Gratitude

This is the day my humans celebrate Thanksgiving. They talk about their blessings and pray. They get together with the daughter Jessie, her husband and little Sprout. It is a great day for everyone, except maybe turkeys.

Even a humble cowdog such as myself has a lot to be grateful for. I have not told you my whole story before, but life was not easy when I was young. Nobody knows but me, and I remember; sometimes when mom moves her hand fast, I still flinch. I try not to, because it makes mom and dad very sad. Before my first birthday, I was in a shelter, and I was there 4 very long months. I was afraid and anxious, I didn’t know how to act. I heard rumors I would not make it out of there alive.

So I brought a lot of trouble with me, but my family has always loved me and forgiven me. I joined a long line of honored Heelers in this place of kindness and understanding.

I ate couches, doors, and broke out a window. One time I bit a guy; he jumped in the truck and shoved me over. I was not going to let him hurt my dad, although it turned out he was only getting in for a ride!

That was long ago, and I am happy to say that, in spite of that, I’m still here and have  been in my forever home for many years.

 

So for today, I will share some of my Gratitude List:

 

I am grateful I am a strong Heeler, who could survive.

I am grateful one kind lady at the shelter saw something worthwhile in me, when no one else did, and saved me from execution, in order for me to reach my home here.

I am grateful that, even though their hearts were broken from losing another cowdog named Ruger, Dad and mom still knew another dog needed them – ME!

I am grateful that all these years, my family has helped me overcome my worries and quirks, been patient and forgiving, and never given up on me. They show mercy every day, so I do too.

I am grateful I live in the country, on a nice foothills ranch with a creek to explore, a four-wheeler to ride, and cows and horses that sometimes need a good cowdog behind them.

I am grateful I get good food with fresh meat and other things mom says keeps me healthy.  I always have fresh water. I have many soft and warm places to sleep, I have nice wide porches to lay on and watch my world. I love the truck  I ride in with dad.

I try to count the cats among my blessings, but at times they try my patience, and are impossible to herd!

I am grateful I have someone to play with me, compliment me, encourage me, reassure me, and reminisce about our years together, and tell me the stories of how I rescued them.

I am a simple cowdog, but it is my hope everybody has a long Gratitude List. Blessings come from God, and the old, the young, the downtrodden – everyone – desperately needs them.

Finally, I am blessed to have you follow my story.

Happy Thanksgiving to all, and be sure to share some turkey and sweet spuds with your favorite cowdog!