I continue to volunteer for a dog and cat shelter. Today I walk with a puppy of this protector on a rural road that winds through the orchards and fields that surround it. Today is a sunny winter day and animated by the song of the birds.
The dog follows me without pulling the leash. I listen to the melodious triune sound in the background and I find it as relaxing as a lullaby. Although I do not reside in the area, the neighbors who cross my path kindly greet me . Most of them are farmers who have always cultivated their farms. Some of them today are pruning fruit trees. I see how one of them is working with the mower in his olive grove, some distance away and with his back to me. When I pass, I don't tell him anything so as not to disturb his work and I follow my path with the protective dog that is happy and attentive to the environment. However, on my way back, I find that man again, who looks at me and greets me as if he had always known me.
- I see that you continue walking to the dogs of the protector - he tells me -. I seat and smile at him. He then slowly goes home to take care of the family garden.
There is something here that makes me feel belonging to this place and this excites me so much that it makes me jump a tear but the silence of the landscape embraces me as if an invisible presence was comforting me. They interrupt the moment two small puppies that when they see me and the dog that I walk, they approach barking to remind us that this is their territory and not ours. They live in a country house located several meters from me. Puppies stop. They are beautiful and I find them nice. I address affectionate words but they keep barking. Apparently, I don't seem so nice to you.
The tranquility and beauty of this natural landscape make me feel totally present, rooted instantly with nothing that deviates me from the here and now.
There are still drops in the grass of the recent drizzle. I feel like I melt into its freshness and transparency, undressing my being. I imbibe the presence that makes this peaceful place emerge in me. I perceive a natural state of alertness and focus on the now that emanates from the puppy that walks and the wild animals that inhabit these lands. Sometimes I have heard comments about how peculiar or unusual the puppy I am walking is, but I consider it my Master of Now. It teaches me to be free and drop that veil of worries that now weighs nothing.
I go back to the shelter and see some puppies that are eating a cream of vegetables that I brought today. Sometimes, I cook food for the animals of the protector or I bring them what is left over from home. As a child I was taught to be responsible, to take advantage and to save and this protector gives me the opportunity to perpetuate those values. This special place oozes humanity and solidarity and I do not say it for my small contribution, but for the great work of the rest of the volunteers and also for the owners of this animal shelter: for their dedication, commitment and perseverance in helping dogs and cats Without a doubt, they constitute my example to follow and for those I have them as a reference point. There are volunteers who clean the facilities and feed the animals of the shelter, others collect food from establishments that donate it generously. There are also individuals who come to the shelter not only to adopt animals but also to bring food, medicines or blankets to those who have not been lucky enough to be adopted. Many of these people do it quite continuously, sacrificing their free time, however, I always see joy in their eyes. In addition, they do their work discreetly, altruistically, without bragging or pretending. His love for animals is printed in his actions rather than in words. I admire their strength in the face of unforeseen events and how they face obstacles before a society that does not always understand them.
AUTHOR TEXT AND IMAGES: Mª Jesus Verdú Sacases
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