(Google images) |
Here's a quote from John Grogan, the author of the book "Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog":
"A dog has no use for fancy cars or big homes or designer clothes. Status symbol means nothing to him. A waterlogged stick will do just fine. A dog judges others not by their color or creed or class but by who they are inside. A dog doesn't care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his. It was really quite simple, and yet we humans, so much wiser and more sophisticated, have always had trouble figuring out what really counts and what does not. As I wrote that farewell column to Marley, I realized it was all right there in front of us, if only we opened our eyes. Sometimes it took a dog with bad breath, worse manners, and pure intentions to help us see."
Let me ask you? Who wouldn't want to be loved like this? Isn't that something we humans crave and seek from others? How often we are disappointed? It's so easy to erect walls around our hearts to prevent more hurt.
After posting on Facebook that I'd seen the movie, there were a variety of responses. Here are a few of the responses I received:
- I'm avoiding that movie like the plague.
- Really dislike tear-jerkers; no thank you.
- Don't like sad movies.
- Deb, I watched it with my 13 year old over Christmas break. I was not ashamed at all, crying in front of her. Been there, done that with my beautiful Dalmatian Abbey.
Growing up, we always had a dog. One vivid memory I have is when our poodle Cherie got hit by a car. My brother, sister and I were already in bed but my dad woke us up to come downstairs. He held Cherie in his arms so we could say goodbye to her. We all cried, including my brother Steve.
Barney |
My mother-in-law has a cocker spaniel named Barney. He is her constant companion. She prepares his meals and they eat dinner together in front of the TV watching the nightly news. Sometimes she complains about him but it's so obvious that she loves him. And once more she begins to throw Barney's ball for him to fetch. Barney is such good company for her.
Opening your heart to love can be painful, even if it is to a dog.
So, I sit in front of the TV with my box of tissues handy. I loved the movie and I'll probably watch it again sometime. Even Greg joined me and held my hand as the ending drew close. And no; I won't tell you the ending but it's well worth any crying involved.
Blessings and love,