Sleep, eat & be merry

Dusty is a classic sleeper. One second he’s standing by his bowl, eating industriously. Next second he’s slumped on the floor under the table  stretching like a lion, and he’s out like a light. He is also a very vocal sleeper. He sighs – huge sighs like those of a bull elephant after a heavy day on the savannah. Sighs that are groans and moans that resemble the cries of ecstasy of Big Momma Elephant. Then he’ll sleep quietly for a bit, and the sighs and groans start all over again. These dogs are experts at sleeping, but none can hold a candle to Dusty when it comes to the sheer animal gusto of it.

It’s a lesson in relaxation. None of this tossing and turning, worry-induced insomnia for these doggies. They lie down, they go to sleep. At any time of day or night, without so much as a by-your-leave, the very epitome of peacefulness and tranquillity. “Oh the road is long” says the song. These animals know it, and are getting as much restorative rest as possible.

The road is long, and along the way you win and lose. Life does not come with guarantees. We’ve taken in puppies and kittens who’ve gone out in a box, and there’ve been times when we’ve diluted our cornflakes with tears.  But that’s no reason to throw in the towel. One thing the animals teach us is to believe that there is always the possibility of hope.

At the end of the day our way forward is to accept the conflicting aspects of life, breathe amply, acknowledge the yin and the yang, stretch the smile muscles, look up at the sky, breathe some more, let those tears flow all they need (it washes the soul clean), touch someone’s hand and slap your favorite tune on the jukebox. Otherwise you’ll need a psychiatrist to convince you that health lies in signing checks.

Holy Christmas, it’s a demanding program! Why not simply adopt a dog or cat instead? Those guys’ roots lie slap-bang in the pre-linguistic world, and their spirit reaches straight out to your existential angst. Domestic animals  are a cuddly connection to the wild wild world and a connection to Humanity – to that deep goodness and compassion that you know you possess well-springs of. Pets are a connection to your self.

Visit AWARE’s domestic animal shelter at Sumpango and choose your companion from the available animals. Look into his or her eyes, stroke that cosy fur and feel comforted. You will take heart that you have rescued an abandoned soul and helped an organization dedicated to the welfare of the animals of Guatemala. AND you’ll have a living example of untroubled sleep right there in your house. You won’t find a better deal than that!