Live in the moment

It has been said so many times that we dogs know how to live in the moment. And we do it naturally, without thinking too much about it. And we quickly forget what bad things might have been inflicted upon to us and just get on with life, appreciating every thing as if it was the first time.

And nothing more evident of that than in rescue dogs who have been badly mistreated and how most of them eventually seem to forgive the past. I am not sure they forget completely, but they don’t hold grudges. They just take the opportunity given to them and get on with life – happy for every meal, every walkies and taking in all the wonderfulness that this world has to offer.

Such a dog is our friend, DeDe.

It has been three years this past Friday since we welcomed DeDe to her new home (DeDe is Home). When we first met her, she was reserved and uncertain of things around her.

Today, she happily explores the woods and loves a good mud roll.

She is safe now and lives happily with two dads who dote on her and her brother Dante.

It has been beautiful to see how she has come out of her shell and to watch her living in the moment with forgiveness in her heart.

May’s comment: Dogs remind us to “live in the moment with forgiveness in our hearts” –

This is a guest blog from one of DeDe’s dads, James Glover:

Many remember the iconic image of Nelson Mandela walking free from Victor Verster Prison. In his biography he describes how he made the decision to leave any bitterness behind him. He knew if he didn’t, he’d carry it for the rest of his life. I wonder if Mr Mandela learnt this nugget of wisdom from a dog?

Dogs are the ultimate positive thinkers, over time they let go of all their sadness and pain. They prefer to remember only the good bits, such as where they’ve hidden a favourite toy or buried that very smelly bone. Even abused dogs forget yesterday, remaining faithful to their humans for years. 

We try to live in the moment but sometimes putting our best intent into practice can be tough. Our minds can’t help but worry about what happened yesterday or fret over what might happen tomorrow. While we’re caught in this cycle we miss the beauty of what’s happening right now!   

DeDe, our adopted cockapoo, is fascinated by everything that happens to her. Life now is one big adventure. She spent years in a dimly lit, overcrowded barn producing litter after litter of beautiful puppies. She faithfully gave her humans every ounce of her being only to be thrown out when she was tired and exhausted. 

Thanks to the work of a wonderful rescue charity she now has a happy forever home and her once dull eyes shine brightly. She greets everyone with a joyful smile, excited to say, ‘Hello’.

She doesn’t hold grudges, she’s forgiven what’s gone before; perhaps in her eyes there is nothing to forgive? I am sure she believes everyone is doing their best.

I watch her sleeping and wonder if she remembers her puppies. We’ll never know how many called her mother, but every last one would have been gorgeous both inside and out, inheriting her golden curls and benign temperament. 

I’m sure she taught them to be gentle and only expect good things. Perhaps it’s the power of a dog’s love that equips every puppy with the resolve to live their best life?