Sometimes, you don't need words to communicate

There is a wonderful scene in the movie "Love, Actually" where Colin Firth is driving home the woman who cleans his house. They obviously like each other even though neither speaks the other's language. In the car, he says to her in English, "This is my favorite part of my day." She says basically the same thing being said. Neither could translate a word that was spoken. But both understood each other perfectly.

I thought of this the other day when I arrived home and Pete, the Happy Dog, came bouncing out of the window to greet me. No matter what seems to happen, Pete is happy to see Lynne or myself when we get home. It's puppy kisses galore and a lot of dancing.

The reverse is true when we leave and he is left home alone. There is no puppy kiss then. He is definitely sad.

Our animals don't speak but they communicate grandly. On a brisk day like this morning, Pete is alive on his morning walk. He likes to explore the neighborhood and roll in the snow. But what he likes even more is just being along with whoever is walking him. It is unconditional, unspoken love, a little one-on-one time. And we try to return it any way we can. And you can tell when he feels the love because the eyes are sparkling and he does a dog version of a grin.

Pete knows nothing of the political landscape in the country. He doesn't know the emotional turmoil that goes on through our daily lives. His world is simple, uncomplicated. I am sure he must look at us at times as nuts to being running to and fro, looking harried as we do so.

But there is one thing Pete, Lynne and I can agree on. We like the time we spend together - whether it is playing ball, taking a walk or just sitting on the couch and vegging. In these parlous times, sometimes words just aren't necessary.