One Man and His Dog

I lost a dear friend and companion this week. I owe him a massive thank you for our walks together over the past 14 years. We’ve had some grand adventures in The Lakes and Peaks but it will be my daily walks over the same old patch that I treasure the most. Getting to know the locals – the other dogs and their walkers, the flora and fauna. Watching the changing of the seasons. The minutiae of everyday life unfolding. Without him I feel my road to mindfulness wouldn’t have been so successful. He helped me conquer my fear of the dark. Helped break the ice with interactions in new locations. And taught me the gift of unconditional love. He took a turn for the worse about 6 months ago and was miraculously brought back from the brink by Claire’s fish pie! (It really is very good!). I’m so grateful that I had those precious few months. I’m also grateful that he didn’t suffer and passed in the arms of someone who loved him dearly.

He is a part of me
A part of my past
A mirror to my soul
When he snuggles in so impossibly close
We are one