Tuesday, April 26, 2016
“The tide recedes, but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand.
The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land.
The music stops, yet echos on in sweet soulful refrains.
For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains.” A veterinarian to her client when her dog passed.
This article is dedicated to my friend Bailey who passed suddenly today. She was a beautiful dog who lived life to the fullest and was running with complete joy when her heart suddenly stopped. She was 5 years old. She is missed already. There will be many stories told about her for a long time. Bailey loved her owners (and us) as much we loved her. She was one of those dogs who oozed joy, delight, playfulness and energy, and she was also calm, content when she was with her family. She had a good life and she knew it. She was a wonderful companion from the moment she arrived. I remember her as cute little puppy that was full of beans, and she stayed that way for her 5 years. She loved to run, sing with the harmonica, chase after stones, snuggle up on the couch, dig and play. She was loved and was a very smart dog who was well trained. She was easy to be around and easy to look after. As a dog owner, I know how much joy dogs contribute to our lives. I watch the people in our neighbourhood with their dogs. They are outside walking in all types of weather. They stop to chit chat when they meet on the road, in the park or on the trail. Their dogs are almost always happy because they are getting exercise and they love to be with their owners and their dog friends. Everyone has ridiculous stories of the antics of their dogs. My most recent story of Bailey involves her finding my mother’s Christmas cake (which I was letting soak in rum for a year) and eating it! We all look after each other’s dogs when we go on vacation. We have created a whole community around the care and well being of the dogs. It’s another way we connect. We human beings crave a sense of community and belonging and dogs are yet another way of creating it. Dogs require effort and attention for sure, but it is always worth the work. Every bit of effort is worth it for the companionship, the delight, the company that they give us every day of their lives. I know I am healthier because of my dog and the dogs in our lives. Thanks for all the great walks Bailey. We all miss you.