By Rev. Craig Statton, Atherton CEO
When I was a kid, my dad brought home a dog named Smokey. Smokey was a big, strong, wild black Labrador Retriever which was evidenced the next spring when Labrador mix puppies showed up around the town. But during the following summer, Smokey was hit by a car and had his leg broken. The vet set the leg with several casts, but Smokey kept chewing them, so the vet set a final cast too firmly, and the result was the leg withered and had to be amputated. Smokey became known as the “three-legged dog” around town. He became a very popular dog. As I look back on those years, I realize there are lessons about attitude which can be learned from my “three-legged’ friend.
First, friendship is important. Smokey seemed at his best when he was around people who loved him. Dr. Bill Thomas, geriatrician and creator of the Eden Alternative, has described the three plagues of old age as loneliness, helplessness, and boredom. He says, “Loving companionship is the antidote to loneliness. Elders (seniors) deserve easy access to human and animal companionship.” Our attitude is affected by the friendships we enjoy. When we are around people who make us smile and laugh, who have our similar values and beliefs, who enjoy our company and we enjoy theirs, then life has richness and the result is happiness and a better attitude. Dr. Peter Norvid, a geriatric specialist at Adventist Hinsdale and LaGrange Memorial in Chicago, Illinois says, “Thousands of articles in virtually all popular, medical, health and news journals tout the benefits of PMA (positive mental attitude) on longevity and many other positive aspects of aging, Optimistic people live longer, have closer personal relationships and are able to deal with the negative things that happen to them in a way that allows them to continue to be able to be there for others so that others can help them.” I think Smokey understood that a gentle pat on the head, someone to rub his back, or just being with those who loved him in the backyard or the living room made his life better and more enjoyable.
Second, keeping active is good. When Smokey was young, he would chase anything that moved. Cats beware; rabbits or ground squirrel stay out of his way; because Smokey will chase you down! But as he got older, he slowed and instead of chasing a cat; he would look, perhaps bark, but would continue the walk. Yes, there were still trees to sniff; he was curious, but not quite as impetuous or rambunctious. Physical activity is important as we age. Once again, Bill Thomas says people who age well incorporate three simple ideas: move well, sleep well, and eat well. As we age, we do not move as fast, but we must continue to move. Regular exercise keeps our muscles and joints more limber and our blood flowing better. We do not have to run long distances or lift heavy weights to be fit. Over exertion may, in fact, cause an injury that will make regular physical activity more difficult. Regular walking, biking, stretching, or swimming keeps our bodies moving; and with mobility comes both freedom of the body and the soul. When we feel better, we are happier; we have a better attitude.
Finally, enjoy the journey. As Smokey aged, he seemed to enjoy our walks together even more. The walks started to help Smokey with her daily constitution, but soon turned into observations of the world. Way too many times I was in a hurry, and Smokey obliged. Now as I look back on those times, I realize that in much of life, “the journey is the destination.” Finding the joy in the journey is not a bad philosophy and relieves many of the stresses that accompany life. This kind of attitude is difficult to cultivate without some practice. The ancient religious masters from many faiths have spoken of the importance of meditation, reflection, and prayer as central to a healthy soul and good attitude. The ancient poet-king, David, spoke of meditating on God’s commands and ways, even when his enemies slandered him (Psalm 119). The ability to reflect on our life helps us understand our circumstances so we can gain a bigger picture of our relationship to life. When we come to understand the meaning, we have a better attitude as we face the issues of our life. Still in his twenties, Michael O’Hara had his left leg amputated because of bone cancer. Today he works with amputees at the University of North Carolina Wellness Center and says, “I have a great life, and my amputation doesn’t define me. I try to help people realize that they can do much more than they think they can. If I can inspire just one person to give little more effort each day to stay healthy and fit, then I know that my amputation is helping others.” Michael’s physical disability has not limited him in life; instead it has become a source of purpose and mission in his life.
Smokey is now gone, but the lessons of his life live on within me. Yes, even a dog can teach an old master some new tricks for living.
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