Tuesday, January 10, 2012
My inspiration
My inspiration...
Today was supposed to be the start of the hardest phase of side effects of chemotherapy. Despite that prediction, K and I had a fun hike on the trails this morning. It was warm, above freezing, and we heard chickadees singing their spring songs. We saw a Bald Eagle soaring over our heads. And, we saw lots of tracks of deer who are eking out an existence in our snow-bound world.
As I watched K moving along side me, I saw the happy bounce in her stride and her eyes watching my every movement. I felt so lucky to have the love of this dog.
After hearing the news of K's cancer today, an acquaintance asked me if I thought that it was "worth the end-of-life grief to have a dog". I whole-heartedly said that the joy by far outweighed the grief. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, I'd share my life with K all over again despite our recent challenges. But, I hope that we have many happy days still ahead of us.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Makes me feel good all over. I love your attitude and how both of you appreciate each day for what it is...another good day.
ReplyDeleteYou have a great attitude, appreciate the good, and focus on the positive. I believe that is what helps you and K. You 2 have a wonderful relationship and that helps make the not so good times bearable. Wishing the best for you both!!
ReplyDeleteErnie,Sasha,Chica,Lucas mom Barb
And the TWO of YOU are our inspiration!!!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, we agree, years of unconditional love and acceptance, outweigh the pain of grief any day. K looks absolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI second Khyra's thoughts
ReplyDeleteI've had similar conversations with people and have felt at times, as I see what other people are going through with their pets, what I've been through, and what I know I will go through again, is it worth it? And it's tough sometimes, especially alone, to take care of the needs of my dogs. But I certainly couldn't have made it through the past few years without Java. And even though Latte is chaos incarnate, she makes me laugh and is a real cuddler. They give and teach and inspire so much that it is easily worth the pain. All love is worth it.
ReplyDeleteI spent Christmas with people who "don't care for dogs". Stella and one other dog shared a nice garage with her, but she is not used to being without her Mom. But I find it so hard to understand with the closeness that we dog lovers have with our pups, the "I don't care for dogs" attitude. To me dogs are a blessing from God and I can't walk past one without reaching out.
ReplyDeleteIts just an honor to love them and look after them!
Jo
K is looking good! I would like to think that you are K's inspiration too:)))
ReplyDeleteSmilin' and saying Amen to that. And we third khyra's thoughts as well.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Goose
I've had that conversation too! To us dog people, it's never ''to much hurt'' or ''just a dog''. So glad she's hanging in there
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Dachshund Nola and her Mom
I agree! I'd never give up the whole experience to prevent the heart ache at the end. I've become a much better person thanks to my dogs!
ReplyDeleteWe all have!
ReplyDeleteLove is a 2 way journey, and that love when we connect so deeply with another- is what makes the heart beat, and each breath worth while.
ReplyDeleteK is looking so happy, and seeing the eagle in the sky is awsome
love
tweedles
Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHow sad I feel for your acquaintace. They must never of felt the love of a dog. I love that last picture of K.
ReplyDeleteK looks good. Nice you can be out and do your hiking.
ReplyDeleteOverused as they have been over the years, the lines by Tennyson still hold true:
ReplyDeleteI hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.
(In Memoriam:27, 1850)
Having a beloved animal in your life is definitely worth losing them to old age and/or illness. The loss doesn't come easy but the time with them is priceless.
ReplyDeleteAs heartbreaking as it has been at times, we are richer for all the love of our dogs' past - Wysti D, Little Echo, Emily, Tyson and Edgrrr. And we are thankful that we have these extra special days with Lily.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing like the love of a dog......
So glad K is doing so well!
Our Dogs love us unconditionally...truly a wonderful/humbling gift.
ReplyDeleteEvery moment with a beloved pet is worth it,no matter the end.
ReplyDeleteSo very good to see K handling things so well. We hope you both continue to do well.
I've lost dogs as a child but I haven't lost one of "my" dogs yet. I dread it with every ounce of my being BUT the kisses, snuggles, endearing looks and the happiness they provide are priceless. I can't imagine my life without a dog!
