Let the Memories Bring Smiles

Today marks thirty days since my sidekick and best friend Diesel left me.  I would like to think that if I had been the one who left he would not have forgotten me!

Over the past month I have walked many times the same paths Diesel and I took through the years.  And with each walk the memories were a little easier and sometimes brought a smile.

I have written on here about some of the things that Diesel taught me.  The one thing he taught in the end was the importance of a final directive.  No, Diesel could not have made a final directive but the decision I made about him is one that should not be placed unnecessarily on another person you care about.

So, as you go forward today, think about the painful decision someone you love may be forced to make one day because you did not act.  Get an advance directive.

Diesel... forever in my heart.  Diesel... always bringing smiles.

RIP, buddy dog!

The Memories Remain

It was two weeks ago this morning that my beloved Diesel Dog crossed the Rainbow Bridge.   It was this morning that I finally moved his toys and bed to the garage.

Two days ago I took his special prescription food and unused insulin syringes to the Humane Society Shelter.  

I was looking at some pictures of Diesel over the past few days. He had really started looking rough.  Of course, people say the same thing about this guy!

After studying the pictures and remembering his difficulties breathing and all I realize it was the proper thing to do.

And, while I miss my walking buddy, I still go walking every day.  I have memories each step along the way.  

They are good memories.   And the one thing I am grateful this day is....

the memories remain!

Life Goes On - And You Are Still Missed....

It has been a week since my best pal Diesel left me.  Sure I go for my daily walks but they are not quite the same.

The most difficult art is when I meet people while walking and get asks where my little dog is at.... that is when the hurt comes back.

I have had a couple of folks tell me that Diesel was such a cool dog.  He loved people although he was a bit stubborn at times!

That little dog made quite an impression on me.  I want to believe I made an impression on him...

Have a great day folks and cherish each walk with you pal!

Pay Attention to Your Dog... They Are Teaching You!

I wonder if many of us fail to take the time to learn the lessons our pets teach us.   Just over the past week or so I have been thinking about all the nuggets that my Boston Terrier Diesel has taught me over the past ten or so years.

First lesson early on was persist and you will get noticed.  When Diesel was just a young pup he wasn't one of those dogs that required extensive training about going outside to take care of business.  

No, he was a fast learner and found that if he went and sat by the front door someone would notice - eventually!

This lesson applies to my real estate business through the past fifteen years.  It is my blogging, networking and going the extra mile for customers.  It took a while but done long enough you do get noticed.

Diesel loved to walk every day - several times.  Early on he would love to go walking but then, at any given time, he would decide "enough is enough,lets take a break."  And it never failed that he would decide to take a break in the shade  under a tree in some stranger's yard!

Diesel taught me that playing ball every day was a good way to blow off steam.   And then I always had to leave the TV on for him whenever I left the house.  Most often it would be on Animal Planet but sometimes it was left on Foxnews so he could be an informed dog!

Diesel could have taught us all an important lesson - respect law enforcement.  

Of course this picture was taken with his original owner - my son who was a police officer at the time.  Diesel came to live me me about 8 years ago because it was too challenging to stay in all shift (12 hours) and then understand when my son had to sleep!

Another lesson about life... not sure if he taught me or I taught him but it was simple - when your road appears to end, look for another way!

Diesel was put to sleep today.  He was so loved and will be so missed.  But the memories and the lessons will last!

If Diesel Could Speak What Would He Say?

Diesel had a very rough night last night. We were up at 2:23 a.m. and I stayed awake with him all night.  He seems to do better in the morning after sunrise.

But while sitting with him early this morning I made a promise to him that I would muster the strength to do what was necessary but hurtful.

You see, yesterday afternoon he wanted to play. I tossed his ball just about 15 feet. He ran to pick it up and fell over. I knew he had fainted. 

This morning his appetite is really diminished.  His tongue looks a bit bluish to me. He has lost weight even while eating.

I called the vet's office and made an appointment for tomorrow morning.

I guess the reality is sinking in right now.

I am also questioning whether I am doing the right thing or not.  At times he appears to be doing better and then he has no energy or enthusiasm

I hope I am doing the right thing for Diesel because it really hurts.

When I look into his eyes I think he knows the end is near.  I want to believe he trusts me to do what is best for him - not me.

I Really Know Diesel!

It is now July 13th.  My dog Diesel seems to be going downhill this week with his heart failure and diabetes.

His breathing is labored.  His appetite is diminished today.  The end is near.

And it hurts me.

