Lessons from Justice
You can learn a lot from a good dog. Justice was a greyhound and a fine dog at that. For the first few years of his life, he lived in a kennel and he raced. Very Fast. When he became a step slow, however, he was suddenly “retired”; that was when he joined my family and began his second career. For the past two plus years, Justice has been patiently teaching me.
I learned about never looking back from Justice; he was always so positive, so intent on seeing what was ahead. Greyhounds are sight hounds and they see more clearly and farther than most. There was always such anticipation, such visible excitement about what might be stirring just ahead. His “rabbit ears” would perk up, his eyes would focus and his whole body would then join the process.
Justice taught me that there is joy in the chase. He enjoyed wide open pursuit for the sake of it. If he actually caught what he was after, there was sheer exuberance; if he didn’t, he was content to remain alert and wait for the next opportunity.
When it came to people, Justice was a quick study. He could assess very swiftly whether a visitor’s intentions were positive and if they were to be trusted. I’m not sure how he knew; he just did. Justice didn’t waste his time on people he didn’t trust; he adored trustworthy people.
Justice could be at 100% one moment, yet completely relaxed in the next. He didn’t waste valuable energy without purpose. He made every effort count, but also enjoyed his down time. In fact, Justice took relaxation to a whole new level.
I learned about never looking back from Justice; he was always so positive, so intent on seeing what was ahead. Greyhounds are sight hounds and they see more clearly and farther than most. There was always such anticipation, such visible excitement about what might be stirring just ahead. His “rabbit ears” would perk up, his eyes would focus and his whole body would then join the process.
Justice taught me that there is joy in the chase. He enjoyed wide open pursuit for the sake of it. If he actually caught what he was after, there was sheer exuberance; if he didn’t, he was content to remain alert and wait for the next opportunity.
When it came to people, Justice was a quick study. He could assess very swiftly whether a visitor’s intentions were positive and if they were to be trusted. I’m not sure how he knew; he just did. Justice didn’t waste his time on people he didn’t trust; he adored trustworthy people.
Justice could be at 100% one moment, yet completely relaxed in the next. He didn’t waste valuable energy without purpose. He made every effort count, but also enjoyed his down time. In fact, Justice took relaxation to a whole new level.
There was no such thing as holding a grudge for Justice. Even if he clearly didn’t like something, such as taking medicine, he never seemed to take it personally. That doesn’t mean that he was particularly cooperative, however; he could be quite clever when it suited him.
It was always a highlight of my day to be greeted joyously by Justice. He shared his affection when the day began, upon returning home, or even when I just came back into the house from the yard. He always seemed glad just to see me and to be seen.
Loyalty took on new meaning with Justice. He was my 82 pound shadow and would have probably climbed in my lap if he could have managed it. He kept his family close and under a watchful, loving eye. Given the choice, he would always go with me. Justice never judged;
he just loved.
Justice relished play, with his favorite toys and people. I often wondered if he was making up for lost time from his days spent in a wire kennel. Whatever the reason, he certainly approached play with the joy of a child. He must have known something that I didn’t and made the most of each day.
Justice passed away as suddenly as he came into my life and much too soon. I’m thankful
for the time we had together and deeply grateful for the valuable lessons he worked so hard to teach me. Justice was my dear friend and I will aspire to live up to his standards: Appreciate every moment and enjoy the journey.
It was always a highlight of my day to be greeted joyously by Justice. He shared his affection when the day began, upon returning home, or even when I just came back into the house from the yard. He always seemed glad just to see me and to be seen.
Loyalty took on new meaning with Justice. He was my 82 pound shadow and would have probably climbed in my lap if he could have managed it. He kept his family close and under a watchful, loving eye. Given the choice, he would always go with me. Justice never judged;
he just loved.
Justice relished play, with his favorite toys and people. I often wondered if he was making up for lost time from his days spent in a wire kennel. Whatever the reason, he certainly approached play with the joy of a child. He must have known something that I didn’t and made the most of each day.
Justice passed away as suddenly as he came into my life and much too soon. I’m thankful
for the time we had together and deeply grateful for the valuable lessons he worked so hard to teach me. Justice was my dear friend and I will aspire to live up to his standards: Appreciate every moment and enjoy the journey.
