I have to admit, this holiday season began all wrong. First, there was the upside-down turkey for the second year in a row. Only this time I couldn't blame my sister entirely, since I was at her house this year, slipping the bird into the oven. Then, I got sick for a couple of weeks with something my doctor proclaimed as the 'creeping crud.' That was her technical term for it. What it did was make me feel miserable, blowing (literally) through boxes of tissue and losing my voice (the horror!). Then came the loss of the mother of one of my dear friends. Not much to celebrate this year, eh?
Not so fast. Take a look at my little dog, Mary, all dolled up for the holiday.
Three or four years ago, she was living a miserable existence as a puppy-mill breed dog. The only times she was picked up at all was to be abused. She still has a fear of being picked up, and can't do normal dog things like jump on the furniture or take a flight of stairs. But her life, compared to what it had been, is one big joy ride now.
So, the moral of this holiday tale is to take happiness wherever you find it. Circumstances may make it not the picture-perfect holiday you had envisioned, but there are bright spots to be found regardless. All you have to do is search for them.
Have a safe and happy Christmas, everyone!
Thank you, Becky and Mary. I hope you have happy holidays and much joy in 2014! P.S. Mary, you look mahvelous, darling! :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't know how Mary would react to the holiday scarf around her neck, but it seems she's strutting even more than normal.
DeleteAwww...very nice post, Becky! I love people who rescue animals -- I work with cat rescues to get stray cats into loving homes. Merry Chrsitmas!
ReplyDeleteMary's been a challenge, and if she had been my first dog, she would have probably been returned to the shelter. But, we persevered and think we've got a nice rhythm now. She'll never be the lovebug that my last dog was, but she's a sweetie in her own right.
DeleteWhat a lovely post and such a wonderful reminder to see the positive in every situation. How lucky is Mary to have you, Becky! Have a lovely Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI look at it the other way round, Joanna. I'm very lucky to have Mary in my life. On my worst day, I look at her and think of what she had to endure and I know that I can be as strong as she is.
DeleteWonderful post for the holidays. Yes this year and season hasn't been the best one. And your friend's mother passing so close to the holidays must be hard for her. But your Mary is with you. You saved her and she brought cheer and love to your life. It shows the kind of person you are that you would save a dog in distress. Have a Blessed holiday season.
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