Regular readers here know that I’ve been working on virtues – those strong charecteristics that raises the bar for this better dog. 
Frequently I meander off as surely as I follow my nose and run the creek bottoms of a morning.
But I’m never far from standing strong, even if they don’t make it to this page every week.
This week though, I’m going to go calm and peaceful [or as much as a Heeler can!]. Because summer is swiftly running toward autumn, and time is slipping away with a speed I cannot match.
Oh we have been blessed this year with frequent rain, yet missed most of the wind, hail and floods. Days have been sunny and warm, shifting to thunderous dark clouds and rainfall by evening. And the next day dawns with clear skies again – can it get any better than that?
What a special summer – few are like this. In some way, every day and every season holds unique blessings.
So this week, I gaze on my world every fresh bright morning, grateful for whatever comes, and
just taking in the calm, the peace. I know it won’t last – nothing does. But I know it is here now and I won’t waste one moment.
So I listen to birds, watching the hummingbirds hover on feeders, and zip away to opening flowers. I hear the crazy woodpeckers flitting in to their favorite treat, loudly chirping the arrival. 
There are hundreds of all sorts of birds, some cussing me out for laying in their territory. Others are the polite guests they should be, just busy gathering seeds.
Mornings hold this singular peace that disappears with the drying dew.
The quiet is rare.
The sun lingering behind the eastern ridge is full of promise.
Growing light is anticipation.
Every single morning is a blessing and a gift.
And every morning in August is time to celebrate national dog month!
I don’t know what that may mean for this old cowdog. Maybe extra treats, even a ride for a pup cone!
It should mean no more dogs in shelters, no more puppy mills, no more backyard breeders, and a warm safe home for every canine on earth.
Do your part this month and always – and never miss a morning!
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14
