judging. She knows how to make everything feel just right without saying a word. And oh the light she brings….

Shouldn’t we be more like this?

©Daune Sheri
November 2, 2023