It’s been said that if you don’t own a dog, at least one, there is not necessarily anything wrong with you, but there may be something wrong with your life. I couldn’t agree more. We own three dogs. Each has their own personality. Each has their own particular proficiency. Each has enhanced our lives in their own unique way.
One of our dogs, Petey, has blessed us with his devotion, loyalty and wisdom for nearly seventeen years. He came to us as a pound puppy. We had no great expectations as one might have when acquiring a “high brow” pure-bred. We knew nothing of his lineage. Petey created his own space and his own legacy. What we observed from the first moment we brought him home was that Petey was fast. He was fast in all aspects. He could run like a greyhound but he was also quick to learn and quick to love.
He was also a gentleman. When we brought him into our lives, we already had two dogs. They were pure-bred Scottish Terriers. Petey accepted their aloof and uppity personalities. He allowed them their space and even tolerated when they invaded his. He was willing to share the things he loved with others.
Petey may have had questionable genes, but they were good ones. He outlasted those Scotties. For a time he was the only dog in our family and he relished that role, but it didn’t last. His beloved masters acquired two German Shepherds and, once again, he graciously relinquished his alpha-dog role. Petey learned to run with the pack, yet he also cherished his solitude. He loved to take a morning walk alone, without his cohorts or even his masters. It was his time to reflect.
Petey witnessed my two sons grow from adolescence to manhood. He was tolerant of their childish rants and accepting when they moved on with their lives and left home. He never held a grudge.
Petey made the best of whatever life offered but that has become a more and more difficult over the past year. Age has taken its toll. He can barely walk now and he is fast only in his dreams. Today even those dreams will end.
We have an appointment at 3:00 p.m. to see his doctor. We will take one last slow painful journey together and then Petey will transform from aged to ageless. He will be gone from our house, but remain always in our hearts.
I think that at the end of our life journey, there can be no better gauge of our accomplishment and value than for those who have known and loved us to acclaim that the world is a better place because we walked on it and that they are better persons for having walked a bit of the way with us. That is certainly how I feel about my old and dear friend, Petey.
He taught me many things about how to achieve happiness and success in life. Here are just a few:
- Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
- Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
- When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
- When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.
- Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
- Take naps and stretch before rising.
- Run, romp, and play daily.
- Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
- Be loyal.
- If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
- When someone is having a bad day, be silent. Sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
- Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
- Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
- When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
- No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout…. run right back and make friends
- Delight in the simple joys of a long walk.
Have an awe-full weekend!
Bill Bacque