Today my adventure started with plans for a nap. I was looking for a warm spot to sunbathe and wandered into the mudroom. There, shining like a beacon on my favorite fox toy was a rainbow! I know you have all heard the stories of leprechauns, rainbows and pots of gold. Well today, on this sunny March afternoon, I was experiencing the Irish phenomenon – LIVE! I knew I was going to have to act fast if I was going to capture the gold at the end of the rainbow. Sunbathing would have to wait.
I sprung into action and collapsed upon the rainbow, hoping to force the leprechaun out of hiding. The sneak somehow escaped my attempt to smother him – so I knew it was time to head out into the woods and begin my canine adventure in search of that feisty leprechaun and my pot of gold!
Dreams of fame and fortune swirled in my head as I began the leprechaun hunt down my favorite trail. I knew I was hot on his tail when I discovered some clover. Four-leaf clovers are another sign of good luck and I thought between the rainbow and the clover – that leprechaun did not stand a chance. The clover ended up being wintergreen which is pretty common in Michigan woods – but no matter. I was going to be RICH! I was going to be able to buy the fanciest squeaky balls in the toy aisles of Petco and all the tastiest treats at PetSmart!
My search continued as I looked in the crook of old oak trees. Nothing. I tried sniffing him out under fallen poplar wood. Still nothing. As I slugged through the slushy snow, I started thinking about luck and how quickly it felt like mine had run out.
Luck has a way of making me feel extra special one minute and then like a loser of a game I never wanted to play the next. When I saw my fox lit up like a rainbow in the mudroom – I felt like the winner of a contest I didn’t even know I entered. I was so close to that gold that I didn’t even know I wanted and spent the whole day chasing it! As the day faded, so did my dreams of fancy squeaky toys and tasty treats. All of a sudden I realized I never did get that nap.
As the day grew longer, the trail drew colder. No more clover clues or rainbows. I began to think maybe I’d have to return home empty handed. Not special like I thought I was. Not lucky after all.
As I walked up the path to my house I heard a familiar bark. It was my cousin-dog, Wags. I haven’t seen Wags in awhile. Then, I caught a whiff of something cooking on the grill. The grill hasn’t been out since last fall. What are the odds that all these wonderful things happening today? As I jogged up the trail to meet Wags, I could hear my hoomans who were outside laughing with my aunt and uncle hoomans. I picked up my pace to meet my family and thought – I am the luckiest dog in the WORLD! Who needs leprechauns?
As you head into your week this week I hope you find yourself surrounded with the good fortune of family and friends. Do not waste your time chasing rainbows, leprechauns or searching for pots of gold. Rather spend that time with those that love you because time is way is more valuable than any pot of gold. And never – EVER – give up the opportunity to nap in the sunshine.
Bark at you next week – your friend,
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