One of the reasons I love working dogs – all of my dogs are or have been working dogs – is that they are bred to live and work with humans; they fit into my life as companions, not just pets or fur babies. I think of Rose working the first farm with me, Red working with me as a therapy dog, and entering my life most profoundly. Bud is a working dog; he was bred to keep rats and mice under control on farms and in rodent-infected 1850 urban basements and backyards.

I meditate seriously now, usually for 10 to 20 minutes every morning. I never asked my dogs to join me in this vital practice; they have. When I sit down in my chair, close my eyes, sip some tea, and let my mind hunt for what it wants to see and think about. Each dog appears in front of me one by one, and by the time I am ready to close my eyes, they are all asleep in front of me or lying with their eyes closed.

Zinnia is first, then Fate, then Bud.

It feels like we are meditating together. They seem to pick up the vibes I’m giving off and vice versa. All three dogs are active and focused working dogs; none move a muscle while I enter the silence and peacefulness. No doubt, they are somehow with me and in complete sync with me. Fate and Bud are never still otherwise. Zinnia reads my mind and is lying down ahead of me.

We meditate together now, quietly and with no disturbance or sound. (unless an Amish cart goes bye).

Meditation has no right or wrong. The mind goes where it wants to go, and I follow it; I don’t tell it what to do. My truth is inside, not outside.

The dogs are somehow right with me, offering comfort and companionship without being asked to, told to, or trained to do so. I have no idea what the dogs know, don’t know, or imagine I am doing. I know they do what working dogs do: enter my world and live alongside me. They are suitable with me, no matter how long I am still. When I am done, they hop up and are eager for more work. None of them has made a sound.

This morning, I took a photo of each as I began meditation. Perhaps you can sense the feeling from the pictures. They calm and comfort me; I am grateful to have them as meditation partners. They enrich me.