They say a dog is a man’s best friend. Maybe I could learn from old Hazzy. He is never critical. He never complains.
He is always eager to see me. He loves spending time with me. He never monopolizes the conversation. He’s pretty easy to please with basic things like a walk, food, water, a place to perform his necessities. He’s a good listener. He never makes me eat alone. He never makes me walk alone.
When I’m quiet he is quiet, unless he thinks something dangerous is afoot. When I’m happy and excited he dances and jumps around and worms his whole little body with delight.
He is was born in mountains of eastern Kentucky. He’s from Breathitt County. I’ve had good experiences with mountain people from the mountains of eastern Kentucky.
Lois is out of town so I was tending to her flower garden. I looked up and there was Mr. Haz digging away with me, just helping out. Normally he doesn’t dig in the dirt, but he’s always eager to help out.
I imagine someday when he is gone I will realize his quiet presence in my life and his gentle dependence on me was good for my soul. He’s been in our family for over 10 years. If he ever runs off to explore he always finds his way home.
There are ways it would do me good to be more like him.
Bittersweet Farm
July 27, 2019
