As I begin to write this, I’ll confess the reason is that our dog died today. It is how he lived, however, that has spurred me to put words to paper. His gentle and gallant dignity, the quiet, uncomplaining way he went about his days, the bone-deep loyalty he demonstrated and inspired, and the abiding trust he put in us to do our best by him have stirred parallel memories.
an extraordinarily and exquisitely written story about life . the big take away for me was the victor Frankl quote that '"attitude" is the key in how we fare. and yes my heartfelt condolences.
Beautifully written. Thank you for sharing. I've been thinking about what connects us at a fundamental level - you captured it here: "But it is the smaller myriad daily acts of bravery that we all perform that are perhaps the greatest evidence of our shared humanity."
Kristin….I am so sorry for your loss. Courage is also the families who live with our fur babies ( or whatever age) and are with them to the very end. It is hard to walk the full path …..thank you for loving him…especially as it got harder.
Ginny, I tried to respond this morning and somehow, yet one more time, technology defeated me and my words to you floated away. What I was trying to say was that your own words have frequently resonated with me both on this platform and in some of your newspaper pieces. You have a way of taking your own history and leaving us your readers with a feeling that some of our holes have been plugged or at least made more understandable. And so I thank you for your kind words as they feel real and generous and uplifting.
I hope you do a lot more of this, Kristin. This piece is so heart-filled and wide-ranging. It really looks the human predicament in the eye, but its gaze is very loving.
What a talent! My deepest condolences.. fully crying now
Such an emotional read. Thank you- although the loss of a pet is devastating, the love, companionship and loyalty we gain is priceless
So beautifully written and thought provoking. Thank you for that.
an extraordinarily and exquisitely written story about life . the big take away for me was the victor Frankl quote that '"attitude" is the key in how we fare. and yes my heartfelt condolences.
Mary Anne
Beautifully written. Thank you for sharing. I've been thinking about what connects us at a fundamental level - you captured it here: "But it is the smaller myriad daily acts of bravery that we all perform that are perhaps the greatest evidence of our shared humanity."
I feel your bravery and the bravery of Mouton.
Lovely to read first thing this morning. Thank you & keep it up!
A wonderful piece of writing !
A magnificent piece of writing!
Wonderful post. May Mouton's memory be a blessing for everyone who loved him.
Kristin, I have to say I love your term, 'bone-deep loyalty', plus every aspect you touched on.
Thank you.
Kristin….I am so sorry for your loss. Courage is also the families who live with our fur babies ( or whatever age) and are with them to the very end. It is hard to walk the full path …..thank you for loving him…especially as it got harder.
Ginny, I tried to respond this morning and somehow, yet one more time, technology defeated me and my words to you floated away. What I was trying to say was that your own words have frequently resonated with me both on this platform and in some of your newspaper pieces. You have a way of taking your own history and leaving us your readers with a feeling that some of our holes have been plugged or at least made more understandable. And so I thank you for your kind words as they feel real and generous and uplifting.
You have nailed it Laddi - the gain is greater than the pain. Thank you very much for your empathy and for taking the time to show it.
My condolences on your great loss.
I hope you do a lot more of this, Kristin. This piece is so heart-filled and wide-ranging. It really looks the human predicament in the eye, but its gaze is very loving.
Our fur-babies teach us in the most subtle yet profound ways. I'm sorry it was Mouton's time.