We got a new puppy! We had always been a collie family when our kids were growing up. We’ve had five collies in all over the years. We loved their sweet dispositions and the tender care they gave of the children and their friends. Collies are “herders,” so nothing made them happier than corralling a yard full of children or teen-agers.
As our lives got more complicated though, we decided to not get another dog after we lost our last one, Lord Townsend. Until now.
With concerts and events cancelled because of Covid-19, and with my decision to travel less and write more, Bill and I decided it was time to get a puppy again, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. We learned that this was the favorite breed of Queen Victoria, England’s longest ruling monarch, who was the last of the House of Hanover transitioning into the House of Windsor. So, we named our puppy Windsor, our transition dog into this new chapter of our lives.
And what a joy this little guy is! He is sweet and smart like our collies were, but smaller and so easy to train because he so loves to please. We thought we’d use these months of isolation to teach him, but truth be known, he is teaching us.
He’s teaching us to be consistent and to pay attention to his subtle signals. He’s teaching us that playing hard is as important as working hard and sleeping well. He’s reminding us that touching and expressing affection, rewarding and confirming kindnesses are as vital to a relationship as honest confrontation.
And here is the best Windsor-lesson of all! I accidently stepped on his little toes not realizing he was right under my feet. Amazingly, as soon as he let out his sharp yelp, he turned and licked my shoe. He looked up at me as if to say, “I know you didn’t mean it, did you? We’re still okay, right?” His only response was to forgive and restore our bond.
Wow! What if that were always my first response to a harsh word, a slight, a hurt? What if mercy and grace and forgiveness were as natural as the first cry of pain? What if a healing gesture could rush to fill the moment of conflict?
We thought we were just getting a puppy for the joy of him, but we have gotten a whole lot more, and even at this late date in our relationship, I think Bill and I are loving each other better than ever. And a puppy shall lead them...
