Dusty my dog

I have learned so much about trust from Dusty. On our first few walks together, Dusty would stumble upon a cactus and catch a needle in his paw. He struggled as I pried it out, not at all liking the tight hold this required. Despite the relief he felt once the foot was free from pain, still he was reluctant to be held so closely. After some time, after many mornings and evenings spent quietly learning about each other, after numerous hikes, a remarkable thing happened. We were climbing a mountain trail when he again pricked his foot and once again had a cactus needle deep in his pad. As I made my way to him, he turned to me and looked right into my eyes. Then he lifted his foot and stood, waiting for my help! So grateful was I for this acknowledgment of trust that I held him a moment after removing the needle to thank him. Earning the trust of an animal is a great privilege, Maintaining and honoring that trust is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received.








I play the harp and he listens quietly. Here is a song I wrote.He loves this.

I am a simple song of truth,
you carry in your heart,
even when the storm surrounds you,
we never are apart.

Like the moon guides a sailor,
weary and alone,
like a candle in the window,
I will bring you home.

I am the love that holds you,
all through the long dark night,
I am with you when you wake,
I am the morning light

Like the moon guides a sailor,
weary and alone,
like a candle in the window,
I will bring you home.