4/2/2016
In the wee hours of the morning I’m awaken by Jackson needing to go outside to the bathroom (that’s the last time I don’t bring him out before going to bed). Today marks’s the next phase for Jackson & us on this journey through cancer. I often thought of each part of this process as beign the most difficult time but in retrospect you realize that each phase builds upon the next, not knowing exactly when the end is near, but knowing it always lives close by.
I guess this is a lot like life, each of our experiences building on the next growing, learning, changing, challenging ourselves as humans in this world. For many of us this journey takes years for others it’s short lived. Either way the life expectancy of animals is a lot less in human years than most of us would like to experience. I’ve always known that a dog’s life is measured in dog years 7 human years = 1 dog year. Who came up with this calculation? Why can’t dogs live as long as humans?
In this last 6 months I’ve been much more present to the fact that a dog’s life is measured in the moments! The chasing of a ball, the smell of a scent in the air, the nuzzling into the hand of their owner for a scratch behind the ear. All these moments build on the next to create passages of time. It’s this sort of singular time that if we just stop the busyness of our lives we can experience too. The funny thing is I’ve known this my whole life having grown up with dogs they have taught me so much about life. The lessons are abound; being in the moment, unconditional love, being an active listener, smelling life’s miracles, being active outside going for walks & swimming in the ocean, finding joy in the simple things & it’s always better to be part of a pack.
For some reason though we forget sometimes the true nature of the animal spirit that their souls live on in us long after they are gone from this earthly place.
I have experienced an array of emotions throughout this process with Jacskon, at times trying to prepare myself for the worst case scenario & at other times trying to live in the moment & fill our life with the simple joys. It’s been a roller coaster for sure but I wouldn’t have changed a thing about the decisions we’ve made & the steps we’ve taken. Our furry friends teach us so much if we just stop to listen to them, so we continue on one moment at a time, breathing, yawning and listening in the silence. Remembering silence speaks when words cannot.
This journey and our Warriors truly do teach us life lessons as we proceed through all the ups and downs. We learn that nothing else matters but today. We learn to take each today and live it fully just as our dogs do. Jackson has a good student in you and you have a wonderful teacher in him. Tomorrow will come but not today. Keep embracing all your “today’s”. Much love and many hugs to you and Jackson.
Linda & Spirit Mighty Max
Thanks Linda for the thoughtful remarks yes so true nothing else matters than “today”.
We definitely learn on this journey that is for sure. They say that you really don’t realize how much until that time that they are not with you. I sure can attest to that. Sassy taught me so much in the short time that she had her amputation and treatments. I never realized how much.
We each need to enjoy each and every moment of the day. It really doesn’t matter what kind of day we had it should be forgotten after that moment happened. Move on and live with that next moment. Be more dog(or cat) is how we need to be
I always tried to put those worse case scenarios out of my mind because then I might miss a special moment with Sassy. I learned once she developed mets she wasn’t dead and don’t start the mourning process because I might miss something very special.
xoxoxox
Michelle & Angel Sassy.
Michelle thanks so much for the kind remarks yes I know it’s been a struggle for me at times lately to stay in the moment without thinking the worst case scenario to come. Live & breath in the now.
I just read your previous blog post. Not sure how I missed it.
The important thing, and the only thing that matters is , Jackson is thoroughly enjoying himself, and has every single moment since you came into his life!
Jackson is too busy to feel bad! Jackson has a lot more sticks he wants to track down and taxkle and chew to smithereens!
You’ve written a lovely blog today, a very enlightened and lovely blog. Its clear you are an excellent student for Professor Jackson. Yiu are learning the life lessons he is teaching you very well.
Thank you for sharing such beautiful sentiments…so heartfelt, so enlightened.
The love you and Jackson have for each other comes shining through with each post.
We’re all cheering for you Jackson!
Lots of love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Thanks Sally I appreciate your comments I had never thought of myself as the student Jackson the professor so very true. Thank you 🙂
this was so beautifully described, and so true we forget all too quickly to live, and I would like to say, I very much found peace in your post tonight while I wrap my head around our last moments.
Thanks for commenting it is comforting to know that we aren’t alone in this process even though sometimes it feels this way. Prayers to you & your furry soul.
I have had a tag at the end of all my correspondence signatures for many years and it says “Live in the Moment”
We only have this moment right now, not yesterday and tomorrow is not here. I believe that is how our precious pets live and we should strive to learn from their example.
Best wishes to you and yours – Summer