Tags
acceptance, Grace, gratitude, guru, health, meditation, spirituality
Two years ago today, J and I walked into the SPCA, just to “look.”
We walked out with my guru.
She was a malnourished little mutt with claws so long they wrapped around and dug into the pads of her feet. She didn’t know how to play. The sound of clapping made her cower. She had terrible nightmares that left her snarling and whimpering in her sleep. Life had not been easy for this dog.
Even with that history, no one in my life has taught me more about stillness, joy, acceptance, love and indeed, grace, than Grace.
We almost didn’t adopt her. The information sheet hanging on the door of her cage read “senior.” We couldn’t imagine enduring the loss of her so soon. But one look into her blue eye, and then her brown eye, and we knew that whatever time we had with her was worth it.
We joyfully surrendered to the unknown.
When I stand in the middle of my yoga mat, I often take a moment of stillness to devote my practice to Grace. I want to show my gratitude for all that she has taught me about getting over the stuff that I hold on to from my own past. She is a master class is being present. She is the living example of everything that I try to access by bringing yoga into my life.
Happy birthday, Grace. Thank you for finding us.
Just here. Just now. 
That is so sweet! Thank you. I have tears in my eyes right now.
Thanks!!! She is such a lovely girl…
What a lovely post! We adopted a nine year old pug almost a year ago. I wasn’t sure I wanted a senior dog, but I am so glad I got him. He is also a master of being in the present. Like Grace, he had some issues that we have had to help him with stemming from the abuse and neglect that he experienced. I am amazed at how he has come around and all the things he has been able to learn. He’s like a whole new doggie now.
That’s fantastic! It’s such a gift to be able to adopt an older dog. Everyone loves the young ones, but the more mature pups have something really special about them. I’m so glad you were able to offer up all that love and a forever home!!
Beautiful. Just beautiful.
Thanks so much!