July 13, 2008 "Mitzi" girl made her journey over the Rainbow Bridge. This Holiday has specific significance.

For those who have never experienced unconditional love have truly missed out. The Act of Giving should not be just for a season......but everyday we breath.

It is an experience and a lesson not only dealing with pets but can be truly translated as to how we should treat each other.

If I walked in and out of the door 10 times within 5 minutes, Mitzi's greeting smile was just as big on the 10th time as it was the first.

Mitzi was born into this world with a challenge. She had a juvenile cataract in right eye and could only see from her left eye. You would have never known. Her first 3.5 yrs had her crated most of the time as her owners job situation changed and from what I understood only a few hours out of the crate each day.

That is why she was turned into cocker rescue. Her owner realize that this was not a life for a dog. She came to me the very first day with the biggest smile.

On her last day prior her journey she looked up at me and smiled. As I held her I thought of all the times when I was sick, sad and frustrated how she would always come thru with her smile to comfort me.

She had the sweetest spirit. She loved her greenies and chew bones. Simple things. Nothing extravagant. Oh, did I mention she was a sun dog? She used to love to lie in the sun on the back porch and she was smiling the whole time. Soaking up the warmness of the sun and enjoying every moment. She loved life.

She was fighter. She conquered her physical challenges until the very end when her little body could not fight anymore, but her spirit ever stayed present.

She loved to ride in the car. Even if we did not go anywhere particular. Her eyes lit up and she sat by me smiling and squinting those little eyes just ever so thankful she could be near me. 

Her gift to me was unconditional love and her love for life. Simplicity. She never held grudges. Sometimes as all doggies she would get into some mischief and get yelled at.

10 seconds later she would be right back up in my arms giving her little cocker kisses and/or pawfully playing with me. She loved to crawl up next to me and cuddle and turn around and sit on her hind legs and then drop her head into my shoulder and neck and smile.

I have realized in the hustle and bustle of life how I have tuned out the simplest things. Whether it be a walk by the ocean , enjoying the moment with whomever and whatever I was doing.

So as I challenge myself, I challenge all of you to take on Mitzi's perspective of life. Enjoy the moment, take time for yourself to be in the now and to experience all that life has to give.

I take for granted to much. Each day is a present in itself.

As Catherine Myers has stated recently doing acts of random kindness. Not just for the holiday season but through out the year.

Driving through Starbucks? Occasionally pay for a drink for the car behind you. Crossing a bridge with toll? Occasionally pay for the car behind you. How about holding door open instead of slamming it in someones face.  Do not judge. Those going thru short sales and foreclosures are many times broken spirits with no hope.

You never know when a random act of kindness could have a significant impact on someone who is in duress. Sometimes a simple smile is all that it takes. A recognition of someone.

I realize I have a lot to work on but I can honestly tell you that Mitzi girl, a little cocker spaniel dog, made me come face to face with my own selfishness and in her honor I hope to change how I interact and recognize the spirit of all I come in contact with not just for a season but every day.

I miss Mitzi something awful but I am so thankful for the 6.5 short years we had together. So remember not only can we learn from each other but every living thing including our pets.

Yes, I hung out her christmas sock this year with Winston. My other cockerspaniel. As her spirit lives on.

I wish you all a joyous holiday season and look for things to be thankful for. Try a smile today to everyone you meet.

Mitzi OsburnPURRFECT LOVE