The Quietude Of An Innocent Heart

Constantly I'm amazed by the simple serenity and strength exhibited by my service dog(s). I say dog(s) because although Jet is no longer physically here, he remains an enduring piece of quietude and innocent peace within my heart that will always be with me. So Frax too, in his own unique way dispenses his quiet peace and love: enough to heal a hurting heart.

I had an issue this week requiring the skills of an entodontist. Frax lay next to me, a silent, steady well of unlimited support and love. His presence reassured me he would let me know if I was

building up to a seizure, something the entodontist appreciated as well. When we got home, Frax snuggled close, making sure I knew that he was there with his love and strength. Time to time he took one of his great paws and gently 'patted' my arm, soothingly rubbing my arm, just as you would your child if they were sick. Yes, he really does that. It's unique to Frax, he has seen someone reassuring their son like that in training and he has modeled that very human gesture as his own comforting one.

How do I know this? This is how. When he was a few months shy of graduation ( 18 months) he had an accident while running and playing with his fellow canines. He has extremely long gangly legs even now, as a pup I'm sure those long legs, ears and even long body and torso was daunting for a youngster to grow into! He literally tangled his legs, breaking a front leg. He was immediately given the best of vet care, and the leg set beautifully. In six weeks he was ready for doggy rehab, which was given at the home of a recipient and his family who had a pool that Frax could take exercise in, a caregiver that was a nurse, and recipient with his very own seizure dog that Frax could learn from.

Frax was not only able to rehab in the pool, but also could see how a seasoned service dog responded to a seizure and how the humans around him offered support and reassurance. He watched and learned. Being a smart cookie, he modeled on a human being's touch of love and support to their son. It's very obvious where he got his 'patting and rubbing an arm' soothing technique that is a signature expression of concern and love from him...and consistant.

Is it any wonder that I say to you often, that just because a different species communicates, interprets and experiences the same world in a different way doesn't mean that they aren't sentient...or more moral, loyal, unselfish, loving, true and beautiful in every sense of their soul and spirituality. There is no doubt in my mind about this. These sentient helpers love us unconditionally despite ourselves. We are a flawed species, we are constantly in a tug of war between our 'better selves' and our evil, dark side. Until we acknowledge that, come to grips with it and deal with it, humanity will bring sadness not only upon themselves, but on other species.

I have hope though. I've seen what love is in the caring thoughts and actions of others now that I am no longer the caregiver but the one cared for. I've seen how one person can makes a difference in other's lives, and how when multiplied, the very best in humanity can literally take your breath away and fill your soul with such wonder and joy. That is all there. Inside every one of us, every hour of every day our spirits can call out to one other of this joy of living, of being here for this brief blink of time to share the wonder, this beautiful world. Take your loving dog in your arms and give it a hug of love and friendship, thank it for the reminder every day of the potential within our own selves that exists: a better, more spiritual, more loving life...and the possibility to change the world for the better, one person, one life at a time.

#innocence #quietude #strength #heart #Peace #love #unconditional #painandreassurance