Give thanks

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Now this is the season when everyone thinks about all we have to be grateful for. This year, more than ever, perhaps we need to to look back with gratitude and recognition of what is important.

We had a severe drought this year, the pastures dried up, the creek was a trickle.

But we did not have a wildfire here, and we found enough hay for the winter. 

We’ve had truck troubles, health troubles, fencing troubles and the neighbors cows. But we can fix things, get things fixed, even share a little hay with the errant cows.

We are still here and we can work, laugh, go outside and look with wonder on the beauty of the mountains. It is still dry, but we had a little snow this week.

We can still pray.

I hear about the crazy way this country is tipping, thanks to misguided leadership, and I wonder what kind of America little Sprout and his baby brother will have.

But I know God is still in control.

Thanksgiving is coming next week, a chance to get together and reaffirm all that is good and right. It is a great day for everyone, except maybe turkeys. But here, the wild turkeys still come around, unaware that a cousin of theirs will be guest at dinner next Thursday – and not in a good way.

Regular visitors here, but not on the Thanksgiving table!

Even a humble cowdog such as myself has a lot to be grateful for. I had rough times early; nobody knows but me, and I still remember the fear, poor treatment, lost and alone,  months in the shelter. But that has faded in memory, as time has replaced it with years of happiness.

I had a job I have done well, and contributed to the ranch.

I joined a long line of honored Heelers in this place of kindness.

The great Ruger

Oh, I did bring trouble with me from those tough early times. 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.

This is a good time to reflect on my many blessings, so I will share some on 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 give thanks that, even though their hearts were broken from losing another cowdog named Ruger, Dad and Mom still knew another dog needed them – ME! And they needed 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 give kindness, so I do too.

I give thanks 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!