Last night I had to make a very heart-wrenching decision to have my dog put down. These are my reflections about my dog, Pippa (pictured left), and what I think we can all learn from our dogs about living a better life.
Let me be upfront, this blog is a little indulgent to help me come to terms with losing my constant companion for 11 years but I hope there's a bigger message in there for everyone.
Last night I was reflecting on the fragility of life. One moment Pippa was alive and as I held her, she took her last breath and in an instant she is gone forever. So quick, quiet and gentle.....gone. The moment between life and death is nothing. I'm not sure what I expected but it just struck me how gently she moved from life to death; no fight, no fear, just gone.
My most significant memory will be how she has always loved me so unconditionally. It didn't matter if I was in a bad mood, was sad or happy, she wanted to be with me - nothing was more important to her than being with me. I wonder if we human beings could always love without any judgments how much more fulfilling our life would be.
Her very final moment in life told the whole story about dogs. She was so dreadfully unwell and I could see she was a bit scared by the strange room and the electric razor they used to shave a clear space on her leg to insert the lethal injection. But despite all this and even after the injection had been inserted, she still managed to put me first. I had my face up to hers and I was crying, telling her that I love her and saying goodbye and she very gently and slowly licked my face. She was scared and in pain, yet she still licked me because I'm sure she knew I was sad and she wanted to comfort me. Dogs have such a big radar for feelings and emotions. They know when you need comforting and they know when you want to play. I believe that she was trying to comfort me, as she has done many times for me and children over the years.
Once again, imagine if humans could remain so present in every moment that we intuitively knew the emotional needs of one another. How much difference might that make to the rising rates of depression and loneliness?
So, in honour of my best little mate, I will endeavour to live more like she did. I'll focus on being more present for my loved ones, less judgemental of their actions or moods and try to embrace life like Pippa did. I wonder if you might do the same?
I'm going to miss your companionship Pippa, and you'll always be in my heart little buddy, thanks for all the love and joy that brought to our whole family. Farewell.
Let me be upfront, this blog is a little indulgent to help me come to terms with losing my constant companion for 11 years but I hope there's a bigger message in there for everyone.
Last night I was reflecting on the fragility of life. One moment Pippa was alive and as I held her, she took her last breath and in an instant she is gone forever. So quick, quiet and gentle.....gone. The moment between life and death is nothing. I'm not sure what I expected but it just struck me how gently she moved from life to death; no fight, no fear, just gone.
My most significant memory will be how she has always loved me so unconditionally. It didn't matter if I was in a bad mood, was sad or happy, she wanted to be with me - nothing was more important to her than being with me. I wonder if we human beings could always love without any judgments how much more fulfilling our life would be.
Her very final moment in life told the whole story about dogs. She was so dreadfully unwell and I could see she was a bit scared by the strange room and the electric razor they used to shave a clear space on her leg to insert the lethal injection. But despite all this and even after the injection had been inserted, she still managed to put me first. I had my face up to hers and I was crying, telling her that I love her and saying goodbye and she very gently and slowly licked my face. She was scared and in pain, yet she still licked me because I'm sure she knew I was sad and she wanted to comfort me. Dogs have such a big radar for feelings and emotions. They know when you need comforting and they know when you want to play. I believe that she was trying to comfort me, as she has done many times for me and children over the years.
Once again, imagine if humans could remain so present in every moment that we intuitively knew the emotional needs of one another. How much difference might that make to the rising rates of depression and loneliness?
So, in honour of my best little mate, I will endeavour to live more like she did. I'll focus on being more present for my loved ones, less judgemental of their actions or moods and try to embrace life like Pippa did. I wonder if you might do the same?
I'm going to miss your companionship Pippa, and you'll always be in my heart little buddy, thanks for all the love and joy that brought to our whole family. Farewell.
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