TRUE devotion

Just finished my tour and we had a great end to it. Were crazy busy going from call to call, one after the other. When it rains it pours, as the saying goes. Makes for a longer night, but sure is fun. Love being busy! Will sleep like a champion this evening:)
Had a great WOD yesterday. Fantastic group of peeps showed up for a noon WOD, and it just worked! Just like old times!
On the front page of the paper today was a terrible story about a bunch (100) sled dogs out in BC that were "murdered" because their "care givers" were greedy. There is a bit of an explanation as to why the dogs were executed, but at the end of the day, it was this companies greed that led to the tragic end of these poor pups. If I had my way, I think these owners would be lying next to their dogs. Last time I checked, when an employer runs out of work for an employee, they are laid off and not killed.
As sad as this story is, it reminded me of my happy waggin' tail pup at home. She seems to be able to put a smile on my face anytime of the day with her crazy antics and loving attitude. I can not imagine something happening to her. Pets become part of you and your family. Just like a child, only they grow up in about two years!
They just naturally take on  a responsibility to guard your home, contents, and family with everything they have got. Never needing directions or lessons, they just assume the position of a guardian. Willing to lay their life down to protect you and ensure everything has been done, in their power, to make sure you are kept safe. They will stay with you through thick and thin until the very last beat of their heart, never asking for anything in return.
This type of devotion we should all learn from and apply to our everyday lives. I can not count all the times that I have heard people say that animals/dogs are stupid or that they don't understand certain things. To people that run their mouths like that, you should take a long look in the mirror. I believe they have a better handle on what is important in life, compared to most of us. Their capacity for love and unwavering commitment to there family and friends is astounding and should be strived for by all of us.

If we go through life trying to imply this type of true devotion to our family, friends, health, and careers I believe you would remove 100% of the worlds problems. You see, greed and self pity are missing from this equation. Looking at everything with the attitude, "what/how can I put in/help with this?" as apposed to the "what am I going to get out of this?" or "how is this going to help me?" will help you become the person that you are capable of being. This encourages the same attitude in all those that our lives touch. Pay some of this devotion forward and watch how it will transform the world around you:)

I can not remember where I saw this, but it is good.

He/She is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
He/She will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his/her heart.
YOU OWE it to him/her to be worthy of such devotion.

-Kaizen (改善), Japanese for "improvement" or "change for the better", refers to philosophy or practices that focus upon continuous improvement.


Carpe Diem and go give your pets a smooch!