Saying Goodbye to 2009

I was going to write my next blog about New Year's resolutions, but another more timely topic has presented itself.

In the last few months of 2009, several of my friends said goodbye to their long time companions - dog members of their family. First this Fall, Maggie, a beautiful cocker spaniel, passed away after a long fight with chronic illness. The day before Thanksgiving, 14 year-old Griffey passed on in the company of his dedicated owners. On New Year's Eve, Casey, a lovely yellow lab who lived 15 rich and active years with her human, passed away. All of these animals were important members of my friends' families, and truly extensions of their souls.

These losses have struck cords deep within my friends' spirits. As witness to my friends' grieving, I stand in wonder as to the affect dogs have on humans. As a dog person myself, I am familiar with the absolute dedication and adoration one can have for a dog. And yet I still contemplate what it is about dogs that leaves us so willingly vulnerable and giving of ourselves in ways that we may not even do with other humans. Does their "dogness" give us the green light to be unabashedly loving? Do dogs create a safe space for humans to practice being human? It's likely a combination of all these possibilities. The reason is really not important, what's important is that us "Dog People" find outlets for what we have to give in our furry four legged friends!

As we welcome in the New Year, I honor last year's loss of three much loved animals. Along these lines, I would like to share the holiday card sent by Maggie's owner. The card was authored by the dog, and in it contained a dog's wisdom:

My time on this earth has come to an end, and my last wish for you and my people is that you...
Live Simply, Love Generously; Care Deeply; and...

When a loved-one comes home, run to greet them.
Thrive on getting and giving attention.
Touch others and let others touch you.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Be loyal and never pretend to be something that you're not.
If what you want is buried, dig until you find it.
If someone is having a bad day, comfort them... be quiet, sit close and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY... NOT JUST DURING THE HOLIDAYS, BUT FROM THIS DAY FORWARD.