Life has its ups and downs. We all experience them. Lord knows as we approach the end of 2012 and I review my own challenges of the past 12 months I am moved to be grateful for the strength, patience and support I’ve experienced to meet them head on.

I’m also moved to consider the blessings that have arisen from the tough moments I’ve faced. I’m a firm believer in silver linings — the alternative is too depressing — so even as I felt, at times, like the world was collapsing around me I’ve done my best to hold my head up and look for the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.

One such moment came earlier in the year when someone near and dear to me attempted to take his own life. By some force of miracle he survived, sound of body and taking the measures necessary to re-affirm soundness of mind.

To his credit he looks on his drastic measure and the fact that he survived it as a wake-up call — an opportunity to reassess his life, make some changes and embrace what is.

Shortly after his desperate act love walked in in the form of a Sh’borkie (Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, Yorkie) puppy whom he would name Rusty, perhaps for obvious reasons.

This little dog, who weighs no more than 15 lbs, has been a godsend. A little bundle of joy helping to put his master’s troubles into healthy perspective by giving him someone to love. And of course, as we all know, what we give comes back to us in spades. This little dog has lit up my loved one’s life as only a pup can.

I visited shortly after Rusty joined the family. Cute doesn’t begin to describe this cheeky little boy. He is everything in a little furry bundle one might expect — affectionate, playful, fun, crazy-making, attention-seeking, cuddly and yes, cute, cute, cute!!! Everywhere we went with Rusty he was the focus of attention, with people stopping to marvel at his cuteness and chat with his master.

At the time the Calgary Stampede was in full swing, so we bought the little guy a cowboy hat which, as you can see, fit him perfectly. It was a moment of silliness during a silly week — just what the doctor ordered for taking minds off troubles and healing broken hearts.

Love is what gets us through the rough spots of life. When it arrives in the shape of an animal companion it is unconditional and healing when combined with trust, respect and patience.

Rusty is the consummate snuggle bunny and provides a suitable distraction from worldly cares as my loved one sorts through those aspects of his life that drove him to his desperate act.

It’s my sincere hope that each of us will invite love, in its purest form and whatever that means to us individually, to walk in and bring us the comfort and healing we need.

Thanks for visiting,

Dorothy 🙂

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Copyright Aimwell CreativeWorks 2012