We Could All Learn A Little From Bishop

At first glance, Bishop is your average, scraggly mutt. His hair is matted in sections, his finger nails are broken and discoloured, his ears are floppy and he’s going a bit grey.

But when you take a closer look, you see more than just your average house pet. Looking at his head you’ll see some scars and a waddle when he walks. Life has definitely had its way with Bishop.

Now he’s not my dog, but I have been lucky enough to have him as a part of my life recently. Since his previous owner recently passed away, he now lives with some good friends of mine and their other dog, Cayoosh. From time to time, the two will come stay over for a few days when their owners are away.

There is something so special about Bishop. He projects the most positive energy I have ever felt. His scars would suggest a difficult past or perhaps some sort of painful accident – but he is constantly radiating joy despite that.

As I putter around the house I can hear a constant thumping sound. It doesn’t stop and when I look over to see where its coming from, I see that dog curled up on the floor with his ever-wagging tail. Seriously, it never stops. He is constantly wagging and popping his head up in hopes that you’ll look his way.

He isn’t a very agile or athletic dog, slips constantly and has trouble jumping into the car. Despite growing up in the bush – he’s done a lot of resting in his lifetime. Yet the slightest hint of going outside will send him crying at your feet for an adventure.

Now the point of this post isn’t just to talk about my love for dogs – I just think we could all learn a little from Bishop.

Life is a rushing river. Sometimes you get hung up and sometimes you flow right on through. It can be tough and daunting at times. But even when we have scars that weigh on us, we have the power to feel joy. To look at life with a constant smile. Yes, I am talking about a dog – but enjoying life is the simplest thing that we have the hardest time doing.

When I look at Bishop, he is delighted to see me. I haven’t done anything grand or impressive. I’ve just looked at him with the same joy he has shown me.

I guess even dogs come into your life for a reason.