The Gift

"It's so weird not having her right here"

That's when they point to the ground right behind them, or tap their hip, signaling the place where their pup can usually be found.  I hear this so often when a person reflects on their dog being absent from home.   It's the most common thing people admit when their dog has passed away, has been at the clinic overnight to recuperate from surgery, or the owner has been on vacation.

We've had a recent run of sad outcomes lately.  Diagnoses that end in tears and gut-wrenching decisions.  It's tough not to reflect on your own pack and consider their roles in your life.

I find it's the proximity you miss.  The knowledge that you're not alone, that one of the pack is right there.  It's good to feel that someone, however fuzzy, has "your back".  That you're not alone, even when there isn't another human for miles.  We all have that driving pack mentality, like it or not.  I think the pack gene might be stronger in some of us, though...

On this Memorial Day, I've been considering the guardians of our greater pack - working dogs and their handlers.  We owe them so much.  Because of them, we're not alone.  Someone strong, powerful and fearless has "our back"

Look around and appreciate your pack today.  Each day is a gift to celebrate that bond, precious time, and lives spent well.