ReplyDeleteMamma Heartbeat
my question is, is it worth having mothers and fathers, both of mine have died, is it worth having a husband or wife, they die to. of course it is worth it. we have had two die since 2002 and it was more than worth it. did we cry? yes did we suffer? yes. but would we have given up those years of love? NO... K is so beautiful it hurts my heart to read this blog, but i read it because it gives me joy also.
ReplyDeleteYou inspire each other and it is a beautiful thing to see.
ReplyDeleteSo happy that K is having a good day !
Your final paragraph hit home more than I can say.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad K had a wonderful day :)
xoxo
I compleye 1000% agree with you on this one - when our previous chocolate lab Buster got sick and deteriorated before our eyes, my heart broke over and over again. But I believe that his spirit lives on in our house and that he led us to our Indy to heal oru hearts abd bring us joy beyoond measure (and Indy has done just that!). They are kindred spirits, Indy abd Buster, even though their paths have never crossed.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you and sweet K :):) I can't get enough of her eyes!!!
Aren't the 2 legged breed that has never lived and loved a dawg rather pitiful? Geesh - of course it's worth it! I'm sure K would echo the very words herself if'n she could.
ReplyDeleteYour reports of continuing to live life to the fullest make me a happy dawg.
Woofs and worthy slobbers,
Chester ;0=)
I can't imagine my life without a dog, having that unconditional love, knowing they would give their life to protect me, the joy, and the even the heartache. I can't even put into words what my dogs have given me...and nothing material. They are a blessing.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad K is handeling the chemo well. I was so worried for her going through this. But I know she is a fighter...like her mom:)
Puddles mum...Allison
I hope you do, too!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! The love you and K have for each other makes the hard days bearable. Good to see K "smiling" in the golden glow of the sun!
ReplyDeleteThis was a beautiful post in every way.
ReplyDeleteAs an adult, I have yet to lose a beloved dog. But I have had to say good-bye to several cats, including our Ripley back in August. As deeply as it hurts, all the wonderful memories, all the laughter, all the companionship, all the joy that they give us more than makes up for the pain. If we didn't have them, we wouldn't be hurt...but we would miss out on so much.
Amber (MayzieMom)
Hi KB, we totally agree. The absolute joy our pets give us makes us able to deal with the grief when it happens. Remembering the joy thus gives us the courage to go on and we have the chance to love once again. The cycle of life doesn't change, we just have to accept it and live with it. Thanks for your wonderful photos. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory
ReplyDeleteThe joy you share in that short life time of your furry friend will last a life time... it's all worth it, the love, the fun and the heartaches. They joy they bring is unmatched by anything.
ReplyDelete-Corbin's momma Jenn
Hi Y'all,
ReplyDeleteLife to me is only half a life without a dog by my side...the heartache is for my personal loss when my pal's life ends after such a brief stay on earth...Looking back I'll always have those special, magic moments we shared together. No person can ever steal those moments from me.
BrownDog's Human
We agree having one of us is the best
ReplyDeleteBenny & Lily
I agree 100%!! They give us so much and ask for so little in return. I dread the grief, but cherish every day. Wishing you strength in the days ahead, and like you say, many happy days to go!
ReplyDeleteWe're with Sandra's larger view of the question. The only way to avoid grief in life is to avoid love. How is that a life worth living? And with the possible exception of our parents [and grandparents], dogs are the only unconditional love we are ever likely to know.
ReplyDeleteJed & Abby
Of course having a dog is worth it! Dispite knowing we will have to loose them and will be so sad then. When we had to put to sleep our Josy after a short sickness it was so unbelievable that the world just could keep turning... I was glad to have the other dogs to cheer me up and not letting myself hang down too much, and I have gotten tow more dogs in the meantime, but I still do miss Josy but am so happy that I had her and was lucky enough to share ten years of her life! (Looking at her picture having tears in my eyes)
ReplyDeleteTina
K and yourself are both an inspiration. Fabulous photos's!
ReplyDeletesending lots of pawsative thoughts.
Big Nose Pokes
The Thugletsx