As do many of us humans, I have a best friend...my dog who happens to be a 90 pound yellow lab named Abbigail, Abbie for short. Both of us are beings of few words (her more than me) but we have some good talks, albeit one-sided. She lets me know what is on her mind which is basically 4 things; when she needs to go out, when she needs food and water, when she wants to go to bed, and when someone is walking on her street. She is quite patient and I am grateful that she is, since I don't move as fast as I used to, but then again neither does she.
Abbie is 12 and is having some joint issues but doing pretty well. She has also gone a bit deaf so some of our talks are done in sign language. She knows my sign for eat, come, stop, and when I am happy with what she has done. No communication barriers here. She talks with her eyes, perky ears, ruffled brow, and an occasional bark, although in a hoarse fashion. She also speaks clearly with her snores,,,seriously. I have had phone callers that hear the background "noise" and ask what is that I hear as Abbie offers a deep snort while napping. Deep down Abbie is still a puppy stuck in the body of an older dog. Kinda like me, a little boy growing old.
If I am having trouble with some part of my day, or life for that matter, I always bounce my ideas off her yellow head and somehow I get an answer. Talking with her causes me to slow down for some reason, and I am able to focus and do the right thing. She listens, as best she can, as I carefully explain my dilemma and the process helps me verbalize, understand myself, and move forward.
Not real sure what I will do when her spirit leaves this world, and I do believe that dogs have spirits. For sure it will be sad, but I will always remember the talks we had and the instincts she has passed on to me. When my time comes, I hope to meet her at that bridge we all speak of. But for now I will continue to relish the talks we have here and look forward to my next lesson.
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