In my mind, there is nothing like owning a dog. No matter what is going on in life, a dog is always happy to see you. They follow you around with their tails wagging and remind you about some of the fundamentals of a life lived well:
Show the people you love how much you love them;
There is nothing like a good treat;
Walks are amazing;
And there is always time for a nap.
I got my first dog the summer after I graduated college. His name was Reilly.
He was a sweet beagle with a heart of gold and a spirit (and bellow!) that couldn’t be silenced.
He was with me every step into adulthood. Reilly and I moved into my first apartment together. He was there when send me off to first my first post-college job and waiting by the door when I got home.
We’d spoon at night until my husband came along at which point he reluctantly gave up his pillow beside me and moved to the foot of the bed.
But Reilly wasn’t reluctant when it came to my step kids. He was great with the kids right off the bat and happily assumed his new role as family dog.
In early sobriety sometimes he and my other dog Oreo were the only things that could make me smile.
Despite best efforts from my wonderful support system, when you are crying on the kitchen floor sometime the only fix is the sound of paws walking your way to let you know that someone can’t bare the thought of you not being around.
But sadly Reilly’s body couldn’t keep up with his huge, loving heart.
Over Memorial Day Weekend we knew the discomfort of his 14 year old body was just too much. I cried, I was beside myself, but I knew it was time to call the vet and let him go. We made an appointment for Tuesday afternoon, but on Tuesday morning he went on his own in his sleep.
It was true Reilly style. Taking care of his mom till end.
He knew I was struggling with making the call so he made it for me.
In the weeks since I’ve had plenty of tears and sadness.
I’ve never been in my house without him. I still find myself thinking he is going to be right under my feet in the kitchen hoping I’ll drop some food. Or when Oreo comes in from being outside, I have to remind myself that I can close the door. Reilly isn’t a few steps behind anymore.
But I am also so full of gratitude.
I was so blessed to have him for so long and I have too many good memories to count. He loved me unconditionally. Everyone needs that in their life and only some dogs can provide it. Reilly was one of those dogs.
So I choose to believe that he is in a better place now. He’s free to run around and bark as loud, and as long, as he wants.
And I hope that I can be a little more like him by loving people just as they are, no strings attached.
