Just a Dog
I am, and I say this with pride, a dog lover. I truly believe in my heart that they possess qualities and inherent capabilities of which none of us will ever be made fully aware, no matter how intricate advances in science and technology may become. They beguile and enchant as they try, and fully succeed for those who sincerely believe in them, to communicate solely with their eyes and actions. There are millions who join me in the genuine wonder, admiration and awe of this remarkable species of unconditional and unrelenting love providers…and we proudly bear the title: Dog Lovers.
Dog lovers can literally feel the intensity of that love combined with the faithfulness and loyalty dogs possess and with all that is within them, try to convey. We know that they have somehow discovered a secret equation to transform that elusive, vague energy known as love into an almost tangible emotion.
However, there are those in this world who, for one reason or another, have not been granted the blessing of experiencing this connection … those who have not looked deeply into a dog’s enduring gaze and felt the adoration and allegiance they whole-heartedly express using the tool God has given them for communication … pure, unconditional love.
For these people, I must feel a little sympathy as they are missing out on a joy that is present 24 hours a day for the taking. A reciprocal warmth, a perpetual acceptance and an innate forgiveness of our discretions … there, at our disposal. A friendship that is an addition to the very core of our soul, forever present throughout each day … like a guardian angel or an unseen shadow, whose aura forever surrounds us.
For these folks, a dog is but a canine … yet another random creature … “just a dog.”
I use that expression, because I’ve heard it uttered too many times, by those who truly have not taken the time, or maybe just don’t possess that extra sense humans need to tap into, to fully understand the nature of this animal. What is obvious is that we, as humans, have the ability to hear, to see, to smell, to feel and to taste. But, I feel there is at least one sense omitted from that basic list and that is … to connect.
Unfortunately, as we Dog Lovers know, the downside to owning a dog (and I use that term loosely as I don’t believe we ever own them for they are only on loan to us from God) is their life expectancy. In my heart, I believe that this is the sole reason why they have the ability to love so intently, so devotedly. They bestow love on a level that must be multiplied … at least by seven, which is the gauge we use to compare average human years to dogs. Whereas, a human is born with the capacity to spread an allotted amount of love over an average of 75+ years, dogs instead must fit all that love into an average of 10-14 years.
I have comforted my own soul, especially lately, with the fact that there is a reason why dogs leave this earth before we do, in most instances. My rationalization is that because the love they feel for us is so incredibly intense, so all encompassing, their suffering is bound to be far greater. Though, those of us who have lost our incredible companions know too well, the pain at times is insufferable. For a moment however, think of what it is for them should we leave forever with no explanation? If their love for us is multiplied by at least seven, then so would be, their grief. At least, we have the ability to console our hearts with the facts and details of sickness or old age. They, in turn, do not. Their pain, therefore, in my opinion, would be more excruciating, more debilitating. I think God arranged it for them to “leave” first … to spare them that amplified agony.
We will never truly realize
all that they give us …
because they “outlove” us
instead of outlive us.
- Linda Ellis
This is so true, Linda! Thank you for saying in words what my heart has always known about the beloved dogs who have been part of our family all my life. We currently have a little Papillion named Mika, which means “gift from God” and she truly is that!
On another note, how can I get a copy of your poem, “The Dash”? It is quite thought provoking and I’d like to have a copy of it so I can refer to it daily as a reminder.
Thank you!
This was so beautiful – my husband just told me about your poem the dash, and I read it because tomorrow we have to put our 9 year old Rottie, Baron down. He came down with cancer in April and we amputated his rear leg to save him. His sister Heidi then had a back problem – we were going to have surgery done to save her and they told us they found three tumors in her lungs. That was in April, and we asked for some meds so we could spend a last day with her. She responded so well that we had her for another 2 months; we had to put her down on June 1. Now her brother Baron is going to join her at the Rainbow bridge. We are heartbroken. I thank God that we rescued another 2 year old mixed breed named Lexy. Now she will have to save us. Thank you so much for your poem. Dogs truly are the best!
This was so comforting to me. I put my 14year old terrior to sleep to day and I am feeling sad, but happy that he is ok now. I held him till his last breath and I thank God so much for bringing him into my life. He was such a precious gift to me for so long and my very best friend…I love you griz and will miss you for a lifetime. The poem makes me think that Griz loved me so much and would have never understood if I would have gone first, therefore I loved him enough to set him free.
Thank you Linda. Your Tucker looks like my Daisy.
I came across your blog while surfing the internet. On November 1, 2010 I had to have my 6 month old rescue pup put to sleep because he had a heart disease. We had rescued him from bad living conditions {we were his 4th home} and he was only with us for 2 months but it felt like he had lived with us forever. I hope and I pray that Jedi knew a forever home is what he had found. Some people say “well it’s not like you had him for a long time” regardless how long or how short one has a pet they leave in ones heart their paw prints. I miss Jedi terribly. Your post was very well written and every word rung so true. God Bless You.
Hi Linda,
Tucker’s tribute had me weeping and feeling joy at the same time. Joy in that he was so deeply loved. My working dog, Tangus, an Alberta Hero Dog (2005) died April 12, 2010. Tangus had a full blown memorial service open to the city of Calgary because of his devoted work over the last decade. CMT is also doing a Pet Heroes segment on his life in Februrary 2011. You can simply google his name to see the gifts he gave so freely to humanity. God bless you and thank you for painting with words….the gift of beauty to feed our souls. My new puppy Tumbra is doing remarkable work and carries forward the spirit of Tangus…I do hope you have a new beloved companion soon.
Thank you again,
Straja Linder King
Just read your lovely poem to Tucker
and it has comforted me so much as we had to have our wonderful dog Tara put to sleep a week ago , you are right it would be so hard for them if we died first as they would nt know why we had left them so I will always remember they outlove us instead of outlive us thank you so much
cute dog
Your moving piece about our dog’s unconditional love really touched me and I agree that all us dog lovers can identify. I had to put my Welsh Terrier Toby down on March 6 at age 14 and am still grieving. What a beautiful tribute to your Tucker. Thanks so much for sharing. You are a wonderful writer.
just what I needed; Monday I had to make a very difficult choice for my best friend. Megs was in great pain, and at 19 years old her life was slowly ending. I called the vet and she came to the house and released Megs from her pain. This week has been very difficult and your message was a great comfort. thank you.
WOW what a meaningful piece Linda. As a fellow dog lover I knew I would need a tissue. I was right in floods of tears half way through. You are an amzing writer. God bless you. Im sure Tucker is around you constantly in spirit.
What a wonderful way to put it. I have a friend who needs this at the moment and I wish I had had it several years ago.
Thank you