When people use the phrase “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed”, they mean lively and, well, bright.

I am pretty sure I have been called “bright-eyed & bushy-tailed” before, especially when I have been particularly enthusiastic at work or when talking about something I am extremely happy about. I’m sure the general consensus is that the phrase shouldn’t be taken literally, seeing as human beings don’t have literal light shining from their eyes or fluffed up fox tails (I feel like I just described a Pokemon). So we agree, it’s not to be taken as a literal statement…right? WRONG.

Let me introduce to you my whole reason for this claim: Rosie. What is a “Rosie” you might ask. Let me tell you, not everyone is lucky enough to come across one of these rare Rosies during their time here on this earth, but this creature, a Rosie, is the literal interpretation of “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.” Rosie has sparkling eyes that can illuminate through the darkest of moods and places. Her eyes literally give off a strong gleaming effect. Rosie’s tail is a big bush of fuzzy red fur, kind of like that of a fox, and it curls into a loop.

It has been about a year since my father passed away, and it has been the hardest, most depressing thing that has ever happened to me. Something happened a few short months after my father's passing, and that was me stumbling across the rescue dog who honestly rescued me. Adopting Rosie has been my saving grace, and I just KNOW my dad would have loved her so much, and I can picture him saying: "she's a pretty little dog" and "I can take her out for you". She's definitely a special little pup; Rosie has been the furry ball of light in my life that I needed since things have been the way the are the past year.

I have become so attached to Rosie that doing little things like driving to Starbucks are a little more enjoyable with her by my side. You know what, even laundry isn't so bad anymore because her favorite place to nap is on top of a freshly washed pile of laundry, and it gives me a "legit" excuse to put off folding it all! I definitely think I’m so fortunate to have found my little fuzzball, and I don’t know what I would do without her. Whenever I feel like crying, she will run up to me with what looks like the cutest little grin and brightest eyes and take the sadness away. There is something so special about Rosie…she’s a treasure, and I don’t care if I DO sound like a crazy old dog lady, because if that’s what I’ve become, I am more than content being just that. With this little creature, the physical embodiment of what is means to be “bright-eyed & bushy-tailed”, I have become a better person, and I can truly feel my soul brightening up after one of the most saddest events in my life.

Some people aren’t animal people. I accept that, but I truly don’t get that. In my mind, someone who doesn’t love and enjoy the company of something so innocent with and free of superficial, worldy concerns, does not know what love is. In conclusion, the next time someone tells you that you look “bright-eyed & bushy-tailed”, I hope you truly do feel as lively and bright as I do ever since I found Rosie. If we can try to live a light lighter and a little happier, we learn to see the positive that is left in this world. My little pom, she showed me this, so this is why she actually rescued me.