Giving and trusting unconditionally tend to not come naturally for most people. Somewhere along the line we’re schooled in the art, or science, of expecting something for giving something. Feeling put out if a gesture or word isn’t met with an equal or greater response. Culturally it’s simply the place most of us land. While making for sometimes tenuous situations and relationships for the most part we make it work. 

It’s a stretch to claim (and try to support) that our dogs are morally superior in this sense. Yet I’ll support the claim and not get wrapped up in validation. More giving, trusting and non-judgmental. Often by default or perhaps semi-intentional positioning they land in the role of children for those without human offspring. Once in that role a tremendous amount of emotional energy is projected into the total care of such a pup. Often equally rewarding as exhausting and at the end of the day satisfaction is reached knowing you’ve done what you can to give them a good life. Rosie is fully ensconced in this role.

After a much anticipated, yet dreaded, annual vet visit yet another less than ideal diagnosis received from our top-notch doc: probable pheochromocytoma(cancer of the adrenal glands). Drat. Rosie’s a good –most often great– pup. Smartest I’ve ever had. Morally superior. She’s having a terrific run and that’ll continue until it doesn’t. Next up: trip to the oncologist.