It’s been several weeks since I started on my hiking regime, and I’m very happy to report I’ve been able to get out about three times a week on most weeks. Even last week, as crazy as everything was at work, I still made time to hike. I think it reduced my stress and kept me level-headed.
And I have discovered a faithful hiking companion as well, in our dog Zoey.
I haven’t written that much about her since we adopted her in February, but she has slid right into our family and taken her place in our lives and our hearts as if she has always been here. She is the most happily enthusiastic dog I have ever met. She does everything with all of her self — body and heart. It’s kind of hard to describe, but everyone who meets her can sense it, and they fall in love with her too. She holds nothing back.
I came up with the nickname “Gung Ho Zoe” for her. It just fits.
I was telling my husband this weekend that I can’t imagine not having her in our family. I remember how against getting a dog I had been. Too expensive, all the food and vet stuff. Too much trouble when we travel. Too much fur, making our house dirty.
But the real reason? Too much hurt in my heart. Our faithful companions have shorter lives than ours, and love also means loss and hurt. I hadn’t wanted to replace my dear dog Tasha.
Getting Zoey has reminded me what it’s like to be on the love side again. To realize I didn’t replace Tasha, I added Zoey. It reminded me that it’s all worthwhile…. The fur and the vet bills and the kennel. It’s all worth it, to have this fun and faithful dog in our home.
The next time I am at the point of deciding whether to open my heart to something, I’m going to remember the philosophy of Zoey. I’m going to ask myself, “What would Zoey do?”
Without hesitation, she would be all in.
What a wonderful post! Dogs are the best teachers ever!!!!
So very true. I intend to learn a lot from Zoey. 🙂
she’s gorgeous!
Thanks Leanne. We get comments on her wherever we take her!
Beautiful. I just recently lost my heart and soul…this helps to think about the next one…
It’s hard, I’m sorry for your loss. We waited almost three years before getting Zoey. Give yourself a little time and then follow Zoey’s philosophy – jump all in!
Great photos, great journaling and great nick name!
Thanks for sharing,
Rinda
Thanks Rinda!
Zoe looks like a darling dog. Their purpose in life is to bring out the love in us. Sounds like she’s dong it very well.
Yeah, she passed that test with flying colors!
She looks like a wonderful dog, and companion of course 🙂 I recently got a new family member as well; a Working Kelpie puppy, which we’ve named Bonzo. He’s only 12 weeks old, but is already more than able to walk 3.3 miles without being tired before coming home 🙂 This and the extra work a puppy brings, might actually help me shed some of the weight 😀
Having a walking companion goes along way to getting us out there to move, doesn’t it? Congrats on your new family member!
Yes it does 🙂 Thank you
She is gorgeous Kat and I love that you didn’t replace Tasha, you added Zoey
Love can never be divided only multiplied.