The other day I was walking sweet Ozzie and out of the blue, I heard people screaming. I glanced their way and saw what I thought was a cat charging full tilt towards Ozzie. As it crossed the thankfully quiet road to our side of the sidewalk, I realized it was a black and white, tiny Chihuahua. When he jumped the curb and landed on the grass, I took one step in front of Ozzie, leaned forward, pointed my finger and said a sharp “NO.”

The Chihuahua stopped dead in his tracks looking at me quizzically as if he had never heard those words before, turned around and bolted back home. Ozzie hadn’t moved, flinched, or barked. He just stood there knowing I had his back.

The Chihuahua’s owners were still panicked and I was laughing. Now, had it been a German Shepherd or a Pit bull, I probably would have freaked out at least on the inside. But the courage this tiny thing had to charge me and my seventy pound dog was incredible!

As we walked further, still smiling, I started to think about where I am lacking in courage. Or more to the point, where I was being fearful. Can I actually make money writing? Can I get this body in a healthier state? Will I be okay when the last close relative I have - my granny - leaves the body?

From that moment on, I decided that whenever I am fearful, I will remember that courageous Chihuahua and keep moving forward, keep striving for my dreams, and know that everything will be alright!