I am thinking about all my previous pets.  I was attached to them all but this little guy and I bonded the first time I saw him sitting by the front door waiting for a walk as a young pup.

I just read an article the other day in the local Florida Today newspaper about some people on Merritt Island who let their dogs  die in a fire. There were over 50 dogs.   I am not sure how anyone can adequately care for 50 dogs.

I will not judge their motivation although I wonder if they really knew any of them the way I know Diesel!

Words are often more valuable than money or gold!

My son and his family arrived last night for a one week visit.  This morning my beautiful granddaughter Alyssa was sharing a toaster pastry with me while watching Disney Channel.

This three year old is an amazing little girl with so much personality and energy!  She looked at me and said something which I missed.  I asked her what she said...she repeated "I love you so much, papa!"

That made my day! Those words matter are more valuable than money!

There are lots of things in this world but nothing as valuable as hearing those words.  I am looking forward to the next five or six days!

Why Does It Hurt So Much?

  My dog Diesel has a few health challenges including diabetes and heart failure.  I know his days, like mine, are numbered.  Still it pains me deeply to see him struggle at times.

  Last week he had a couple of bad days. I took him to the vet on Friday and his medications were adjusted. Still, the doctor said his condition is usually only six to twelve months before the end.

Diesel June 9, 2017.

  It has been six months so I know each day I have with Diesel is a gift. 

  I have told myself that when the bad days outnumber the good days then the inevitable must be done.  Still, it hurts.

  Diesel has been with me every day - except maybe a handful over the past eleven years.  Much of what I do every day centers around taking care of him.  I talk with him every day as well walk or ride.

  It seems the past couple of days have been better.  He brought his ball to play although it was only a few minutes.  He lets me walk him though it is short and mainly to take care of business.

  I wonder at times if he is doing these for me because he understands... he is smart.

Dog Days of Summer 2017

Summer has arrived in Florida.  The rains over the past week have been hard on Diesel dog because it frightens him so much.  This morning he sat on the back porch and enjoyed the sun fro a while.

He seems to be having more of a challenge with his breathing these days.  I worry about him and do not want him to suffer. 

I know my days with Diesel are numbered but the memories are not.

The Rainbow Bridge and Diesel

I just read an article about the Rainbow Bridge.  I was researching pet loss.  It is hard for me to believe that dogs do not have souls.  And I believe my friends will meet me one day on that Rainbow Bridge.

My dog Diesel has had diabetes for about a year. We manage the injections and special diet.  This week the vet diagnosed him with congestive heart failure.  It can't be fixed.

So we will diligently take the medications and do all we can to comfort Diesel.  It will hurt when it happens.

I hurt already.

Who WIll Do Your Job?

I found out last night about an acquaintance's son who just died unexpectedly.  Not sure the background story. All I know is he was seventeen years old.

I attended a funeral last week for a family friend.  She had a long life and was eighty five.  Just a few weeks ago I had a friend pass unexpectedly. He was only fifty six years old.  Out of nowhere, he was gone.

In December it was my uncle who passed away at age seventy seven.  While that seems young, genetically it was a very long life in our family for a male.

None of us are guaranteed anything beyond this very moment.

Will your job matter tomorrow? Maybe yes, if you are still around.  Likely no, if you are gone.

Who will do your job if you are gone?  Someone. Who? It doesn't matter.

Who will fill your spot in your family and circle of friends?  No one.

Where will you be missed most? 

If the answer is your job then examine your priorities.  If by your family then focus your energy on the things that matter most.

Every Day is Special

My grandson turned seven months old on Christmas Day.  Benjamin is named after my great-grandfather, Benjamin Raleigh Waters.  Well, his middle name is different.

He is a fighter. He had his first surgery when he was three months old.  He has another in a couple of weeks.

Last month my Uncle passed away. He was seventy-seven years old and had been married fifty-eight years.  Among the males in our family he had lived the longest of any I have ever known.  Still, seventy-seven is not a long life by today's standards.

Then last week I had a friend pass away unexpectedly. He was only fifty-six years old.  The shock really hit me because he was five years younger than I.  He had not been sick.

Life is to be cherished every day.  Whether one is a newborn (or newborn at heart), has already celebrated a golden wedding anniversary or just barely (almost) qualified for AARP membership.

One is usually never remembered for the job they do. 

No one is ever remembered for the fortune (or not) they amassed. 

No, people are remembered for the good things they have done, for the relationships they have developed, for the love they have shared...

so live today like every day is special.