Owners learn valuable life lessons from dog

In November 1996 we adopted our mixed breed dog, Jazzy, from the Lynchburg Humane Society. We estimated that Jazzy was born on Aug. 17 and we’ve celebrated her birthday on this date ever since.

On Aug. 17, 2009, Jazzy turned 13 years old. This was also the day our veterinarian confirmed that Jazzy had a mass growing near her bladder. The following day Jazzy and I visited the Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Greensboro, N.C. One week later, Jazzy was successfully operated on and a large tumor was removed from her abdomen.

I am very happy to report that Jazzy is still with us and she retains her zest for life. Every morning when Jazzy gazes at me with her beautiful, brown eyes and greets me with a full body tail wag, I count that day as an additional gift from God.

The other evening, as Jazzy accompanied me on a late-night walk, I reflected upon the three simple philosophies she has followed her entire life.

• Life is fun. Offer Jazzy a walk around the subdivision, a hike on Blackwater Creek Trail, a car ride to anywhere (even the vet’s office) or a hamburger, and she starts tap dancing with joy and anticipation. While there is nothing wrong with planning and looking forward to an exotic vacation or the purchase of a fancy, expensive item, it is even more important to remember to enjoy the everyday pleasures that life provides. By recognizing and enjoying life’s simple pleasures, your overall happiness will skyrocket.

• Let’s go now. It’s hard to stay sad or depressed when you are moving forward. A walk around the block helps calm the mind and strengthen one’s muscles. Jazzy, like the U.S. Postal Service, is not deterred by rain, sleet, or snow. She wants two walks a day, every day. If Jazzy had an odometer it would read 9,500 walks and still counting. Her twice-daily routine has kept her fit and helped her quickly recover from surgery.

Over the years I’ve learned that if unhappiness or depression descends, a brisk walk around my subdivision is a sure-fire way to lift my spirits. Numerous medical reports emphasize that walking one half hour, three or more times a week, helps maintain a healthy weight.

• I’m very pleased to meet you. We call Jazzy a doggie ambassador. When it comes to humans, she has never met a stranger. It is her personal goal to prove to each human that they are unique and special. She has turned neighbors who were not fond of canines into canine appreciators. Jazzy greets all humans with affection and joy. She recognizes the singular importance of every individual. We can all use regular reminding of this lesson — especially me.

Our Christmas present came early this year. We get to spend more days with a wise teacher named Jazzy Beehler. If you share your heart and home with a four-legged family member, your Christmas present came early too.

Beehler is a volunteer for the Lynchburg Humane Society.