Bangles and Ballet Flats: The Simple Things

I am currently house sitting for my lovely parents because someone had to watch our beloved yellow lab Lily or Munchkin as I like to call her. My mom texted me and asked if I would take the pooch for a walk after class. I have never been one to enjoy doing this on my own. I always found walking alone to be boring or too thought inducing. Yesterday I walked the lovely lady for an hour and found myself at such peace when we returned home. I do not know whether my high from running two miles before was kicking in or what, but I cannot explain the amount of bliss I felt. I did the same thing today and felt the same amount of joy. There is something about being outside hearing the leaves crunch underneath my feet and watching my dog prance through neighborhoods with a wagging tail that is somehow enlightening. I consider my dogs to be almost as emotionally mature as most humans. My black lab passed away this past May and the house will forever be a tad somber. The first night we brought her home when I was 7, I decided to lay down on the floor with my blankie on my back. Agnus promptly came over and curled up into a ball on top of my back. I knew in that moment that she felt at home with us. This dog would sleep with my brother and I when we were kids. Like me, Agnus was scared of storms to the point where she would lay under our feet while we sat on the couch. If she was sleeping in one of our beds her head would be right there on the pillow seeking the same comfort from me that I sought from her. It was the same way if I was home sick from school or if someone was sad. Dogs have this innate ability to sense emotions good and bad. Lily does the same thing, she has always been a very lovey dovey puppy. Agnus was a bit more independent, Lily latched on to her and I like to think that she truly learned from the best. I still tell my mom that coming home to two wagging tails is something I will never stop missing because even on the worst days, my no longer plural pets make me feel so much better. I have read plenty of articles about how dogs relieve stress, dog owners are statistically healthier than non dog owners, and walking your dog daily has proven mental and obviously physical health benefits. As was approached the house at the end of our walk today the sun finished setting and the night quickly grew quiet. It was beautiful and the perfect way to end a day that started chaotically.