Deb D’Andrea, 4TheLuvOfDogz. Each and every day I am thankful for all the beauty surrounding life, for the creatures that share their presence with us, for the world in all its glory; and for the tiny, almost inaudible, moment in time I have on this Earth to make a positive imprint. I’m one of those ‘the cup is half full’ people; and while life isn’t always easy, this positive perspective has guided me through times of darkness.

I am thankful for all creatures I have had the pleasure to meet, to share a moment with, and to help in whatever capacity I could. I am thankful to be living in the mountains that provide fresh air, sunshine, wilderness and a connection to nature lost in many communities. I am thankful for living here, where we can see the stars and almost touch them. Where we live with nature, wildlife and all it offers, in harmony. Where our souls can sing, and the word ‘Community’ holds true meaning.

I am thankful for my Girls – Bear and Sally – who bring love, light and curiosity into my life each and every day. My thankfulness overflows for Bear who is celebrating her twelve birthday this 2020, a little Girl whose heart is filled with love that knows no boundaries and embraces life with enthusiasm. Sally, always by my side, a little Girl who was captured by Animal Control and escaped euthanasia for being too shy, has matured into a playful love, wearing a smile on her face as she enjoys her new lease on life. Bear and Sally are incredible sisters, with Bear offering hugs and Sally exploring life from a new perspective. 

I am thankful for my friends, some I’ve known since I was a teenager; others, I’ve gotten to know in recent times. I enjoy their broad range of hobbies, interests, lively conversations and; of course, love how many amazing musicians I call friend. I am thankful for the community of musicians who share their talent for us to enjoy; and celebrate the diversity of music that flows through the mountains. 

In the daily grind, the weight of the world can be heavy and thankfulness for what surrounds us can get lost in the hustle and bustle of life. I hope you can find a moment to be thankful, to hug your beloved pet, to reach out to a friend you haven’t seen in awhile; and to find thankfulness in your world each and every day. Be well. Till next time. 

Deb D’Andrea, founder 4TheLuvOfDogz, Making Tails Wag Better since 2007; www.4theluvofdogz.com.

(Originally published in the September 10, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)