Gratitude. Giving back. Slow mo holidays. Happy Thanksgiving week.

‘Tis the season to take stock of all that we have - all that we are.

‘Tis the season of gratitude.

Sunday morning                                         Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

For the simple joys of life.

Sleeping in.

Snuggling up.

No politics. 

No agenda.

Slo mo Sundays.

Be fragile.

Be human.

Be dog-like.

Say “I love you.”

Better yet, show it.

Curl up.

Burrow under the covers.

Breath the same air.

Are we lucky to have each other, or what?

Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

In Oregon, we are thankful for the majesty of nature around us.

Grounding us.

Sharing forest secrets.      

River currents.

The journey.

Mountain hikes to panoramic views.

Elk, bear, eagle and quail commuting through the yard.

Though it's a big, busy, loud world out there, life begins and ends in moments like these -- quiet moments.

Moments between moments.

If we slow down and stop rushing from A to B.

If we listen to the quiet.

The call of the quail in the yard.

Fall hike in the Pacific NW. Doodle hunting for sticks!                      Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

We don't all speak the same language - or live in the same neighborhood. Some of us eat meat – some of us, seed.

Tia and Doodle - lion and lamb.          Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

But wherever in the world we are, we are neighbors.

Maybe even relatives - whatever our species.

We are all on this planet together.

We are here to blaze a trail – to help – to give what we can.

To share.

To help each other find our way.

To find the meaning of life.

Sometimes we get lost - and in being lost, we find a whole new journey.

Give thanks. Give back. It's that time of year.

Whatever causes are important to you, help them.  

Whatever lives you can touch – please do so.

Here are a few of the causes we give to - believe in. 

Hood River Rotary service project at Hood River Middle School 2016 - cleaning up the track. That's me, Barb, on the right - the girl.         Photo: Michael McElwee

Snow will be closing in soon.

There’s a turkey, giving his all for us.

There’s a moment- in the quiet-  when we feel completely alone – and that’s when we know how much we need each other.

It will be a long time before the renewal of spring.

There’s a guy in a red suit coming to town at some point.

I think he has a list...

Doodle's Saturday selfie                        Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Happy holidays!

Barb Ayers and fur friends.

Wise old basset hound thoughts by Elvis

As I look back and think about what stands out most on the ride of life….

...about what gave me hope that dogs and people will continue to evolve as a species - into one caring community across the world....

... taking better care of each other and our wild kingdom...

...about where I put my energy and tried to make a difference…

It’s in listening to my nose, trusting my gut, simply doing - not overthinking.

Elvis and his human primate, dog mom and aspiring author Barb Ayers.    Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, www.DogDiary.org

It’s in showing basset hound solidarity.

Showing up, for life, for each other - in being present and steady and trusted.

Occasionally offering profound thoughts and guidance, via loving looks and long, please stop that stares - to my human, who flaps around on a meteoric shift from high to low, with wild racing thoughts that sometimes conflict and who talks waaaay too much.

Frankly, it’s a good thing I can tune her out sometimes. Now of course, I say that with love in my heart. She’s only human.

Bassets don’t work that way. We don’t drag around rambling thoughts that have no beginning or end.

Eat. Play. Pee.

We begin and end our days the same. We sleep, crap, sniff, snuggle. Eat. Play. Pee. We sprawl on the sofa. We don't multitask. We don’t over dramatize like primates and people do.

That’s where I think I’ve helped – in rescuing my mom - supporting her with my strong male presence - a loving, solid base of unquestioning support. I am always there – grounded, profounder - in an ungrounded world - that flaps around on a meteoric shift from high to low. Mom welcomed me into her jagged but purposeful life.

The least I can do is give back - sound basset hound advice.

The Surf Dog Diaries editorial team / family surf club - L to R: Barb, basset Elvis, bagel (basset/beagle) Dude, doxie wa-wa/chiweenie Doodle.    Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

I know my dog bros Dude and Doodle feel the same way.

If you're a rescue dog yourself, you know how much they need us.

Meeting kids at parades and on dog walks - you look right into their eyes (in our case, eye level, from a surfboard viewpoint) - and you see all that puppy energy in there, so much love and wonder - I hope they never lose that.

Don't grow up. Ever. Period.

Surf Dog Diaries: we are dog writers, dog authors, dog psychologists, advice columnists for our rescued humans.   Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, www.DogDiary.org

Just showing up - being present – that’s what it’s all about.

Sharing the ride of life.

I don’t get hung up on the what ifs, where-to’s and whereas's. You shouldn’t either.  

Love ya,    

Elvis

Thoughts from heaven, Surf Dog Diaries