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Once upon a time…
Chester, the Goldendoodle, hadn’t eaten for three days. Claire was deeply concerned. He wasn’t his usual sunny, mischievous, playful self. Even his beautiful curls had lost their sheen. “He just seems to mope and sleep all the time.” She told the veterinarian upon booking an appointment.
Together Claire and Dan loaded Chester and six-year-old Archie into the car. The family drove in silence to the vet. They were all so attached to Chester and his rascally ways. When he was a puppy, he would steal Archie’s toys and bury them in the back garden. He had been on every road trip with them since then, and every time they would find stolen campsite equipment hidden in the boot of their car when unpacking. “The puppy thief has struck again!” they would laugh. When friends came over, they had to be reminded to keep their bags out of reach. Chester would steal anything from car keys to iPhones to wallets.
“Remember the time he ate Aunty Phoebe’s lipstick?” Archie mused. “It took 2 days and 3 baths to get it all out of his fur!” Claire recalled.
Without even trying he had stolen the family’s hearts in their first meeting. Now, they all felt so helpless as Chester’s breath became more laboured. They were hoping for a miracle.
Claire knew right away by the look on the vet’s face that it was not good news.
“I’m afraid there isn’t anything we can do” Dr. Cindy said sadly, and she offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for Chester – the infamous dog thief – in the moment. As they made arrangements, Dan and Claire decided it would be good for Archie to observe the procedure. They felt as though he might learn from the experience, and it could help him in the grieving and letting go process.
Dan had a lump in his throat the size of a football and Claire was onto her second packet of tissues, but Archie was calm as he stood there petting his old mate for the last time. Within a few minutes, Chester slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Chester’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. The family sat together for a while after Chester’s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that dogs only live for a fraction of the time that humans do. When Archie said “I know why… People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life – like loving everybody all the time and being nice to each other. Dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”
“Tomorrow is promised to no one. Prioritise today accordingly.”
―
Dogs are proof that life is 700% more important than you think. We calculate that one human year is about seven dog years. It’s a harsh reminder that our lives are passing even faster than we think. Life is so transient and ephemeral; we will not be here after a breath. So think better, think deeply, think with kindness, and write it with love so that it may live on a little longer. Don’t pretend like you’ll have time later: Design your work so have freedom of geography, income, and time; Don’t sweat the small stuff (and it’s all small stuff); Own your contribution to humanity on a deep level; Be cool (kind) to other people.; Don’t take yourself too seriously. – there is no evidence in the whole history of forever that says you should take yourself (or this experience) seriously.
It’s easy to lose sight of the big picture. Life gets in the way. To-do lists, responsibilities, errands, fear porn at every turn. It’s not your fault. Most of us are pre-programmed to fall into the trap of a worry and fear spiral. We obsess about things that, in the grand scheme of things, don’t matter. You don’t have much time here, so go outside and play! Seize the day! Seize everything it has to offer, including the tears, the anger, and loss, but most of all, the laughter and the love. There is no guarantee of tomorrow, and we can’t hit replay or rewind. If there was ever a moment to do things that matter to you and have gratitude for your life, that time is NOW. One day you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do the things you’ve always wanted. Do it NOW.
“If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience.”
― Woodrow Wilson
My plans succeed because I take action. I’ve got this! I am determined to see my dreams become reality and I act on them NOW. I am prosperous in every area of my life because of my unstoppable attitude. I attract triumph with my work ethic. My dreams are big and ambitious because I allow myself to dream without limitations. I develop thoughts into ideas, ideas into plans, and plans into actions. My vision for the future fills my heart with excitement. Dreams are more than fairy tales I imagine for myself; my dreams are revelations of destiny. I spring into action because it’s what I do that drives success. I am creating a life of passion and purpose. There is profound meaning and purpose in my life. All of my actions reflect my intentions and goals. I act purposefully and make things happen. Every day I joyfully take one new step toward my heart’s desire. My fierce commitment to my vision keeps me moving forward.
“At some point, your candle will go out, so make use of the light.”
― Shaun Hick
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