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I Have a Puppy or He Has Me: The Beautiful Burden of Need

When something outside of your sphere needs you unconditionally it gets you out of your selfishness. My son decided it was time to bring a puppy home and with as much added stress it has added to the house, there is a wonderful joy and energy.

I’ve always known a dog changes the atmosphere in a house. I’ve noticed after raising children that as you adjust to a lack of being constantly needed, you fall back to a tendency of being selfish. Not selfish in the normal sense, just in the sense of time, energy and quiet.

Now I have this little puppy that watches me all day and is ready to play at any given moment. He continues to show me the simplicity of finding a rock or a stick or listening to a bird. I have sacrificed time and attention and he has already rewarded me with more than I know.

My son has a knack for timing. The puppy has a knack for playing and seeing life as a wonderful playground of sounds, smells and things to chew. I could learn a lot from them both.

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Written by stevelinebaugh

Oil painter and pastel artist, writer, photographer, graphic designer,
originally from New Jersey

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