This year, one of my goals is to improve my mindfulness and gratitude practices. Many times we get caught up in the things we don’t have and forget to be grateful for what we do.

As a 30-year-old woman, I often worry or fret about where I “should be” in life, rather than simply being happy and accepting where I am as a great blessing.

One way I try to reframe things is to consider them through the eyes of our animals. We can learn a lot from them, especially from dogs.

They are always very loving and happy, despite the terrible consequences that life has given them, and that is admirable. They understand how to be happy in the present moment because they are alive, instead of worrying about the future. A puppy with a broken eye was a prime example of this.

The poor animal had suffered an accident that had caused him to break his eye. Locals noticed the dog was in distress and transported him to a local sanctuary until Animal Aid Unlimited rescuers could pick him up. But what caught attention was the puppy’s behavior.

His tail never stopped wagging despite a serious injury that was clearly agonizing. In fact, while he waited for rescuers to arrive, the pup never stopped putting on a brave and happy face, eager to make friends with anyone who was near him.

It was so touching and sweet. The happy boy was quite submissive and didn’t bother being taken to his facility when the rescuers arrived.

Sunny, as the dog was eventually named, certainly lives up to his name. Despite his difficulties, he has a bright and exuberant attitude.

We are relieved that even though the vets were unable to restore his eye, he was able to live the happy life he deserves. Sunny’s example can help us stay positive during difficult times.

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