15 Comments

Dogs are the most loyal and loving creatures you can have in life. I worked in a place where we brought dogs to work, so I know how beloved a dog can be. If you want to push yourself, try giving to a total stranger in another part of the world. Dogs are treated better than children in many parts of the world. You will most likely never meet the child you sponsor and they will never show any love and that’s why you may want to try that .. something that you are responsible for but does not reciprocate kindness. I don’t know, just a divergent opinion Tommy.

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Thanks so much for reading Sadia and leaving such a thoughtful perspective.

You're spot on with the reciprocation. I love your idea of practicing giving without expectation or even ability to receive anything in return. My heart tells me, that's true giving.

My family has sponsored children for a while and made backpacks or shoeboxes for less fortunate families and I've gifted sponsorships to friends but it's never an initiative I've taken on personally.

Definitely given me a lot to think about. Thank you Sadia :)

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Sep 7, 2023Liked by Tommy Dixon

Having a pet, as long as you have the time and money for it, is one the best things you can do, I think. With friends or family, of course it's nice to reach out to them and help, but it is avoidable. With a pet, you must care for it, and as long as you're at home, it will make its presence known. Pets are an instant stress relief and really cute too.

Though I might be biased since I've got two mischievous cats ;)

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Hey Doris, thank you for reading and leaving such a nice note. Brought a smile to my face :)

You're so right with a pet being unavoidable. You can't just not care for them if you're in a bad mood. They pull you out of your wallowing, in that sense.

That's awesome. I have one mischievous, very needy cat!

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Sep 13, 2023Liked by Tommy Dixon

Hi Tommy,

I'm glad you liked my comment :)

Hmm, yeah exactly. They teach you discipline through that too and acting according to values and not emotions.

Thanks. Oh you too? I've read your recent post about roots and rootlessness. Do you take your cat with you while travelling around?

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I loved your comment :)

Thank you for reading my work. Really appreciate it.

My cat is my family's so he stays home with my Mom. I don't imagine he would travel very well! We've taken him to the cottage before and he hates car rides.

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Sep 13, 2023Liked by Tommy Dixon

Well, I like reading it, so you're welcome :)

Ah okay. Yeah, I'd think so too. My cats don't like travelling too.

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Your writing is brilliant but that album cover is brilliant-er

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Hahaha thanks Becky :) really appreciate you reading.

I guess my editing skills are already flawless so just gotta get the photography down.

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totallty resonated here and ill tell you why andnthismis why substack so cool?eery: i buried a beloved dog of 14 years 7 years ago and only lately in last year have considered another as im terribly loyal in a sentimental way and frankly a dog IS like having a child except for some huge financial differencex...they talk bAck and give bac k in equal measure..they shame us with their trust and loyalty and voldness and energy into our better selves...so just today after mullingn over the idea of a shepherd and a male one at that getiing vegetables at stand the woman had a full grown shepherd and i fawned over it and come to find out she is selling pups...on the drive home i considered the timeline involved ie they are available in this case in august due to her breeding schedule and there are added expenses in my life recently that complicate the situation even as im due to travel from in north to southern home in mid-november but in all that i came U.P. ( a reference to home still under re-model here) with his name And its not what id surmised in an exchange the other day on this platfor ie "Ajax" but "Huron" that is the first step my friend and for me hmmmmmm its a big one

to be continued.....

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Thank you for reading my work and leaving such a beautiful reflection. Seriously made my day :)

I must've read this five times: "they shame us with their trust and loyalty and voldness and energy into our better selves" It's so true. Dogs are nothing but good intentions and love. Often a reminder to turn to our higher, loving nature.

That meeting at the vegetable stand sounds pretty serendipitous to me... maybe it's a sign. Who knows?

Thanks again :) would love to stay updated on whether you get another shepherd or not

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will do i tend to think things thru and go on instinct these days but may be swayed by a meeting scheduled for sunday where you meet the 8 pups if i go i feel the decision will be made for me lol

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I can imagine it'd be tough to say no once you see them. But sometimes impulsive decisions may just turn out to be great ones...

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Hahaha that album cover

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Had to break out my elite photoshop skills for that one...

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