When somebody loves you...

Thank goodness for Tyson (and of course my husband!). Tyson could care less if I'm perfect or not, likely because he doesn't worry about it himself. I can show up to see Tyson in my grubby jeans and old coat, and all he cares about is that I'm there. Well, I'm sure the treats help, too.

I wish people were more like Tyson and stopped judging me and all rest of you, too, on how perfect we all are or not.

I'm lucky. Lucky to have that acceptance, and not just to have it, but to know that when you are loved and wanted, no one cares if you've done your hair, or spackled on your face for the day. Come as you are! Bring love, bring happiness, and bring a yummy treat, too. Cake, anyone? I prefer blueberry pie. Tyson? He's not picky.

Perseverance

I'd have to say that the worst thing I hear all night long is something from the person who has settled, "Life is what it is, and a lot of people..., and a lot of others...," etc, so they then just accept "that" (whatever "that" may be) as truth.  And then I look at Tyson--my bundle of wisdom rolled up into a fawn colored Boxer. Tyson was left for dead. He was emaciated to the point wherein his skin started sucking between the bones of his rib cage. He was all set for tragedy when something happened.  He was found.  And I wouldn't call it a second chance at life, at least not in his case.  For Tyson, life is about survival.  Consequently, survival is the only option for life.  And so he did.  What makes survival unique for critters is how we humans interfere.  Positively or negatively, we affect them.  It's our doing, because we seem to hold some grandiose key of life or death unto anything existing, even when it comes to fellow human beings.  The rest of the planet just gets to go along with it.

Why are so many people unwilling to fight and struggle like Tyson?  Why are so many unwilling to starve and tread and trudge?  Life is hard. Life can be very, very angry. And still! life is beautiful.

Tyson is my hero. I love that boy so much. He's filled with wisdom and guidance if you just open your head to the idea than you can learn real truths from a canine- founded on experience and heartache. I get that dogs and cats aren't as filled with thought processing abilities like you and I.  I'm not daft.  But what I am choosing is to listen to the variances of life, that like the breeze which blows is right in front of me--and you, too, can only really be seen when you stop, listen, maybe close your eyes to feel it. Truth doesn't need to come to me from a webpage, the television or a newspaper. Truth, though obscure, can be attained by simple measures and transcends the bounds of humanity.  Measures that make you in charge of interviewing the process of your own life, rather than someone else gauging the vivacity for you is about being in control.   You wouldn't let someone monitor your joy for you, would you?  You'd like as much joy as possible, right?  But some people do and ever so willingly allow the misgivings and mal-intent of others determine the magnitude of their own joy.

I'll not settle.  I'll not give in.  I'll not lie down and take it like those that do.  Like Tyson, I'm in this for the long run.  And the next person who tells me that life is so, so bad and that they're just going to accept it---I'll nod my head, and give them another beer, and feel sorry for all the joy they are missing.  I get to see my Tyson but once a week and that's 6 days of joy anticipating every moment I'll get with him. Then another six reveling in it, until the next. It's a Joyous cycle:)

And when people mistake Tyson for my blind son, I am just going to let them believe it here out, because when they hear it is a dog, not a kid, they stop believing in the message of hope that my stories about Tyson provide.  Tyson is my "blind son," and one day, he'll be someone else's blind son, giving them the exceeding joy he already brings to me.

Life's an adventure, not a shame game.

I always take away something great from Tyson as he is quite the sensei!  Yesterday, I learned it is okay to pack on some winter pounds.  It doesn't make you less attractive, or less than you were when you were skinnier.  It gives you warmth when the weather is cool.  So, for all who bury themselves in their sweaters because of a few extra pounds when the temperatures drop, pick your head up.  Your body is supposed to insulate itself.  It's a reasonable and normal process of being an organic being.  And just think how rewarding it is to watch it all shed and then to fit in those shorts or that bikini again.  What would you have to look forward to if you were skinny all year round?  It's not like most of us are jet setters able to vacation on tropical islands any given time of year and often throughout!  Get over it, and enjoy the extra attention you give to yourself while working it off.  Life's an adventure, not a shame game.   --And Tyson...would you ever fault him for putting on a few pounds because it's cold outside?  No?  So, go easier on yourself, too.

I'm down in the pasture letting Tyson run off leash and there are birds chattering all around us. Off in the distance a few piggies talk while a plane hums in the sky. A crow sounds in the distance, and a rooster, too... A few bugs zip around to mark themselves present as well. Tyson's too busy chomping on his beef tendon to appreciate this, but I'm grateful for the abundance of nature that surrounds us.Tyson is getting better at his commands, but needs daily work.  He's still really great at running beside me, but he's a wanderer when he's just walking with you...so many smells!Look at that sweet muffin!  He's so ready to be in someone's home.

Isn't Tyson handsome!

I just got up to Pasado's and discovered Tom is being fostered!! Woohoo!!!  Tom had that look of "Petey" from The Little Rascals.  Aw, and just when I was starting to make friends...Trust me, I am more excited about Tom having a warm place to sleep with some loving humans than I am about making friends:)

Wow things are blossoming with the Springtime!!  Mary is super fluffy with growing hair, Bella is running in the big yard, and there are some new faces, too!  So happy that there are rescued critters getting love and attention.

Then there's my Tyson.

Tyson was more eager for his treats than to see me perhaps;). He even knew which pocket to sniff.  He still has his monkey, though most the innards are shredded out.  Good thing, because I still have my stuffed heart!

I think I got some really sweet pictures of him out in the pasture, but Tyson has always been very photogenic.

Cuddle bug

He melts into my arms every time we meet or is it the other way around?  Look at that little spot on his nose...and those fluffy jowls...he loves to have them pet.

Tyson has great hearing!