big thoughts & little celebrations

for her big first birthday, stella got a birthday bone [which she promptly, happily demolished!], a sweet note from maddalena, some extra snuggles, and a lesson in tiara wearing!

and sure, i may have appeared a smidge digitally overzealous in regards to our pup, stella’s, first birthday… 😉 HOWEVER! i am also recalling that minnie, our firstborn princess of fur and human babies alike, used to receive gifts and cake at her very own birthday parties for a solid 4 years before any human babies were born. haha! so, considering the fact that stella has been ohhh so patient, coming into a life where there are already a substantial amount of needs to meet… i have been celebrating all the little successes of the past year with our big babygirl lovepuppy!!

the thing is… celebrating anything is usually about achievement, right? it’s often a reflection of the care and attention you [or someone else] gave to something that led to some level of success. i mean, when you pour yourself into something that doesn’t end up feeling successful and rewarding, you don’t like it. you don’t want to do it anymore. you burn out. but when you see the growth… when your efforts feel validated… when the meaning it started with continues to multiply… when it does feel rewarding… it feels good!! it’s gratifying! that’s something we strive for as human beings, and when we don’t get it we feel defeated and unfulfilled. i guess this is why people end up with a lot of plants… or none at all! [i, myself, have a lot of plants, but only the ones that i’ve mastered!] and why we are completely addicted to instant gratification… which ultimately doesn’t last.

obviously, raising an energetic puppy when you already have plenty going on would not be for everyone, and i’d be lying if i said it was easy. it was overwhelming. but temporary! and for me, she’s a source of joy, despite all the challenges. i am an animal person [and given the scenario she came from makes it all the more meaningful to me!], and i think, for many that are like me, once you have experienced the rewarding connection between human and animal, it becomes something you kind of need. animals are so therapeutic. they give you an emotional safe place that humans can’t offer. they teach you another level of communication. and they prepare you for so much in life, from having children to experiencing loss and so much in between. God gave us dominion over these amazing creatures for a pretty solid reason!

it’s an investment. a journey. nothing instant about it. but i see stella turning into that companion more every day. the one that follows you everywhere you go. the one the kids can lay their heads on. the one that knows your tone and your feelings and senses when you need an extra snuggle. the one that walks beside you through life and wants to protect you. the one that drives you insane with their little quirks, but remains adorable. she’s so smart and so willing to learn and please! i think she’s going to make a wonderful barn buddy one day. 🙂

there’s a lot that’s just straight-up draining in life, you know? but… i think children and animals kind of set you free from that for a little while, if you let them. just feed them and their hearts are yours! you don’t have to impress them. it’s a love that doesn’t require earning. animals, babies, and God, right? haha! i’m sure there’s a biblical lesson there, but i’ll let those dots connect themselves, as i’ve got some failed instant gratification to return to amazon, so i better get on with it. 😉

anyway… sweet stellypup!! thank you for offering us your undying love and loyalty over this last year! you make me happy.

and to all my dear human acquaintances near and far… thanks for celebrating my joy with me.