A Year of Gratitude – August 24, 2024

I found my gratitude in a place that I always know that it will be waiting for me: in Penny Lane’s company. I can admit that it feels like a bit of a cheat to look for it there, but she’s like my gratitude savings account. I always know that I can go to her when I need to be reminded how thankful I am to be in her company.

It was the sort of day where I needed to make a withdrawal from that gratitude savings account. I don’t have those days often, but they happen. It was just the sort of day where I felt a little off balance. On those days, Penny can almost always sense that I might appreciate her company even more than usual.

She is my shadow on most days. Today, she was never more than a step behind. In fact, I turned around a few times to find there was barely room to put my foot down.

Tonight, when I made myself a cup of tea, she started arranging her blankets and pillows on the couch in preparation for my arrival. She made herself comfortable right next to me. I sipped my tea and listened to her breathing which swiftly turned to soft snoring.

As usual, I felt myself relaxing and letting go of the day’s worries as I sat there next to her. By the time I had finished my tea, she woke up and sighed heavily in my direction. I smiled at her, reached down and stroked her head.

It really is amazing how much love animals add to our lives. They’re such a gift as is the time we are allowed to spend with them. I feel so fortunate that Penny came into our lives all those years ago. What a stroke of luck it was to spend a lifetime with her.

This post is part of our A Year of Gratitude Series. You can find the introduction, inspiration, and entire year’s gratitude’s posts here.