Present moments

Over the holidays I joined several others, four and two leggeds alike, at the annual Christmas festivities. A new country home provided the setting and, as we nestled in our dog boxes on that starry winter night, we saw the soft warm glow of holiday lights through the windows and heard the muffled pronouncement of "time for presents" as it passed through the house walls and drifted past the dog truck as if borne on the falling snowflakes. Time for presents -- the "present moment" had arrived. Speaking for dogs everywhere I imagine, my perspective on "present moments" is somewhat different. Every moment is a present, and the best way to honor that gift is to be completely aware of it. The dogs I know, myself included, are focused on "right now", with a fervent enthusiasm and single mindedness that can at times drive humans to frustration. We of course have much to learn about conscious thought, but perhaps humans could learn a thing or two about good old fashioned tail wagging happiness by joining their four legged friends in appreciating the holiday gift of "now" a bit more. Just a thought. On a related note, recently the world lost a great example of living life to the fullest. This old dog driver was about an inspiration to two and four leggeds alike. Check out this website (http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/7309799p-7221499c.html) and see what you can do to fill the hole he leaves.

Keep your tugs tight.

Bombo