Shopping isn’t for me. I’ve tried it a few times when mom was kind enough to let me accompany her to dog-friendly stores and farmer’s markets and pet fairs. While I very much enjoyed the company (and the attention I inevitably draw at these sorts of places), the actual concept of shopping doesn’t trip my proverbial trigger.
I enjoy new toys and treats and fresh bags of dog food as much as the next canine. But the actual process of hunting for it? Not so much. I get far too distracted by the people. So it sounds like I would have been very distracted today, on what my people call Black Friday. I’ve never cared much for black (also known as the color of darkness, sadness and death) and I can’t say I care much for this day either.
Yesterday people all over the country celebrated. They counted their blessings. They cherished time with their loved ones. Then as early as last night, all of that was abandoned for shopping. It doesn’t make any sense to me that people go out and spend so much money on things (that really are just things) so soon after celebrating what they already have. Especially when those little green bills known as money have the power to make people so blue.
This is why I chose to invest differently. Not in things, but in people. My biggest fears were realized in a doggie nightmare I had last night when suddenly, for no rational reason, my people were gone. It was just me, back in a cage, somewhere I didn’t recognize. No other cages surrounded me. I was completely alone. Thank heavens mom woke me up from that particular nightmare. Reality never looked so beautiful.
I know I have it pretty good. I am blessed, as my mom would say. But I know why I’m so rich with blessings – my fortune is not in those little green bills or in the Christmas presents that (at the very least) do seem to bring as much joy to the giver as the receiver. No sir. My fortune is in the people who make my life special. You can go shopping for a lot of things, but you can’t shop for those people. For friends. Or family. These are the true riches in my little doggie life.
Wiley's Wisdom 
Very true. I did some online shopping for the cats’ presents and got good deals for bulk cat toys for future auctions. But it isn’t about things its about spending time with each other and realizing there are those less fortunate and reaching out to them.
You’re right about that, dear friend. Especially the part about the less fortunate. We are always sure to donate even when times seem rough for us…there are always people who have it worse, which is a reminder to pause and count our blessings.
Lots of love to you and the kitties!
Wiles
#1 said it right, as did you, dear Wyles. By the way, don’t confuse the other meanings of the color black with this one… I believe it is so named, Black Friday, due to retailers coming out of the red and into the black in bookkeeping terms…. Okay, talk to your Mom or Dad re bookkeeping…. Grin. Love you, Wyles. ~ HuntMode
Bookkeeping? What’s that? I don’t think my people do that good a job of that. 😉
Lots of love,
Wyles
Ah, you get better with time. 😉
I watched some riots at ‘black Friday’ sales on the TV news tonight. Not my cup of tea either…
Riots! I know! And mom read something on the computer tonight about this being the deadliest Black Friday shopping weekend on record. Deadly! That’s just terrible!
You are a rich doggie, indeed. Me too. Our second chances made us rich beyond imagination. Lucky dogs.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
You’re right about those second chances, dear Cupcake. They are priceless.
Lots of love,
Wiles
You’re right, Wiley. Humans spend green papers to get things , what are just things. Friendship and love you can’t buy, because they are priceless. Like in the song of the Beatlers: can’t buy me love :o)
You are so wise, dear brother. So wise. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with me on such a regular basis. I’m better for it. 😉
Lots of love,
Wiles
I’m with you Wiles when it comes to shopping. Ugh! Especially grocery shopping. I don’t mind shopping for presents for my grandchildren though, that’s fun. Any other shopping though….
Oh yes…the dreaded grocery shopping. Dear Lyn, you and my mom share that particular dislike. It’s tough for me , too, since sometimes she takes me with for car rides. The car ride part is fun, and I don’t mind the waiting, but the drive home drives me crazy! All of those delicious smells! That’s so very different from the other kind of shopping you mentioned – the shopping for others. That certainly does bring joy to my parents’ hearts as well.
Lots of love to you,
Wiles
You are very wise!!
I’m only as wise as my heart allows. 🙂