All beings experience the soul’s journey in three-dimensional reality. Animals for the most part have an advantage over humans in that they remain present to every minute of the journey. This holds true for Wickett, a two-year-old Blue Merle Australian Shepherd, who agreed to share with us his secret to the art of fun and his perspective on life thus far.
As a young puppy, he was always happy to explore new adventures on Earth. He admitted from the beginning that new experiences were a little daunting. In some of our communications, I could feel the slight anxiety he had in his body. He was, however, a brave little guy and curious to explore despite feeling insecure at times.
His first task was to win the affection of three cats he faced in his new home. He had never seen a cat but thought, How nice it was to have brothers and sisters for fun and play. He soon found out that cats were not always as willing to join in as he expected.
He enjoys exploring the woods around his home and spending some days at day care with his best friend Shiloh, a Shiloh Shepherd. He explained that he loves the fact that his best buddy is so big because sometimes size matters.
His life was good, he told me, but he knew in his heart there would be more. It was his human mother who had the idea that he might like the water. After all, she thought, Australian Shepherds generally enjoy being around water. They also possess athletic abilities and have a need to stay active and cool.
She introduced him to the pool at Paws to Swim in Rockville, Virginia, where they offer assisted and unassisted swimming for dogs. When Wickett first saw the water, he remembered how new experiences always cause a little angst but, in his style, he was willing to explore.
Suited up in a life jacket, he proceeded and when his body touched the water, he knew he was home. He explained that it took him a minute to figure the way out of the pool but when he did there was no stopping him. He flew through the air on a mission of pure joy. “This is what I was born to do,” he told me. He was meant to experience joy but also to help open hearts. “This,” he explained, “is the most important part of living, and dogs do this the best.” He makes his mom smile like never before. He says this is his purpose.
As I ponder his words, I realize that living with an open heart is indeed the most important part of life. Whatever this means for you on behalf of Wickett, I encourage you to find your true north because it is in this place that the heart opens.