Real Love

I've watched the movie Marley & Me a total of one time. I saw it in the movie theater shortly after it came out three years ago. I'd read the book so I knew exactly how the story would end. 


But, that didn't matter one. single. bit. I sat in a movie theater and bawled my eyes out (the really ugly kind of cry, ya know?) then went home to hug my own dog a little tighter. I enjoyed the movie. I thought it was funny and cute and entertaining, but there was absolutley now way I could watch it again. 


Until this past weekend of course. I saw it on TV a while back so I recorded it. Michael and I were being lazy Saturday night and I suggested we watch. It was so much fun...until the end. It was no different than the first time. I was a mess. Even Michael was squeezing the dogs a little more than usual afterward. 


I don't care one bit that it's just a movie, albeit a true story. Anyone who owns and loves dogs knows that desperate, aching feeling of having to say goodbye. It's heart wrenching. And do you know why? The last quote of the movie really sums it up for me. 


"A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A waterlogged stick will do just fine. A dog doesn't care if your rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart and he'll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary?"


Wow. That's so true. I often meet people who don't understand this connection or value it in any way. But, for me, it's undeniable and important and powerful. My dogs are my best buds and no matter how badly I behave or how long I leave them alone, they are ALWAYS my number one fans. And for that, I'm extremely grateful. 


If a little of my dogs' personalities could rub off on me I know I'd be a better person. It's all about the simple joys with them. They never stay upset for long, they practive forgiveness every day, and they never get bogged down with the meaningless problems that seem to be so abundant in our world.


So, even though I was a sobbing mess, I'm glad I watched Marley & Me for the second time ever. Oh, and I love my dogs to the moon and back.