Finding the light in the darkness

January is always challenging. The rush of adoptions to get dogs homes before the holidays is done. While we made the sanctuary festive with the help of staff and volunteers, the merriment is over. With the holiday season gone, a sense of melancholy remains. The days are short, with darkness setting in early and bone-chilling days on tap. Resolutions are made and quickly broken, leading to frustration and shame. It seems like the month will never end, and there’s nothing to look forward to.

In these moments when it’s cold, dark, and depressing, we look to our dogs to ensure they aren’t feeling the same. To our surprise and happiness, the seniors at the Senior Dog Sanctuary are just as happy as ever, and we find ourselves learning from them yet again. Sure, not all are fans of the cold weather, but that means a volunteer or staff member will wrap them tight in a blanket and cuddle them for warmth. Some of our dogs love the snow and pounce around like kindergarteners on snow days. King will surely enjoy a snow cone while Dempsey and Lennox perch on benches with their snouts covered in snow. Lexi will do her version of a snow angel, and Zeek will strut as if the cold has nothing on him.

Meanwhile, dogs like Duke prefer to be carried in a volunteer’s jacket with his sweater on. We don’t blame him! As we look around at these precious seniors, we realize they are happy with the love they receive from us, and that is enough. They didn’t know Christmas or Hanukkah or New Year’s Day was any different than any other day. They got walks, received cuddles, were fed, and slept well. That’s what they know, and it matters. Perhaps we can take a moment to think more like these seniors we rescue and rehabilitate. They have received a second chance at life. For them, it’s remarkable and fills them with hope. Maybe one day, someone will love them unconditionally. Perhaps they’ll let them lie on the couch and snuggle. Maybe they’ll get to go on trips, visit pet stores, and get treats. So many fantastic “maybes” could be in their future.

This January, when it’s below freezing for days on end, snowy and dark, maybe we can find a light. January isn’t forever. Winter isn’t either. Spring will come, flowers will bloom again, and we’ll breathe fresh air as the sun touches our faces. Our dogs will shed their sweaters and chase tennis balls on freshly cut grass. We’ll find reasons to smile, and life will continue. Maybe we’ll remind ourselves that hope doesn’t waver. It’s always there, helping our hearts to feel lighter. It’s enough for our seniors. Let it be enough for us, too.