On this warm fall day, I pulled into the parking lot of Oasis Animal Hospital. Our weekly vet appointment for Wynston’s new cast was already upon us. I snuggled my boy into his chariot, and wheeled him into the clinic, the usual dog mom pep in my step. I checked Wynston in and spoke with our vet tech, Sonya, before releasing him to the back. As I sat on the bench, empty stroller in front of me, I began focusing on my breathing instead of the sounds of barking dogs and screaming children. Then, I did like any normal human being would do – I got on Facebook! I opened the dreaded, yet glorious social media platform only to come face to face with an article about relationships with dogs. And it hit me. I closed my eyes and imagined Wynston behind closed doors getting his new fancy cast put on. Then I imagined my life without him – my miserable, empty life full of sadness that I was living before Wynston dropped into my life. His presence has opened my eyes, mind and heart to the concept of unconditional life. On this #RememberMeThursday, I #RememberTheRescue Wynston. My son, my world, my everything. I want to honor him now and enjoy every single second I have this the creature who’s saved my life.
My heart was lacking true love before I met Wynston. Although I perceived love to be this grandiose phenomenon of our physical and mental being, I was so effing wrong. Love isn’t something you can willingly search for and grasp onto. Love is something we feel, we earn and we respect. If we’re blessed enough to truly love, we know it.
Love can mean something different to everyone. Wynston has taught me what I think I know about love.
Love is being in the most stressful moment of your life but remembering a single second of happiness. Love is burying your face into an 8lb Chihuahua at night so you can fall asleep during an episode of anxiety. Love is missing the one living being who you know will never let you down. Love is giving back 100% of the serenity and peace that you receive. Love is that fleeting thought that can change your day around or put a smile on your face.
Wynston is love. He has taught me to love and be loved.
Wynston didn’t die at six months old even though he was made of skin, bones and fear, but he’s saved my life equally. I’ve experienced some incredibly dark moments on my life where I asked myself, “What would Wynston do without me?” I’m happy to say that it’s been a long time since I’ve allowed those thoughts to flood my brain. But when they did, Wynston was there, wagging tail, wet nose and beating heart.
All of the animals who have graced me with their presence have taught me a little bit about the concept of love. I’m eternally grateful for the lessons I’ve learned, the wisdom I’ve gained and the puppy and kitten kisses that I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy.
In honor of Wynston: 9/11/11 – present
Linda says
I am so very sorry that Wynston got hurt and I know that hurts you. I understand the complete love that he gives you because I receive that from my 5- all of whom I adore and am so very grateful that they share a life with me and make my life a better one . May he hurry and heal . Sending love.
Pam McNiff says
Beautiful. ?
Dalinda says
What a lovely post. Thank you for sharing your heart. Animals teach us so many things if we are just willing to listen.