My new puppy, Manney, loves to ambush faces with licks and nips. He’s five months old, and, since the day we met, he always gone straight for the face and neck to offer snuggles. It was sweet at first, but these surprise attacks have become a bit overwhelming. It’s hard to anticipate these unforeseen displays of puppy affection.
Relentless puppy love
However, I must admit I’ve giggled when Manney has nuzzled my neck. I’ve also received lavish love in the form of puppy licks that just won’t quit. On a bad day, he has made me smile. When life is tough, he’s showered me with relentless affection, oblivious to my struggles. He just wants to give his love for no reason other than he has it to give.
Recently, I was on the roof cleaning out the gutters after a hailstorm. This isn’t a task I usually do, so I was incredibly nervous. It felt easier to jump off the tallest building in the southern hemisphere than to stand up on that roof. With adrenaline pumping and nerves making me sweat, I didn’t notice a woman approaching the yard. She offered to help, willing to climb the ladder and join. Because she was an out-of-town roofing vendor, I was not eager to accept her invitation. My pride did not want her to show me up on the roof. I felt ambushed.
Unexpected rooftop encounter
With kind eyes and a gentle spirit, she climbed the ladder and helped me clean the gutters. She stayed until the job was done and even held the ladder for me as I climbed down. Her surprise attack of kindness was overwhelming. I couldn’t have foreseen my need for her presence on the roof or anticipated the relentless kindness of a stranger. She might have been oblivious to my reluctance, yet she offered her assistance simply because she had it to give.
Sometimes, I need a gift of love that I don’t even know I need. I’m not always able to ask for what I need, nor am I always aware of how I would like to be loved. I just need to be willing to be ambushed with surprise attacks of love and kindness. And I think most people are like me. The world would be a better place if it was filled with more puppies and strangers willing to offer a helping hand.
SURPRISE ATTACK!!! I love you too.