Healing, Trust, and a Little Tail-Wagging Joy

🐾 Life Lessons from Gibby: Creating Joy, Even at the Vet

Gibby (my beloved dog-nephew) has been revealing a treasure chest full of gems — especially for me, but I believe there’s something in them for all of us.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the joy of caring for Gibby at my home while my brother was out of town. Normally, when I care for someone’s animals, I stay in their home to minimize stress and keep things familiar. But this time, we agreed it would be okay for Gibby to stay with me — he already knew my home, and he was good with it.

Every week, Gibby heads to the vet for blood work and chemotherapy. You’d think there might be fear or hesitation — but not Gibby. He greets these visits with enthusiasm — tail wagging, heart open, eager to connect with the people caring for him as though they are old friends. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever met another animal who loves going to the vet like Gibby does.

What struck me on a recent visit was how clearly he was creating his experience — shaping it the way he wanted. When the vet tech said I could wait in the common area while they weighed him, I mentioned I had brought a treat for him. She said she’d give him a treat, but Gibby and I looked at each other — and I just knew he wanted his special treat from me (and besides, my brother had taught me how to do the weigh-in using the treat). After his treat, they asked me to wait in the common area again. Gibby wasn’t having it. He plopped his 62+ pounds on the floor and wouldn’t budge. One of the techs nearby chuckled. I told him we’d walk together. Once we got to the room, he went in calmly and all was well Just like that — the experience unfolded exactly how he wanted it.

Creating the moment the way you want...What a beautiful concept!

It would be easy to see the vet clinic as a place of needles and uncertainty. But Gibby reminds me that love, kindness, and presence can transform even a clinical space into one of joy.

I found myself wondering...

What if we met our own challenges like Gibby does?

Not by pretending hardship doesn’t exist — but by choosing to find the light within it?

Here are a few of the gems Gibby’s been offering:

🌿 Stay Open-hearted.

Even when things are hard, there are friends, unexpected gifts, and moments of grace. Gibby doesn’t let discomfort close his heart — he stays connected, trusting, and willing to receive. How often do we go to protection when we could soften?

🤝 Trust the Hands that Want to Help.

Healing — physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual — is rarely something we do alone. Gibby doesn’t brace for betrayal or overthink it. He simply allows support. That kind of trust might feel vulnerable, but it also opens the door to so many blessings.

🕊 Live in the Moment. 

Gibby isn’t thinking about how many treatments he has left. He’s here, fully present with this touch, this voice, this connection. His uncomplicated presence is powerful — and it reminds me how much strength there is just being here, now. What if we allowed ourselves that same simplicity of presence?

💛 Choose Joy, Again and Again.

 Even in uncomfortable spaces, Gibby finds — and brings — joy! Not through denial, but through choice. We can all practice this: meeting the day as it is, and still choosing to smile, connect, and keep our hearts light.

Animals are such powerful teachers. Gibby reminds me that while we can’t always choose our circumstances, we can choose how we meet them — with openness, grace, and a little tail-wagging joy.

Is there a place in your life right now — with your animal companion or yourself — where a little Gibby-style joy might shift the experience?