Handsome looking fellow, isn’t he? His name is Maverick and he is 7 years old, middle aged by dog standards. The end of July I told Richard I needed a companion that didn’t sass me and that included him! See I wasn’t kidding about the parenting thing. So I went to the Humane Society. Mav was out on a walk when I was there, but I saw a lot of dogs that had possibilities. I came home and got on the website and there he was. It was love at first sight, at least on my part. I played the YouTube video and saw that he was already somewhat trained. The next day I told Richard I was going to met Maverick and, of course, Richard had to come along. Well, Maverick fell in love with me too. So we brought him home, much to Richard’s dismay. We made an agreement that I had until September 1 to work with Mav and see how things went. Well, September 1 came and went with no questions. Maverick has even won Richard over!

I have learned a lot from Maverick over the last several weeks. One thing is not to underestimate a living thing. Maverick likes to get into the garbage when we are gone. I thought that we could leave him in the laundry room. The second time he learned that if he pushed the handle down, he could get out and roam the house.

I have been reminded of unconditional love as he is quitely sleeping behind me as I write this. Everyone deserves unconditional love, no matter how many times they sass us, or scream or argue. True, it’s hard to do and I often fail, but I have a constant reminder in Maverick.

And my mornings have become extended meditation time. When I get up while Richard and Malaika sleep, Maverick sits with me while I read Psalms, say prayers and meditate. Then we go for an early morning walk. I love the cool temperatures; watching the sun coming up as it’s rays dance through the trees; seeing the hot air balloons floating quietly in the sky; listening to songs of the birds; watching the moon go down and the sun slowly light up the mountains. I talk with friends and neighbors and greet those I don’t know as we walk the paths of the open space. And I think of the blessing I have; my family, my friends, my home, my health and a special companion to remind me.