3 Things I (Re)Learned From My Dog’s Death

Ten years and a day after she was born we buried her. She had become as much a part of our lives as anything not human could become. Nala had been suffering for a number of weeks and we sensed the end was near. While driving back to the office after a meeting I tried to reach my wife. When she didn't answer either the home phone or her cell, I drove straight to the vet’s office. She wasn't there so I drove home to find her lying on the floor comforting Nala. We both knew we had to take her to the vet but we also both knew the diagnosis would be, "It's time." I held Nala as the vet gave her a sedative and then we watched as the IV took her last breath. We carried her home and buried her in the corner of our property. And as we stood at her grave I was impressed by three lessons:

1) Everyday moments are precious - Years ago when my kids were young I would arrive home to exclamations of "Daddy's home!" As my kids grew older and the greeting waned, Nala continued to run to greet me, even in her last days. There’s nothing more mundane than walking into the house. And there’s nothing more exceptional than a simple, genuine greeting. Whose life can you enrich today with a smile and a strength-based compliment?

2) Life is a mixture of pain and pleasure – Standing over Nala’s grave my wife and I prayed thankfully for our marriage and the gift it has been to our lives. Some times have been beautiful. Some times have been tough (and this was one of those times). Somehow it’s the mixture of both and everything in between that makes life rich. Look for the touch of Jesus in every day.

3) It’s good to be loved – I watched the way my wife patiently cared for Nala even to the point when Nala could barely move. Her preference would have been to cover Nala with a light blanket and console her until she passed away at home. Most likely I will pass away before my wife. I am comforted to see how deeply she is able to love even a pet. I will be cared for in a special way in my last days. Do your loved ones know that kind of commitment from you?

Carpe Diem!
(even in the mundane)