Percy: Did you know you're like a tree, Merci?
Merci: I'm like a what?
Percy: A tree. In particular, the tree in the distance on the right. That's one of Jan's favorite trees.
Merci: I'm not anything like a tree.
Percy: Of course you are. We don't know what kind of abuse you survived before you were picked up as a stray and landed at the county shelter back in 2003. Or what abuse you might have suffered at the shelter. To this day, you are afraid of your shadow and terrified of moving feet. And over the years since Jan adopted you, you heard the (now ex) shelter manager's voice twice and both times you did some serious growling and shaking.
Merci: That doesn't make me a tree.
Percy: Ah, but this is what the tree looks like in the summer. Notice the lush green leaves with dead and broken branches sprouting here and there. It's seen a lot of heat, cold, wind and rain over its lifetime but it still stands strong and beautiful.
Percy: And this is Buddy. Tufts of green leaves in the middle of winter amid the many broken branches. He was dumped when he was three or four weeks old and he's faced a lot of adversity in his own life - seizures, allergies, skin problems - but even in the worst of times, he still shows signs of life. No big holes in his trunk, but lots of grit. He still loves his walks and he still voices his opinion on everything, whether or not we want to hear it. In other words, he's a survivor too.
Buddy: Did I just hear you call me an opinionated tree?
Percy: Uh, not quite.
Buddy: Then what did you say about me?
Percy: I was just saying Jan loves these trees. They aren't perfect but when she looks at them she sees beauty.
Buddy: So I have holes in my trunk and naked branches but I'm beautiful? Have you been hitting the nip again?
Percy: No! It's just an analogy. You don't actually look like a tree.
Buddy: I notice you didn't include a picture of what I .. of what that tree looks like in summer. Are you insinuating I run around naked all year long?
Percy: Yes ... I mean, no! I mean ... I need to think ... I mean I think I need to find a litter pan right away.
Merci: It wasn't nice to pick on him like that. He was just trying to be kind.
Buddy: I know, but it was such fun. I was just voicing my opinion whether or not he wanted to hear it.
We are joining the Thankful Thursday blog hop at Brian's Home.
