The Choice of Joy: Day 38, Petting The Duchess

A very simple joy, running my palm across The Duchess’s forehead.  She is a German Shepherd that I have had the privilege of sharing living space with for 10 years now.

Some say that it is good for your blood pressure to have a pet companion to touch.

I’d do it anyway.  When I pet her head, she looks at me and blinks.  I believe she approves.  Her tongue hangs out, teeth showing, like she is giving me what amounts to a dog smile.  I so enjoy feeling her hair and the slight movement of her head in time with her breathing when I stroke her head.  Such a simple, wonderful joy.