Dear Mother Earth

It was a week ago today that we celebrated Earth Day. I was so excited to learn that a special outing awaited me on that glorious day. It was all I could do to contain my excitement when I learned I would be spending the day at one of your many natural forests with my family. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate the Earth than by being outside, surrounded by your wonders and basking it its glory.

While it's okay for me to visit, I cannot leave anything behind. I will leave only footsteps, I promise.

The cool grass beneath my paws reminds me that spring is really here. I tread lightly as I go in search of all that spring has to offer.

I was taking in the many sights and smells when the wonderful scent of these beautiful little flowers pulled me off the path. I stopped to say hello to them and to welcome them back from their winter slumber. How happy they were to see me and to breath the fresh air.

I was not walking alone because I promised Dad I would show him all the beauty to be found around us in the forest. We were silent as we walked, listening only with our hearts.

Your beauty shone ever so lovely on this lake. Where would we be without water, that precious resource that gives life to everything around us? The trees around her stood tall and proud, protecting their life source.

As I walked to the shore of the lake, I reminded myself that I could not enter. The lake is home to so many of my friends, but most are still sleeping. I wanted to place a "Do Not Disturb" sign at the water's edge to let everyone know that even though the lake looks empty, it is filled with wonderful surprises.

I searched for turtles basking in the sunlight on this log, but there were none to be found. My turtle friends were out playing when I arrived and I promised myself that I would be back to visit with them soon.

Even this fisherman didn't notice me as I past him on my journey. I know he was only pretending to be fishing because I heard some of my fish friends laughing at him. They would have played the catch-and-release game with him, but they were too busy enjoying the day.

I came upon a pier and tired from my walk, decided to rest with Mom. She picked me up and placed me on the bench next to her so I would not fall. Only after we had recharged our batteries and were ready to continue did I ask Dad to take our picture. We look so happy, at home in our surroundings.

Can you see the hole in the tree? My woodpecker friends raise their babies in this hole, but they were not home today when I stopped by. I bet they were out flying all around the forest, chasing each other and having fun.

Something smelled really good at the base of these trees. I think my bunny friends had stopped by earlier in the day while they were feeding their babies. Since it was early afternoon, the babies were tucked into their warm furry beds taking their afternoon nap.

Meadows are meant for running through and that's exactly what I did when I came up this one. Run like the wind, I told my tired legs. I ran as hard and fast as I could, Mom and Dad trailing behind me. They finally caught up to me at the end of the meadow, but then I turned and ran back the way I had come, off to finish my stroll on the path.

I was slowing down by this time because I had walked so far. My legs don't work like they use to so I had to stop every now and then to catch my breath. Stopping provided me with opportunities to take in my surroundings. You never know what you might find if you just slow down.

I spotted this lovely lavender flower out of the corner of my eye. I rushed over to pick it for Mom but then remembered that the flowers belong to the forest and must remain there for everyone to enjoy. How quickly I had forgotten about that over the winter while cooped up inside.

Even this pretty dandelion spoke to me. He told me how people don't like him, how they pick him out of his home, and even spray chemicals on him. I looked at him with horror upon hearing his sad story. He is as much a part of the forest as the trees. The birds, mammals, and insects need him as much as they need water. I promised him that I would tell all my friends to respect him and his family because they are important to all of us.

I just knew one of my friends had been to the forest before I got there because this tree smelled like him. The lovely scent of a friend can brighten your day. I wondered if my friend was still in the forest or on his way back home to have an afternoon treat.

Near the end of my walk, I saw this sign that Mom read to me. It is a reminder that we must stay on the path designated for us and to not wander into the lake. We are land animals, not water animals and though our paths may cross, we live in separate worlds.

I stumbled upon a playground on my way back to the car. I pleaded with Mom to put me on the swing but she told me it wasn't safe to swing alone. I started to pout but she scooped me up and placed me on her lap. We swung higher and higher, almost to the sky. She whispered something in my ear and then kissed me on the head, thanking me for spending this wonderful day with her.

I was smiling from ear to ear because this had been the best day ever. I relished the time we got to spend enjoying your creations Mother Earth. I've been reminded of all the beauty so close to home that I can always enjoy. I promise to visit you again really soon.

I tread lightly on your loveliness as I walk with you around me. I seek your wisdom to show me things I cannot see. I speak of your beauty and feel it's touch on my body. I thank you for all that you are for I am one with you.

Your friend,

Stubby xoxo