Poodle Wisdom

Last month I went to bathe Danny, our elderly miniature poodle
I discovered an ulcer on his right front leg.



And I did what all good poodle moms do.
I screamed.

My husband came running.
I showed him the ulcer
And we promptly rushed the dog
To the vet.





Danny will be 16 this coming month.
He is blind
virtually toothless
balding.

And while I was holding him
And certain that the vet would put him down

I prayed for Danny to receive an auspicious
Rebirth. Cried. Prayed some more.

Danny took all of this in stride.

When we got to the vet’s office.
The doctor took one look at him and said
“Bring him in.”

And the doc looked at the ulcer
While I cried.

Danny happily bit the vet
With what few teeth he has left.

The vet shrugged, gave me some
Antibiotics and instructions for caring
For the wound.

And sent us home.

Danny was very happy.
He got to go on a car ride

He got to visit the vet
He got to bite the vet.


He got medicine that tasted yummy.

Yesterday when I was trimming him,
I saw the wound had healed
Completely
Leaving only a faint scar.

And I, of course, was relieved and grateful.

What Danny taught me that day was this



Adversity should be taken in stride.
Adversity is a perfect time to practice.
Adversity is impermanent.
It’s not often someone becomes inspired
By the wisdom that comes from the family
Pet.

But when it does come


It’s glorious.


OM MANI PADME HUM


All jpegs are property of their respective owners. I merely borrowed them. All their rights are preserved.
The dog depicted in the car isn't Danny. Danny is too vain to be photographed in his current state.

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