The Lesson of the Greys

As the years go by the inevitable happens, grey hair. Nobody likes it. Especially when they start to appear on the ones we love. Last week Chili turned 5 and I don’t like it one bit. I see the bratty beast who still enthusiastically and not very gracefully zooms around the backyard, gives me the shifty-eye, showers me with kisses, then waits for me to use my ‘serious voice’ before she decides to listen. It seems like she’ll forever be the lively little girl. Then I see the grey hair creeping into her beautiful black coat. The odd stray dots her body, but I see them slowly gathering mostly around her muzzle. I guess it’s supposed to be a sign of maturity but I think it’s there as a reminder.

Time moves on and we need to hear this message the greys are sending and stop to appreciate those around us who make our lives beautiful. I’m not only referring to our animals but to anyone who brings a smile to our faces and encourages us to shine. There are people in my life who fit this bill, but for the purposes of this post, I’m going to simply talk about Chili. Why? Because that’s what makes me happy at this moment. See, I am learning from Chili.

To appreciate Chili and learn her lessons means letting go of those things that are supposed to be important. Artificially important. Chili leaves behind her a trail of dog hair tumbleweeds, destroyed plants and flowers, and zoom ruts. I could give more examples but I’ll stop there. We could stress over the dirt and destruction or laugh about it. I’ve chosen to laugh because the other option just doesn’t make sense.

Most of the dog hair on the floor comes from us petting her, and her happily wiggling around to make sure we’re hitting the right spot. As she gives herself a good shake in a beam of sunshine there’s a puff of hairs left swirling around that brings me back to watching cartoons as a kid. The destroyed plants and flowers, and zoom ruts, usually come from playing with her in the yard. A misdirected Frisbee sends her to crush a plant, or her overall excitement throws her into zoom mode leaving ruts where she corners, and sheared off flowers that she fails to jump. It’s hard not to get sucked into the moment when you see that big smile and feel her excitement.

So here comes the choice, or the weighing of the options. Do you worry about the dog hair, and the destruction, and shut the whole thing down? You’ll definitely have less hair, and a nice yard. Maybe only pet the dog outside and take them to parks to play. Make the yard the place to show off and impress the neighbors with your skills. Or, do you let yourself be free to get lost in these spontaneous moments and appreciate them for what they are. I do appreciate a clean home and the beauty of a flower and a well groomed yard, but I appreciate Chili and those moments more.

For me, appreciation isn’t just about the person, or the dog, it really is about the moments. How many moments have you lost because you’ve always made the more controlled choice? I know I’ve lost quite a few. Luckily there isn’t a time limit on change so no matter what time we have left with those who are special to us, we can always make the choice to let go and allow ourselves to get lost in these moments.