Fill the Emptiness!

In these most difficult and challenging times, we need the support of loving friends more than ever. Diversity and fear seem widespread as we learn to shift our lives in response to this new virus. In a time when people are less kind, there is an emptiness inside each one of us. A feeling of abandonment might begin to creep in. This increasing polarization creates an ache in the pit of one's stomach and perhaps you have felt a growing longing for a simpler, happier time when neighbors helped one another out of simple kindness without fear of being taken advantage of, and life's fast-paced existence did not seem quite as desperate with urgent tasks that don't seem necessary.

In recent days, I have especially felt this increasing ache. I yearn to cry out in anguish at the unfairness of life and what it has to offer. What point is there for why we toil all the day long, enduring hardships, striving for a better life only to realize it seemed so much easier all those years ago?

As the weather begins to turn and the days become colder, my heart yearns for goodness and kindness once again; for the warmth of an inviting hearth and the gentle touch of my grandmother's hand on my shoulder. Somehow, I have neglected to see the beauty of the changing colors and the unfolding of life's grandness all around me. I have neglected friendships and keeping in touch with those I love in exchange for the rigor of expansion and progress in an age when it feels like unseen forces keep small businesses from thriving.

In these most desperate times, when the complexities of life drag us down and cause us to despair, I am reminded that the devotion of a good dog can show us once again what it is to feel that unconditional love from another being. A caring faithfulness from a creature that doesn't seek its own end, but instead, has as its only goal to love and be loved in return. Not the kind of selfish and abusive love that runs amok in our society today when one coerces another against one's will because they care.

We can fill the emptiness by taking our DireWolf Dog on a long meander through the wilderness. We can fill up our life's cup by spending time with our loving companion, pausing to smell the drying leaves along the soft dirt path, standing still to glimpse the rustle of a squirrel as it prepares its hollow for the impending winter cold, and smiling proudly as we watch our furry friend dash through the crunching ground cover in sweet abandon of life's dismal setbacks. DireWolf Dogs bring us back to the gentle reality of life that we are here on this earth not to gain for ourselves, but to help others, which in turn replenishes our own happiness.

We can fill the emptiness by engaging with other DireWolf Dog owners in our loving community of caring individuals. Sharing your dog's exploits, wether good or challenging, helps others who may need a kind hand to guide them with troubles they may be facing. Bringing us your sorrow when your dog passes too soon or when you have a complexing health issue allows us to give back to you in support as you have given joy to us. Telling stories of your DireWolf Dog's adventures may bring someone in our group a needed hug from afar and share a sense of belonging that we all need to be healthy in mind, body, and spirit. Belonging to a supportive vibrant community of compassionate people can fill the emptiness that might linger from the social isolation that hovers over us in these most trying times.

We can fill the emptiness by calming our minds, closing it to the daily strife we face and reading a captivating book, our dog by our side, a cup of tea on the table, and a crackling fire in the fireplace. Taking a quiet moment to read may just be the reflective chance we need to replenish our aching souls that forget the larger picture of striving to overcome life's biggest challenges. When our minds rest from the weary monotony that creeps in, we have more to give back to others, which is what life is all about. When we don't have enough in our life's cup to share with another, we must step back and take time for our own healing process. DireWolf Publishing hopes to be able to aid this growing community of DireWolf Dog enthusiasts in finding peace and solace in fun adventures that can fill up your life's happiness meter.

Despite our differences, our community supports one another, and we share our happiness in our common love with our DireWolf Dogs. In whatever way you choose to be a part of the Dire Wolf Project, we hope you will find the information you need to live a happy life with your DireWolf Dog. Indeed, it is our very mission.

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Jennifer Stoeckl is the co-founder of the Dire Wolf Project, founder of the DireWolf Guardians American Alsatian Dog Training Program, and owner/operator of DireWolf Dogs of Vallecito. She lives in the beautiful inland northwest among the Ponderosa pine forests with her pack of American Alsatian dogs.