My successive Siberian huskies did zoomies of unfathomable speed and joy. The life force embodied.
Thanks for your enlightening essay Sam. I have found the best paths to appreciating the gift and fragility of life are to love a dog, love a child, and live to be 70+.
It's amazing how my dog Toby knows what part is the toy, and what part is my hand, as he chomps down. Instantly, as soon as he senses fingers, he stops biting.
Thanks Sam. I'm an old codger now but as a young fella I was lucky to have my dog for 17 years - exploring the the bush and old abandoned farmhouses etc on the outskirts of Melbourne Australia where I grew up. Happy memories. ( I also had an artist paint a picture of him from a photo brilliantly capturing his spirit)
That is a stellar memory and a long-lived dog. It sometimes strikes me how much we can think and care for them so many years afterwards, and how much meaning we pull from them. Thank you for sharing, Stefatanus.
Loved this piece! I believe dogs are one of the best things humans have done, to create a relationship with beings who can be so present, so loving, so honest and real. Kind of amazing that we do not share a language at all, and yet sometimes I feel like my dog better understands me than some of the people I know.
I think a lot about how it is brave to love a dog, because their lives are so much shorter than ours. But it also makes my friendship with my doggo so much more vibrant, because I know we only have so long.
When I'm walking, running, or skiing with my dog, Maya, I continually watch her and say to myself, "Live like Maya." No hesitation, 100% enthusiasm, no getting bogged down in future or past.
I can't help but think dogs are both a mirror and sponge of our emotions.
Dang it, Sam! You did it again...made me tear up, thinking of every dog I've loved. We've gone from daily zoomies to grey muzzles to dog carts and lift harnesses to that moment when all we have is the gift of lying nose to muzzle, in the peaceful calm of togetherness. Dogs teach us everything we need to know about life and love and death. Dogs are, in fact, everything wonderful about life. Thank you for, as always, reminding me to remember that. Gotta go play with Ruger and Ziva now. :)
They are the yogis—the monks—the Buddha’s of our lives. Force us to find the present moment and stand in it. God bless Carson and all of our 4-legged therapists. 🙏
I've always believed dogs were angels sent to us to teach us unconditional love. Maybe they are here to remind us of the wisdom of Kurt Vonnegut who said the purpose of life is to fart around.
Whenever I get up from reading, I usually find 4 - 5 toys my Dachshund/Yorkie has brought for our mutual entertainment. I would not enjoy a world without dogs.
After 2 of my rescues, I am happy to be an uncle to Max (golden) who is our Farm Dog. We are grateful that his owner shares Max with a few aunts and me, the uncle. I love to watch his zoomies, pretending to be a race horse. My treats box is always full.
"Sam wrote about dogs again. Hurrah! Time to read it, gaze wistfully at your own dogs, and shed a quiet tear as you hear the relentless footsteps of time herself."
Perhaps they enjoy an ancient wisdom the Elves could only wish for..."I will not be here long, so I might as well get some zoomies." It's beautiful how much a dog appreciates the play time.
Fantastic piece Sam, these essays always perfectly capture my own feelings toward my dog. There are few joys greater to behold than zoomies.
I appreciate it Allan. The bond is extraordinary.
Dogs are amazing beings. We all need to play zoomies every day to remind us that life needs to be more spontaneous.
I agree completely Jenn. They are masters of the moment and we can sit back and learn. Thank you for the comment.
My successive Siberian huskies did zoomies of unfathomable speed and joy. The life force embodied.
Thanks for your enlightening essay Sam. I have found the best paths to appreciating the gift and fragility of life are to love a dog, love a child, and live to be 70+.
Beautifully said Baird. Their zoomies must have been a sight to behold.
You write beautiful descriptions.
Consider that Carson knows not of death or time (except dinner time!) but simply chooses to spend his time joyfully without fear with you.
Well said. Taking the time to think on that puts everything in perspective. Thank you for the comment.
It's amazing how my dog Toby knows what part is the toy, and what part is my hand, as he chomps down. Instantly, as soon as he senses fingers, he stops biting.
