There is a universal truth that there is just something about a dog that is good for the human soul.
They love unconditionally, forgive quickly, and remind us that enjoying the little things is what life is all about. They teach us humility, kindness, and that a good nap in the sun can solve almost any problem. Perhaps a dog's greatest flaw is that they simply don't live long enough.
Losing a dog is like losing a family member.
I was lucky enough to grow up with dogs in my life. There hasn't been a day in my life that my family did not own a dog. Each one has been special in their own way and loved by everyone in my family. I always say that I don't have favorites, but that would be a lie. Rocket, my childhood dog, will always hold a special place in my life.
I will never forget the Christmas Eve when my parents surprised us with a yellow lab puppy. He was a bundle of energy, so the name Rocket was a no brainer. From that day on, Rocket was a constant in my life. No matter how bad my day was, I knew that when I came home, he would be waiting at the door and greet me as though he hadn't seen me in five years. He was my go-to through many of life's firsts: the first day of middle school, the first day of high school, first dance, first heartbreak, first time leaving home.
Through the years of growing up and changing, the one thing that didn't change was how much I loved my childhood dog.
When it was time to pack up 18 years of my life and move away to college, I couldn't help reminiscing on just how much I had changed. From the nervous, insecure middle schooler to the person I am today, Rocket was there through it all. When it was time to say my goodbyes, I was devastated to leave my beloved dog behind.
He was no longer the energetic puppy he once was, he had greyed and slowed down. It made me feel old too.
The first weeks living in a dorm without a dog was a huge adjustment. It seemed so foreign to not have dog hair on every piece of clothing item I owned. But, like everything in life, I became adjusted to it. I face-timed my family to see Rocket every day, and they sent daily photos of him. As great as it was to get daily updates, it was hard to see his age catching up to him. In the back of my mind, I knew that his days were limited, but I will never forget one of the worst calls of my life.
It was during a lecture that I got a text from my mom to call her ASAP. My heart dropped, she never sent things like that unless it was a serious situation. So, I packed up and went outside. It was freezing in the middle of winter, but I didn't care; I was sweating from the thought of what could be wrong. When she picked up the phone, I could hear her holding back tears. She explained that Rocket had cancer in his spleen, which had caused internal bleeding. She told me that there was nothing that could be done, but if I wanted to come home and say goodbye they could put him on pain medicine to give him a few more hours. Of course, this was the worst news I could have gotten.
The five-hour car ride home was a blur. My eyes were bloodshot from crying so much. When I arrived home and said my goodbyes, I couldn't help but feel so indebted to the dog that brought everyone privileged enough to know him so much joy.
I wouldn't have wanted to grow up with anyone else by my side.
As the quote from "Marley and Me" goes: "A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water log stick will do just fine. A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart, and he'll give you his."
So, cherish the moments you have with your four-legged best friend, there's simply nothing better than a good dog.
