Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Life is Short, Tell People You Love Them, Hug Your Dog

The job of dog walker is fun, exhausting, unpredictable and sometimes heart breaking.   We have to say goodbye to our beloved furry clients too often. I received this email from a client recently and it captures the love and the hurt that visits all of us who have furry family members.  Life is short, tell people you love them, hug your dog.  
Hi to all,
  
 It is a sad day at our house today. 
 
 Champ passed away about 2 hours ago. If you are a dog lover you understand that emotional piece that follows this type of a loss.  
 
 I did not want a dog 7 years ago… a friend put him on hold for us at the dog pound. In less than two weeks Champ ate his way in to my heart. He has remained there ever since. Champ taught me a lot about the value of relationships and how important they are.
  
 I would constantly say…..”Good boy Champ”……over and over….many times a day…..and Champ would respond in a positive way. He would look at me….he knew how I felt about him…. always. His tail would wag and eyes would shine.
 It took time for me to realize….I did not compliment people, as often as  I complimented my dog.  Let people know how you feel about them and observe their reaction. It is a simple thing to do ….and my belief is that you will get a warm response from them just like I got from Champ.
  
 The development of our relationship was very special. Champ played a big part of our life.  My wife showed me how to love animals in a different way...her warm heart and being raised on a farm gave her a different perspective.
She and I gave Champ a lot of love…..and Champ returned more than we gave him. He was truly a gift to us.  He will always be missed and loved.  He truly is and was a member of our family.  
 
  Life goes on….our home will not feel the same without Champ.  
 

14 comments:

  1. Ohhhh I get this. After my bullmastiff died it took me years to get another dog.
    <3

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    1. They have a way of wiggling their furry butts into our hearts, don't they? Thanks for stopping by!

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  2. I'm so sorry to hear about Champ. Our furry family members bring us so much joy and it's difficult to say goodbye.

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  3. One of the hardest parts of this job. Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. "Let people know how you feel about them and observe their reaction. It is a simple thing to do . . " What a poignant piece and that line in particular. I'm so sorry. I didn't imagine I'd ever have a relationship with a dog, and now I'm two years into it and I'm all in. Heartbreaking. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Champ was a good dog and this client was able to express his feelings exquisitely. Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. I am so sorry. We just adopted a senior dane and have fallen head over heels for him. I am dreading the day we lose him.

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    1. Thanks for Adopting! I have a soft spot in my heart for big, lurpy, goofy Danes. Give him a butt scratch from me. :)
      Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. I'm so sorry. We just lost our rottweiler a few months ago.

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    1. I'm so sorry Pauline. Every Rottie I've ever met thinks he's a lap dog. Some of the snuggliest creatures God ever made. Hugs for you.

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  7. Awww so very heartbreaking. I lost my pug Neo two years ago and it was and still is devastating. I still cry over him. I want another pooch but I can't bring myself to get one yet. No one knows this heartbreak until they experience it for themselves. My thoughts and prayers go out to her.

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    1. Hey Sassy--I'm sorry about your sweet pug. I cared for 3 pugs at one time. Jerry, Maya and Macy. They were hilariously adorable. Each dog that leaves their paw prints on our lives makes it that much richer. Hugs for you. Thanks for stopping by.

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  8. My sympathies. People who don't own animals don't realize how much a part of the family our pets become and how much it hurts when they reach the end of their lives. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com

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  9. You're so right, Alana. Thanks for stopping by!

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