Same with Carson. He might get a little rowdy and end up snagging my finger, and his guilt and apologies end up making me feel worse than he does.
Sam. A poem I once read...
Me and my dog have tramped together
Through cold weather and hot.
Me and my dog don't care whether
We get any work or not.
That is the essence. With the dog all that seems to matter is the journey. They are the perfect reminder. I appreciate the comment.
Thanks Sam. I'm an old codger now but as a young fella I was lucky to have my dog for 17 years - exploring the the bush and old abandoned farmhouses etc on the outskirts of Melbourne Australia where I grew up. Happy memories. ( I also had an artist paint a picture of him from a photo brilliantly capturing his spirit)
That is a stellar memory and a long-lived dog. It sometimes strikes me how much we can think and care for them so many years afterwards, and how much meaning we pull from them. Thank you for sharing, Stefatanus.
Loved this piece! I believe dogs are one of the best things humans have done, to create a relationship with beings who can be so present, so loving, so honest and real. Kind of amazing that we do not share a language at all, and yet sometimes I feel like my dog better understands me than some of the people I know.
I think a lot about how it is brave to love a dog, because their lives are so much shorter than ours. But it also makes my friendship with my doggo so much more vibrant, because I know we only have so long.
Well said, Genevieve. The relationship has so many layers I find it a joy simply to sit and think about it. Writing about it is like meditation.
When I'm walking, running, or skiing with my dog, Maya, I continually watch her and say to myself, "Live like Maya." No hesitation, 100% enthusiasm, no getting bogged down in future or past.
I can't help but think dogs are both a mirror and sponge of our emotions.
I always look forward to your essays, Sam.
That is a quote to live by. I appreciate it, Jesse.
Dang it, Sam! You did it again...made me tear up, thinking of every dog I've loved. We've gone from daily zoomies to grey muzzles to dog carts and lift harnesses to that moment when all we have is the gift of lying nose to muzzle, in the peaceful calm of togetherness. Dogs teach us everything we need to know about life and love and death. Dogs are, in fact, everything wonderful about life. Thank you for, as always, reminding me to remember that. Gotta go play with Ruger and Ziva now. :)
"Lying nose to muzzle". That is bliss, Catie. I'm grateful you enjoyed this. Thank you for the comment and enjoy the play!
Love it brother! Listening now as I finish writing.
Thank you Ende, I'm stoked you enjoyed it.
They are the yogis—the monks—the Buddha’s of our lives. Force us to find the present moment and stand in it. God bless Carson and all of our 4-legged therapists. 🙏
Thank you Dee. Buddha is right on. Absolute presentness. Absolute calm. I appreciate the comment.
I've always believed dogs were angels sent to us to teach us unconditional love. Maybe they are here to remind us of the wisdom of Kurt Vonnegut who said the purpose of life is to fart around.
Whenever I get up from reading, I usually find 4 - 5 toys my Dachshund/Yorkie has brought for our mutual entertainment. I would not enjoy a world without dogs.
I believe it, Charles. They bring everything back home.
After 2 of my rescues, I am happy to be an uncle to Max (golden) who is our Farm Dog. We are grateful that his owner shares Max with a few aunts and me, the uncle. I love to watch his zoomies, pretending to be a race horse. My treats box is always full.
This is a great visual, Barry. I'm also an uncle to a few dogs and the lessons they teach still drive home with full force.
"Sam wrote about dogs again. Hurrah! Time to read it, gaze wistfully at your own dogs, and shed a quiet tear as you hear the relentless footsteps of time herself."
Shaunak, I'm grateful these strike home with you. Thank you for the epic comment.
Perhaps they enjoy an ancient wisdom the Elves could only wish for..."I will not be here long, so I might as well get some zoomies." It's beautiful how much a dog appreciates the play time.
I could not agree more, Anthony. Thank you for riffing on the Elf analogy.
Beautiful. Thank you
You're most welcome, Kyle.