four paws, one cold wet nose, and twelve years of memories …

A // W // F

I don’t often talk in much detail here about my real, day-to-day life.  Today, though, I wanted to introduce you to a special guy whose path intersected with mine for a little while.  

This is my fur-brother Eli — my parents’ sweet-tempered standard poodle — who crossed the rainbow bridge on Friday night:

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A few weeks ago, when I visited my family in Chesapeake, I spent a little time with this furry old man.  The two of us lazed under the trees, soaking up the sun and the early-spring air.  I dug my fingers into the soft ruff of his neck, thinking about when he was just a little ball of white fluff and I was still just a girl with a bare left ring finger.  He was quicker and wilder then, and maybe I was, too.  

For a little while, we were young together.

I took a few special snaps of the two of us that day, knowing they’d most probably be the last, and tonight I’m thumbing through them slowly. Oh, friends … What a beautiful thing it is, to be loved by a dog:

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It’s been my experience that canines are kinder than people — big-hearted, loyal and forgiving to a fault — and I’ve often thought if we humans could love each other that way, this world would be a better place.

Please give your four-legged buddy a smooch on the nose for me, and spend a little extra time playing or snuggling today.  The time is truly too short. ❤

 

 

26 Comments

  3. So sorry for your loss. I had a very emotional moment with my dog the other day as I thought about the time she has been with me and what her presence has meant in terms of my life experience. Without her, I would have been bored running, camping and hiking. I’m sure I would have still liked it, but her presence made me feel less alone, and her excitement kept me doing it much more often than I would have alone. I am so grateful for the gift of her. And, you are right … the time is much too short

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    1. I know just what you mean, Sharon. It’s funny how a dog’s life will see us through so many life changes and yet remain so exceptionally stable and strong. And they are such joyful companions. Glad you had your pup for your own journey… She’s such a beauty. 🙂

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  4. Oh the love of a pup, that unconditional consistent love. You are so fortunate to have such wonderful memories and to recognize the time. I love that you took pictures and made the time with him. I love how we grow up with a four legged compainion and how they know us so well. I am so sorry for your loss but rejoice in the memory of a really sweet and handsome dog! Hugs to you!

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  7. My four-legged friend is a cat, but he is just as special, and he happens to be sitting right here next to me. So sorry for your loss. What a blessing you both were to each other. We carry those little pieces with us in our hearts forever.

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    1. Thank you for the kind words. It makes me happy to know Miao gets a little extra love (and oh, that name! Couldn’t help but laugh a bit).

      We are all lucky to have a four-legged friend or two. They are often the best kind. 🙂

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            1. But of course.

              Funny story: our little shih tzu Sophie is quite the tiny diva. T is responsible for taking her out in the morning and giving her her breakfast; with me, she gets a long evening walk and dinner.

              We joke that she thinks of us as her morning valet and her evening valet. 😉

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  9. Sorry to hear he is not longer with us. But glad to hear you’ve had such a special relationship with him and for a long period of time. I’ll give my cat Lucy some extra love tonight when she returns from her adventures ❤

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