Losses

Piper

Recently, over the last few days and weeks, quite a few dogs have been lost, most due to illness or old age or even both. In truth, it scares me. Each birthday brings me closer to my own loss. Our dogs are on earth for such a short time. My goal is to make their lives as wonderful as possible while they are here. I have always prided myself in finding what the dogs love to do, and pursuing it with gusto. Piper's joy is agility. I would love to see him be able to do agility until the day he dies, but I know at some time, I will have to retire him from the sport he so dearly loves. After a friend lost his litterbrother at the age of 8 to cancer, every day with Piper is precious. At this time, I can't imagine my life without him in it... his smile, his snoring, his hugs, his snuggles, his woo-wooing, his zest for life. I just can't imagine him not being here.

His soul his old and wise beyond his years... His eyes are the very mirror into that soul. He has the most honest eyes I have ever encountered. Piper doesn't lie. When he is happy, the world knows it. When he is unhappy, the world knows that too. He tells it like it is. If he loves you, he does it with his whole self. He has never met anyone he hasn't loved. He's charming. Even people who don't like dogs seem to like Piper. In that, he reminds me of the late, great Kastle... Kastle could charm just about anybody. Piper is the same way.

Most people, if they are lucky, have one once-in-a-lifetime dog. I have been blessed to say that each and every one of my dogs has the distinction of being that. Each dog has their own personality and temperament. Each dog has their own way of being in my heart. Each one of them is my heart dog. Some are a bit more special than others, but no more loved. Each dog has a different purpose in life. Each dog is here for a different reason. I do believe that dogs come in to our lives for a special purpose and reason. If we open our hearts and minds to the lessons they have to teach, we are raised above being normal humans. We are the chosen that have the unconditional love that only a dog can give.

Each day is a gift. Each step to the line is a gift. I cherish every single moment. My heart is heavy for my friends that have endured recent losses of their dogs. I hope they are able to see through the pain of the loss and bring forward the sweet memories. I hope that I can remember that when it is my turn. Until then, I will so completely enjoy every minute of every day with these special sentient beings...