Snow Day

I really, truly wish I could experience life through my puppy's eyes, just once, even if only for a fleeting moment.  The world must be so simple, so magical, from his perspective.  There is always unfamiliar territory to sniff and explore.  Sticks make for great play-toys.  And snow... well, that is pure magic.  For him, life is constantly new, exciting, and full of wonder.  Every emotion he feels is pure and unadulterated; his joy never polluted with complicated emotions.  Oh, to live the life of Butters...

Earlier this week, I took Butters on his very first snowshoeing expedition.  It wasn't anything crazy, just a quick trip up to Jones Pass, near Idaho Springs.  I've done day-trips similar to this a million times, but for Butters, this was a completely novel experience.  He had never been in such a vast, unpopulated wilderness, or seen so much snow.  I've never seen his body shake with so much excitement, or his face plastered with such a goofy grin.  (Yes - my puppy was smiling.  I promise.)  He ran as fast as his little, puppy legs would take him, and played as hard as the other dogs would tolerate.  I'm pretty sure he was in puppy heaven, and that warmed my heart.  For me, this was just an excuse to catch up with a friend, and get a little exercise in the process, but for Butters, this was everything.

Watching Butters play, and seeing his unbridled happiness, made me think.  It helped put my own life in perspective.  It made me wish I could find that much joy in anything.  Seriously.  But it also reminded me to take a deep breath, take a look around, and take pleasure in the simple things in life.  It reminded me of how lucky I am to live near the mountains, in the midst of such grandeur.  Most importantly, it reminded me to just be happy.  Thanks, Butters.