A Cup of Conversation – February 2021

Sunny was the last pup left in the litter. Hearts were set on a yellow lab puppy and for some inexplicable reason, these pups were in short supply. Sunny (Mary named her) was an atypical Labrador Retriever with a pointy snout and head more like a greyhound than a Lab. We took her home nonetheless. Not even a week goes by when health issues arise leaving the pup dehydrated with a nasty diarrhea. Turns out the breeder called not long after and inquired if we were having any of these issues. Apparently, Sunny wasn’t the only pup in the litter to be pooping blood. The breeder picked her up to nurse back to health. Six weeks later we got her back minus those precious six weeks of puppyhood.

We had the opportunity to pass on the pup but Mary was resolute not to reject Sunny for any reason, especially a health issue. Only those who walk the affliction road can see clearly enough to feel the pain and struggle of those on the suffering path, even a little puppy. When the breeder showed up and placed the dog now twice the size in my arms, I remember whispering to the dog she was one lucky pup. Left to my own decision-making paradigm, Sunny Pup may have not been so lucky.

Sunny grew to be a super-star dog on every level. She is a trained hunter, a very skilled field dog, a sweet house pet and companion. I’ve sent her into frigid rivers to make one-hundred-yard retrieves and sent her right back to do it again with a smile on that pointy snout. She never hesitates, never flinches under pressure and always comes right back to my side, bird in mouth, with a simple word. When Mary is resting, Sunny will jump up on the bed and warm to her side, glancing at me as if to say there is nothing that I can do about it. She would be correct.

A couple of years ago we let Sunny have a litter with a stud of a dog named Gunner, a perfect name. This animal was a force, a shock white, one hundred ten-pound pure British Lab. It was love at first sight, or should say first chase. Sunny made Gunner work for her affection. A couple months later we had an eight-pup litter. Sunny was a great momma, patient and ever-present. We kept the first born who had health issues of his own, a male and clearly Gunner’s son. Happy (I didn’t name him) healed up and grew into the world’s most handsome, playful and loving dog. The two are inseparable both in the field and at home. The joy these dogs bring is inexplicable.

Take note this season of gratitude and miracles. We have created a throw away culture. We toss the inconvenient to the wind and devalue anything with burden or commitment. We’re dealt poor cards then fold the hand before taking risk to see the possibilities. We spoil the gifts of providence; tiny seeds requiring a little investment in faith, time and effort to see sprout and bear large fruit in due season. We’ve been programmed by retail media to believe our comfort, choice, and quick pleasures are the primary virtues in our short lives on earth where our struggle, pain and trial are an anomaly. We’ve been lied to on grand scales because nothing ever roots deep in the rich but shallow top soil of prosperity or wellness. We’re about to find out just how deep or shallow our roots really are. Are you ready?

Have a Happy and Highly Enlightening 2021.