Sadly, we lost another furry friend over the weekend. His name was Archie and we adopted him in 2001 from the Four Paws Animal Rescue. His original owner had passed away and we opened our home to take him in when he was eight years old.
This past Saturday, he passed on. But before he left us I was blessed with the opportunity to sit with him and reflect. I realized why human beings love their dogs so much.
It’s because there is nothing sweeter than kissing a dog on the forehead.
That smell you take in and the feeling of his fur against your lips as you reach down gently to kiss him on the top of his head. Once you’ve done it you’ll never forget; that feeling is with you for life.
You’ll never forget the love you feel in your heart for a creature that is not human, yet reflects your personality in so many different ways.
You’ll never forget that very first time you saw your furry friend; it’s a remarkable feeling deep inside that instinctively says “This fellow is going home with me.”
To love a dog is a special yet fleeting instance in the experience of being human.
That experience may only be nine, ten, eleven, twelve; or perhaps for the lucky few like me and Archie as many as 14 years. No matter how long, it is always an instant in time that leaves an impression on your heart forever.
When you open your home and your heart to let in that very special friend your life is enriched. Those sweet memories and feelings of unconditional love last for a lifetime and beyond. It is an experience that can only be understood by participating. The rewards are great and always worth the effort.
In memory of our small furry friend who we sadly bid farewell to in life but remains alive in our heart for all time. Archie "the Ball" Gluth 1993 - 2006.
Photo of Archie by my Stepson, Shane Prince.
