Critters Galore

... is the dog featured on most of my cards.

It started about three years ago, and I don't recall the exact circumstances, but Mick has been bringing me a leaf or some other small object from outside every day, unfailingly, for about the past 1000 days now.

Sometimes I reward him with a cookie or other small treat... more often I do not.

Yet, the next morning, he will proudly trot in from his first morning walk with my daughter, and present me with ... well... a present.  Usually it's a palm leaf, but if one cannot be found, it could be a stick or a twig.  Have you ever watched a dog painstakenly trying to pick up a wet leaf that's plastered to a step... in the pouring rain?  I have... and I am astounded by his efforts.

Even if I take him on his first daily potty-outing he will "bring" me something - he simply walks in the house, waits until I sit down, does a huge U-turn (as if coming into the living room just now) and hands me my surprise.

Some may say this is a "learned or trained response", but I'm not so sure... I think he simply delights in my delight... especially when I exclaim:" Oh, wow!  You brought me such a BEAUTIFUL leaf!!!  Thank you, Puppy!"

His ears fold into origami-like triangles, his butt and tail create a small tornado in the living room... and he has the biggest, most joyous grin on his face... I swear it.

When Mick had eye surgery and couldn't navigate as well, he went on our balcony to look for treasures to give to me... we have a palm tree right at the back of the house, and most mornings would guarantee a leaf or two out there.  He spent a good amount of time trying to pick one up (no small feat with a "plastic cone" on your head) and would get absolutely frantic when he couldn't - pawing at it, barking in frustration, and coming to me for help.  I couldn't just pick up the leaf and admire it right then though - no... I had to hand it to him, sit down... and except it as my gift from his mouth.

This, to me, is a gesture of love - it is not about getting a treat in return... in fact, Mick only expects me to be appreciative of whatever it is he presents to me... and I am.  This small ritual touches my heart each day, and in countless ways.  This Pit Bull, with all his phobias and issues, wants to give me something because... well, I'm really not sure why... other than that he recognizes my true appreciation for his thoughtfulness.  That is his motivation, I guess, and it is one of the reasons I am so touched by his actions.

Mick sees that his gift makes me happy... and to ensure daily happiness for me, he will continue to remember to "pick up a leaf for Mom" each and every morning... just in case her day might not go so well. 

This story might sound corny, or sappy, or insignificant... but to me, the "Receiver Of The Present", it shows tremendous devotion and loyalty.  Most of all, it shows a loving and caring heart... beating in a dogs chest...

And so he is teaching me the lesson of gift-receiving, and giving, each new morning.  He also reminds me that it is truly NOT the size or the price of the gift... it is the the thought behind it by which it was inspired.

Thank you, my friend.