He peddled his bike and quickly looked around before he went into the neighbor’s garage.  He didn’t have permission, but he just had to go in.  I watched as his bike fell down, I watched as he ran up to a dog who’s tail was wagging in anticipation, and I watched as he gave that dog the biggest hug; and that was it.  His sole purpose of going into the unknown garage was to hug the dog.  The video went viral and I learned that he had lost his own dog some time before; he missed his dog terribly and wanted another but hadn’t yet gotten one.  He said the dog looked lonely and he just wanted to love on her.  He risked being reprimanded by the owners to do this, and his Mother said she wasn't happy that he went into a strangers garage but her heart melted when she saw why.  Thankfully the owner, having learned his identity, allows the boy to come over anytime he wants to play with Duchess, the black lab.

I can totally sympathize with the boy.  I know the pain of losing a beloved pet, as it’s been almost a year since we had to put our sweet Milly down; she was a little, off white Cockapoo and I miss her every single day.  It’s my hope we get another; just waiting for the right time….and the right dog.  Trust me - I’ve got my eyes open - I'll know when it's “the one.”  Tom’s eyes have gone from closed to peeking out of one eye when I talk about it – baby steps.  I’m leaning towards a Cavoodle (a mix between a King Charles Spaniel and a Mini Poodle).   If and when it happens, it’ll be a blog post, I’m sure.

I can’t help but wonder how different our world would be if we, like that little boy, would periodically reach out and give a hug because we thought it was needed.  For you non-huggers out there, a handshake, a fist-bump, a high-five, or any other positive gesture you can share with others to let them know they’re not alone.  Sadly, we’ve become a very connected, disconnected society.

What if we all, even if it was just once a day, made eye contact, smiled or started a conversation with a stranger?  Maybe, just maybe, we would begin the process of truly reconnecting – I’m trying, will you?

“Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others.”
— Phillipians 2:4

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