Things to learn from dogs

I recently read a story about a greyhound that was rescued from a race track. On her 100th race, her hind leg fractured from the run but her handler continued to race her – perhaps knowing that she would finish last and thus betting on the other dogs. 17 races later, the fractured leg shattered and the poor girl collapsed on the track.

Luckily a greyhound rescue organization had a foster home for her and a volunteer veterinarian to rehabilitate her. Once she recovered she was found a new home. The most impressive thing about the story was that she didn’t hold her past experiences against the life she now lives. Despite being beaten, caged 23 hours a day and abused, she is still the most gentle, loving dog that you could ever meet. When you compare this to people you know that require years of therapy for much less traumatic experiences. Medication. Doctors. Baggage. But not with this brave and very loving dog, we can all learn a lot from her, her heart – and her capacity to forgive, move on and love – is truly one of my life’s greatest treasures.