a dog's life

Part schnauzer and west highland white, Sassy is absolutely convinced that every time I get up something exciting is going to happen. She dances on her toes, runs excitedly in front of me and usually slides into a cat or a wall. No matter how utterly boring my destination is (bathroom, kitchen, back room, front door, etc.), she is absolutely convinced it holds the promise of being the most exciting thing that could ever happen.

When it turns out I'm just doing something routine, she shows no disappointment and settles in next to me. It starts all over again in the same intensity as soon as I start to move again.

Wouldn't it be nice if we all had that expectation for the moment? That something exciting was possibly going to happen right now? Would we be that ready to enjoy it?

And then there's Wiz, my cairn. Older and wiser, he waits to see what I'll do. Usually his excitement level depends on what shoe I put on: Athletic shoe = extreme excitement, possible walk; good shoes = despondency, obviously going somewhere dogs aren't allowed; paddock boots = restrained excitement and hopeful tail wagging, possible barn visit.

Between the two of them, I think Sassy has the right idea. Excited about the possibilities, Sassy readily accepts the outcome and then waits to enjoy the next moment.