Toothless Wonder

In our family learning Insight from our four legged friends is common practice.  My mother’s favorite sage has long been her beloved Bliss, a Sheppard mix she ‘rescued’ as a puppy.  By rescue, I mean stole from her neighbor’s backyard after seeing the tiny creature mistreated day after day.  For Mom, Bliss and her sidekick Sheppard Robbie (also rescued!) teach her more about patience, grace, and acceptance during their forest walks together than any other sangha could hope to bestow.

On this day, Miss Bliss was playing with Robbie in the living room with a toy ball between them.  In one moment of unbridled delight both dogs leaped into the air and bumped nuzzled with a whack.  Blood started to drip from Bliss’ front lip as she stepped slightly away from the scene of the crime and settled herself down on a throw rug and quietly began licking her wounds.  Gently, she used her tongue to wiggle and then extract two loose teeth.  No sooner had she cleaned herself up that she was back again facing off with Sir Robby for the toy ball.

As Mom relates the story, she saw that Bliss never whined, or whimpered.  She didn’t come up to ask for reassurance or console.  She didn’t even seem to blame Robbie for her toothless smile.  Bliss was ever present in the moment, taking care of what needed tending and then getting right back in the game.  “Dogs are clearly more evolved than humans.”  Mom surmised.  I know my own buddies would agree.