Diggin In

Today I decided to DIG! I find it so therapeutic to crunch my paws through the icy top layer of snow and dig into the dirt. Nothin better than a deep dive in the dirt to make this canine explorer feel alive! As I was digging, I got to thinking about March and everything I love about the springtime. The birds chirping, the mud filling my nostrils, sunshine on my shoulders – all of it felt like spring was cheering me on to keep digging deeper and deeper. It felt so good! 

It wasn’t until I was about waist deep when I realized that my hoomans were probably not going to be in favor of this type of therapy. While I am an extraordinarily superior minded canine, even I can not hide the fact that I dug a three foot hole and am a white dog full of black mud. The problem loomed. You know that feeling in your stomach that hits you like you ate a whole cake when you only meant to eat one piece? That is exactly how I felt. One minute I was on top of the world and then next – sick as a dog (and I hate that expression). 

“Why me!” I cried to no one listening. The stupid birds were still chirping and the sun was blinding me. I was going to be in so much trouble. It would be so easy just to bury my head in the dirt – but I knew I was going to have to crawl out of this hole eventually. I was gonna have to make that long walk up the driveway full of mud and shame when only moments ago life was so great and I was so full of joy. 

Sometimes we all get carried away – caught up in the moment – even when we know better. But we gotta do the right thing and own our behavior and sometimes – even apologize. So if you find yourself digging yourself in deep this week – and you just aren’t sure how to get yourself out – take my advice and stop digging! Go to your favorite hooman and ask for help. Even if you have to sit in a corner until the mud dries, it is better just to own your mistake than to dig yourself in deeper. 

In the end it worked out for me. Ya, I got scolded a bit and had to go to the dog spa, but it wasn’t the end of the world. As my hooman wiped my muddy paws, I smothered her face in sloppy apology kisses. She ended up laughing, then hugging, then she ruffled my ears and said “silly dog” (which sounded a lot like I love you).  

So friends, as we head in to this first full muddy week of March, I just wanted to let you know there is no hole too deep that you can not climb out of – you just have to stop digging. Sometimes you may be in deep. Sometimes you can’t hide the mud. Just stop digging, ask for forgiveness and apologize. And if someone you know has dug themselves into a hole, then comes to you muddy with their tail between their legs – show some kindness, help them clean themselves up and call them a silly dog. 

I’ll bark at ya next week – your friend,