Make the Leap

2009 has presented us with a number of challenges and hurdles in our path.

Back in the summer, I was bitter about what I was up against. I was sad and upset that Marge had taken a turn (or two) for the worst, and had some really bad stretches where everything just seemed wrong. I could not find the good in things, and I focused solely on what our failures were, forgetting to acknowledge the successes.

I think I've changed my attitude. In fact, I haven't felt this good about Marge in a long time. I've been trying to focus on our strengths and remain determined to make our weaknesses just a little less weak. I feel, after a full year of working and living with Marge, that I now understand her needs better than ever before.

When presented with a hurdle, I've found that an individual only has two choices. No matter how long you mull it over or put it off, everything comes down to one final decision: you either make the leap, or you don't. There is no other way to slice it.

Even during my darkest days with Marge, I have never given serious thought to giving up on her. I made a commitment when I signed that adoption contract one and a half years ago, and that commitment remains. I made the leap in adopting her. She's made leaps in her training, being more brave than most dogs I know, when she looks up to me for guidance and reassurance in the face of something bothersome. How can we go back now, or ever? No matter how high or how frequent the hurdles get, my one wish for the New Year is that Marge and I will continue to make those leaps. Together.

Look how far it's gotten us so far. We've taken leaps and we've had some amazing moments to give luster to the gritty hard work we've done together. I wonder how far we'll be when the clock strikes 2011. It seems far from now, when we're ringing in 2010, but, in reality, it's just around the corner. And that is yet another reason to always stay positive, make the most of what you've got, and make the leap.