Giving Thanks, by Grace

by Grace

I know the holiday is coming, I’ve heard talk about traveling and cooking and eating with family – all things I like.   Being with those we love while giving thanks for what’s important in life.  Hmmmm, what am I thankful for?  What goes on my list?  I’m lying here, trying to think.

I’m thankful for my family.  Even dogs know that’s kinda cheezy but it’s true, especially for a rescue dog.  Going from living a life where you are a secondary thought at best and suddenly being held at the top of the mountain is wonderfully fulfilling.  I am thankful for each person who helped me get from my previous spot in life to this one; for the love that pours from my family every moment of every day.   I’m thankful for nephews who walk me, and grandparents who scratch me, for aunts who hug me, and everyone who makes me feel welcome wherever I go.

I am thankful for where I live.  I start each morning at the top of the outside stairs examining the world, inhaling the smells and thinking about my day. There is privacy from moving cars, which scare me and an abundance of forest smells which excite me.  I’ve seen deer and rabbits and a fox.  I can walk along the grass or delve into the woods.  And the inside is as comfortable as the outside, with sleeping spots on the bed, by the sofa and the door, and my favorite at the desk. I am thankful for the comfort of this house.

I am thankful for the many new foods I have discovered.  Carrots, apples and sweet potatoes.  Green beans, bacon and peanut butter.   My meals are dependable and my treats just as frequent.  I am thankful for the many friends who like to give me treats, and I have learned the carrots are just a quick snout-thrust away once the refrigerator is open.   I love our game of ‘are you paying attention’ when I’m in the kitchen.  I’m so very thankful that you are not always paying attention.

I’m thankful for that rug near the sink.  Rick always smiles at the swishing sound made when I sit on that rug excitedly wagging my tail in anticipation of a treat.  I’m thankful for that space next to the fridge where I can wag my tail and see how many magnets I can knock off the door.  I’m thankful for the bells hanging by the front door that I can make jingle when I need to go outside.  I am thankful for my tail.

I’m thankful for sunshine!  Few things are better than a walk that leads to a patch of sunshine where I can just plop down and enjoy the day.  It’s even better when the person you’re with decides they can sit with you for a while.  The warmth, the calm, the serenity – the safety. I’m thankful I’ve been safe.

I’m thankful for the trips I’ve taken.  I’ve traveled in 2 snowstorms, taking hours longer than normal to drive from here to there, but doing so safely. I’ve walked in the ocean and jogged along the sand.  I’ve wandered mountain trails and a golf course too.  On one trip I lounged atop a dozen pillows in the walk-in closet; claiming it as my bed for week. I’m thankful for pillows.

But today I’m thankful you’re with me, beside me. I’m thankful for the past 263 days. I’m thankful you’ve gotten onto the floor, next to me, letting me know you’re still with me. I’m thankful you’ve made this decision because it hurts – my body hurts. I’m thankful for the song in my ear, for the scratch on my side, for my paw in yours. I’m thankful for that final injection. Thank you, for everything.

…

 Grace lost her battle with cancer after 263 days with Rick. She was a wonderful dog who lived up to her name. Grace was deserving of a longer life with fewer troubles, but as her name states, she enjoyed what she had.

Grace