Apollo’s Joyful Mornings: A Lesson in Fresh Starts

Apollo

There’s something wonderfully grounding about living with animals, especially dogs who seem to carry an ancient sort of wisdom in their hearts. Recently, that wisdom arrived at my home in the form of a fluffy, golden, 10-month-old whirlwind named Apollo.

Apollo was originally my son’s puppy, but as he grew, so did his love for the open space and constant life around my home. The other dogs welcomed him, the rhythm of the place suited him, and before long, he simply belonged here - as though he had always been part of my little family of souls.

He sleeps in my bedroom now, stretched out like a small sunbeam with a heartbeat. And every single morning, without fail, he wakes with the kind of excitement most of us only remember from childhood. Before my feet even touch the floor, he’s celebrating the brand-newness of the day - tail thumping, eyes shining, body wiggling as if the universe has just handed him the greatest gift imaginable: another sunrise.

This morning, watching him burst into joy simply because I opened my eyes, something struck me deeply.

Every day feels new to him.
Every day feels full of possibility.
Every day is worth celebrating.

There is no residue from yesterday on him - no worries carried forward, no heaviness, no hesitation. Just wholehearted delight at being alive and being here.

What a lesson that is.

I sometimes think animals, especially dogs, carry a wisdom we’ve forgotten: that the present moment is sacred, that love is meant to be shown boldly, and that each day deserves to be greeted like a beloved friend returning home.

Apollo reminds me that every sunrise is an invitation - not just another step in the routine, but a chance to begin again with gratitude, energy, and hope.

And as he bounds into the morning, convinced that joy is waiting for him around every corner, I can’t help but feel encouraged to do the same.

Maybe that’s why he came to live with me after all.
Maybe he arrived to remind me - gently, faithfully - that life is still beautiful and brimming with possibility.

Here’s to tomorrow morning… I know Apollo will be ready for it.
And I’m learning to be ready too.