I experienced sheer bliss again last night. As is often the case, I was with Duke, a six-year old Chocolate Lab and constant companion.

It started out as a simple trip to the grocery store to buy my wife a couple bottles of Cranberry juice. It was fairly late and I could take roads that would have little or no traffic, so I let Duke sit in his favorite “seat”. He is so big that he can lay on the center console between our two front seats and with our sunroof open his head sticks out about 6 inches above the roof of the car.

Driving down the road with the look of absolute joy on his face means a lot to me. I probably have the same look on my face. I live for such moments. He and I have a bond that is indescribable and wonderful. It is great to be able to so easily do something together that brings so much joy.

It is also wonderful to see all the smiles of people who watch as we drive down the street with Duke’s big ears flapping wildly in the wind.

At such moments I feel an even greater connection to Duke and all those people whom I’ve never even ment, and all feels right with the world. I feel very blessed. Blissful even.