There are days when I feel like I’m made of zillion paw prints. Paws prints of every single dog and cat that came into my life and touched my heart so gingerly and lovingly. I remember all the Daisy’s, the Phil’s’, the Coco’s, the Sierra’s, the Riley’s, the Layla’s just to name a few. I remember how they made me laugh, how their paws felt in my hand, how soft their fur was. I also remember how scared they were at times but nevertheless they let me touch them. I remember how beautiful their eyes were and how much some of them enjoyed their belly rubs. I “feel” their paws deeply imprinted onto my heart. I am grateful for being part of their life and their humans’ lives, for having had the honour to have them in my care. I am grateful for all the lessons they taught me, for making my life beautiful and for allowing me to do my very best to serve them.
I was always mesmerized by pawprints. There is something so special and unique about them. Something almost magical. I held Moxie’s paw many times and marvelled at its softness. I love seeing paw prints in the sand or in the snow. I even love muddy paw prints on my floor.
I believe each pet came into my life for a specific reason and had a lesson to teach me. I learned patience, courage, setting healthy boundaries, just to name a few. I also learned how important it is to play, laugh and have fun, connect with others, and enjoy Mother Nature. I am so grateful for all pets I had, and I still have in my life.
I smile when I see paw prints on my walks. Paw prints remind me of the purity of a pet’s heart, the perfection of the present moment and the joy I see in dogs playing at the park. A paw print is a pet’s message to us, humans, a way of saying: I was here and boy, did I ever have fun! So, let’s pause, take a deep breath, connect, have fun, enjoy the moment. Let’s leave paw prints for each other in the form of a good word, a good deed, a hand on the shoulder, a spare moment to simply listen and connect with each other. Let us be open and humble. Let animals be our teachers of presence and goodness.