I’d always wished my dog would speak one word, request a snack, say hello, or even comment on the weather. I’ve written about what I thought she would say if she could. Some dogs audibly communicate with a howl when hearing singing or make appreciative sounds during an ear rub. Mine never did.
A person could often find me having a one-way conversation with Sadie, where I’d yammer on about whatever topic was on my mind. I’ve always remarked that she had impeccable listening skills, which isn’t surprising as she had large ears.
After finding out Sadie had cancer and would only have six months left with us, we started saying our long goodbye to this sweet soul. When she began showing signs of slowing down, I watched to see if she was comfortable, wondering if there was anything I could do for her.
Being the selfless girl that she was, instead of asking me for something, she gave me something — life advice only the sagest yellow Labrador can impart. It turns out that Sadie had been speaking to me all along, and I wasn’t listening. I’m grateful I tuned in before it was too late. She had a lot to say, offering guidance like kibble. Here is a sampling of her little bits of nourishment.
Greetings are everything.
A happy welcome sets the stage for what is to come. If someone walks through your open door, it isn’t enough to silently watch. It would be best if you welcomed family members and visitors with all the enthusiasm you can muster. After all, joy is contagious.
It’s always good to have a pack mentality.
Hanging with your peeps means less loneliness and boredom. If the pack is in a playful mood and decides they are going to run around the house, join them! While the numbers game calls for more flexibility and a mindset to enjoy the journey, it will also teach you to embrace the surprises. You never know what or who you’ll find around the next corner.
Never ride in the car alone.
In most situations, it is necessary to have a co-pilot as they can help with directions, monitor the temperature inside and out, determine threats, point out wiggly friends, and pick up the kids, wherever they may be.
Take a walk after a rainstorm.
The smells after rain are especially pungent. Go for a stroll, poking around the neighborhood, stopping as much as possible, taking in the fresh aromas recently released from the soil. Don’t forget to enjoy everything that is right in front of your nose. Count your blessings when the wind blows. This is your chance to freeze, stick your nose in the air, and appreciate the bounty swirling all around.
A sunbath is essential to happiness.
Be sure to set aside some time to bask in the sun, if only for a few minutes. Take a dog-nap, walk around, or just stand there. Either way, get out in the gorgeous sunlight for an instant mood boost or to bring calm. The sun is a gift you give yourself for a re-set. Oh, and there is nothing wrong with doing this multiple times daily.
Cleanliness is next to dogliness
Cleanliness is important. Some people may view sloppiness as a pet peeve. But, it can also be an opportunity to offer your services. Whether monitoring the BBQ process or keeping the kitchen floors spick and span, make sure you pitch in and help. Your pack will appreciate it.
Having an opinion is a-okay.
People inherently make assumptions the minute they see you. Say you are a Labrador retriever, people will automatically think you want to retrieve the ball they’ve just thrown. They might also expect you to jump into any body of water. After multiple attempts, people finally got that I am a girl that doesn’t like those things — and that’s okay. Don’t feel the need to apologize for telling someone who you are or how you feel.
The bedtime routine is sacred.
Make sure you note the time, especially after the sun sets, as bedtime is near. A well-placed nose nudge followed by a trot down the hall signals rest for some. Brushing your teeth and washing your face works for most humans, while canines prefer settling in and waiting for lights out. If you are having trouble sleeping, snuggling or reading is a sure-fire way to bring on snoring. In all, never stray from habits as they give your brain space to think of something else, like bacon.
There is no such thing as goodbye.
It’s polite to walk guests to the door when they leave. If it’s a special occasion, you can walk them out the door and down the steps, ensuring they are safe, or in case they want to get in one last belly rub. Sometimes you sense a good soul and hope to see them again.
—
On what turned out to be Sadie’s last night on earth, we had recently experienced a couple of restless nights and were both pretty tired. I was sleeping on the floor, my head resting on her dog bed, right next to her. I left a light on in the kitchen just in case we needed it. When I woke around 4 AM, I heard her moving around and could see she had settled across the room from me, not unlike a sphinx, resting perfectly still with her paws out in front of her, silently watching me. I sat up where I was, recognizing she didn’t want me to come closer. It was just the two of us at that point. In the semi-darkness, I told her I knew she was miserable and that it was okay if she needed to leave us.
Among the hundreds of lessons she taught us, she showed us how to be grateful, to love unconditionally, what can come from living in the present, and demonstrated how to be a best friend. Later that morning, as I was lying next to her at the vet, she turned her head to me, and nose to nose, she gave me one last nudge, telling me it was time. We parted with a see you later.
Rest in Peace, my sweet girl.
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