Happy Halloween

I remember all the years walking Sophie on Halloween amidst the trick-or-treaters.

Excerpts from 'Letter from a Dog' by Jon Katz

In his book Going Home, Jon Katz writes what he imagines might be some of a dog's parting words for us. I found what he wrote very touching. Here are some excerpts:

"It is my time to say goodbye. My legs are weakening, my sight failing, smells are faint. I am wearying. My spirit is fading, and I have been called home and away from you."

"Although I have been called away, I leave you with the memories of our life together."

"When you looked at me and the corners of your mouth turned up, you smelled and looked different. Lighter, happier. That was my life, my work. Nothing more clearly defined my purpose. When you smiled, I knew why I was here."

"I remember my heart jumping out of my chest when you came home and called my name, or grabbed a ball, or took me outside, or fed me. I hope you know that I loved all of those things - whatever you chose to bring me and give me, whatever time you spent with me, I loved."

"By now, you must know that there is always a goodbye hovering in the shadow of a dog. We are never here for long, or for long enough. We were never meant to share all of your life, only to mark its passages. We come and we go. We come when we are needed. We leave when it is time. Death is necessary. It defines life."

"I do not mourn or grieve, but I will miss standing beside you, bound together on our walk through life, even as I know that there is a long line of others waiting to take my place and stand with you."

"And finally, I ask these things of you: Remember me. Celebrate me. Grieve for me. And then, when you can, let me go, freely and in peace."

Going Home - Finding Peace When Pets Die by Jon Katz

Having Sophie euthanized about 5 months ago was a painful experience despite having mourned the loss of many other pets in my life. Although this book didn't shed new light for me on anything in regard to the pain of losing a pet, Going Home by Jon Katz was extremely comforting and helped with my healing. I read The New Work of Dogs, also by Jon Katz, a few years ago and found the author to be extremely knowledgeable and sensitive about the the deep connection that exists between humans and their pets.

Life with a Dog

Sophie's been gone almost 5 months now and although I'm realizing that life is a lot easier without a dog, it confirms that life is just better with a dog.

Colbie

Yesterday I spent a little time with my friend Mike's dog, Colbie. She's very sweet.