10:30 in the morning. I'm sitting in my college lecture hall. Trying to pay attention to whatever the professor is saying. But my mind keeps slipping. 10:30 in the morning. My mind replays all the memories I have ever had with you over and over again. The day we brought you home. The day you ripped a hole in my shirt. The day you ran away. The night I tried to make you sleep in my room. The day you finally learned your tricks. The quiet nights on the deck. The endless barking. The walks to the beach. The baths. 10:30 in the morning. The time of your appointment.

No one can prepare you for the death of a dog. Suddenly, a major part of your family and life is gone. There is a certain emptiness in your heart. Growing up with a dog never made me feel like he was changing my life. He was fun to have. A friend to hug. But, it is not like he is a person, so how much impact can he make? And then that friend is gone. And there is a hole. And you realize that this dog wasn’t just a bystander in your life. But a participant in your life.

“A person can learn a lot from a dog, even a loopy one like ours. Marley taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught me to appreciate the simple things- a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, a nap in a shaft of winter sunlight. And as he grew old and achy, he taught me about optimism in the face of adversity. Mostly, he taught me about friendship and selflessness and above all else, unwavering loyalty. “ -John Grogan, “Marley & Me”

Lessons from our dogs:

1. “Optimism in the face of adversity”

Dogs never give up on happiness. When they fall they get back up again and keep running. They are so much more hopeful than us. Their tails will wag at the simple pleasures in life, like running in the backyard. They never waver on the idea that this life is wonderful.

2. “Friendship”

Thanks for always being up for a cuddle. Thanks for cheering us up without even trying. Thanks for saying everything without saying anything. Thanks for taking long walks with us whenever we need it. Thanks for growing up and learning with us.

3. “Selflessness”

Dogs give and give and give and do not expect anything in return. No matter how many sticks, bones, and balls we throw, they will always go out and find it.

4. “Unwavering Loyalty”

How does that happen? How do dogs willingly just give their hearts to us? We don’t have to do anything but feed them and walk them and play with them and they still give us their whole spirit. We have different agendas and goals and priorities in life, and dogs don’t care. They will still be there at the door when we get home, waiting for a pat on the head or a ruffling of their ears.

Dogs teach us that our attitude towards life matters. That trusting and loving people with your whole heart is not something to fear. That It takes courage and bravery to live like that. To live with the hope of a dog is the bravest way to live.

To our dogs,

Thanks for all the lessons.