My dog Koda adores the beach. He loves charging across the sand and chasing the waves as they come crashing on the shore. He’s getting older now, so he’s not running as fast, but he still enjoys walking along the ocean. For me, these beach walks are such a special time—it’s our time. When he turns around and gives me his big thankful smile, I know this time is special for him, too.
Some years ago, on just one of these beach walks, I noticed a woman sitting quietly in the sand dunes at the top of the beach, watching the sunset. Being the friendliest dog on the beach saying hello to just about everyone, Koda ran over to her. As I walked up to retrieve him, I could see her petting him fondly. “I had a dog many years ago,” she said. “I’d love to have another dog, but I’m not sure I could go through the pain of losing one again!”
Koda seemed determined to give her a little more attention, so I sat down for a few minutes to chat. “I truly understand, but you’re missing out on so much joy and happiness now. Trust me, this little man has become such a big part of my life, and he shows me an unbelievable amount of love.”
I hoped that my words might bring some of the happy memories of her and her dog to the surface, since she seemed locked in her loss. As she got up to say good-bye, she turned back and mouthed two simple words to me, “Thank You.”
Maybe fate put us on that beach at the same time that summer’s evening for that brief encounter. Maybe, that’s all she needed—to open up her heart again and create the space for a new pet.
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