Bouncy-Pouncy Lexi

My Lexi is the happiest dog I have ever known. She loves being inside, loves being outside, loves being in her crate, and just seems to thoroughly enjoy life wherever she is at any given moment. There is never a time I look at her when her face doesn't shout "I'm super excited to be right here right now!" In a few weeks, she will be 9 years old, but she still races to my side and pounces on me like she did as a puppy. She's alert and watchful, constantly desires attention, and cannot contain her excitement when I whisper her name.

People say dogs often take on the characteristics and personality of their owners, but Lexi is a far better dog than I am a human. I watch her sometimes, and I can't help but think I should be more like her. She isn't moody. Her enthusiasm for life doesn't change because it's too hot outside or because her sleep was interrupted last night. She doesn't get pouty or give me the silent treatment when she doesn't get her way and never seems to notice when I've failed to give her attention for any period of time. She forgives and forgets before a moment has lapsed, and she showers me with love every chance she gets.

Although she is super-obedient and will do exactly what I ask, try as I may in the nine years of her life, I have not broken her spirit, so she bounces and pounces. The moment she sees me enter the room or the yard, she darts toward me, and as she approaches I shout, "Lexi, sit! Lexi, sit! Sit! Sit!" Running full speed, she comes to a screeching halt and sits obediently at my feet. She sits with her tail vigorously wagging and her face exceedingly smiling, waiting for me to greet her with affection. So I reach down to give her what she desires, but the moment I remove my hand, she pounces on me. Sometimes I can tell she tries not to, but she just cannot contain her excitement and enthusiasm.

I am confident if I worked with her like I should, I could break her of this habit. My husband continually tells me how I can stop her pouncing, but truthfully, I love the bouncy-pouncy Lexi. I love her excitement and enthusiasm, her zeal for life. I love the lessons God teaches me through His creation, even in the bouncy-pouncy and the muddy-paw stains on my favorite shirts. I love how she reminds me what unconditional love is supposed to look like, how she teaches me I too should be content in all situations, and how her celebration of me encourages me to celebrate others. 

The next time you see me, you may not walk away with a muddy-paw stained T-shirt, but I hope as we part our ways, you will know you are loved as much as my Lexi loves me.