Twilight 4: Breaking Dawn sneak peek.
The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this, the last battle, can’t be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they’ll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don’t grieve that it must be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We’ve been so close,we two, these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.
In loving memory of my best friend, Jasper.
A Dog’s Purpose
I often think about the fact that Jasper is 4+ years past his life expectancy and he will someday pass away.
While Jasper doesn’t tweet, blog or come to the office with me, he is a very loving, loyal friend who sits by my side when I am home and sleeps with me at night. Had I not adopted him and become fond of the Basenji breed, Bailey would not be part of my life—or yours.
I tell people that I went looking for Bailey to keep Jasper company. The truth is that I realized someday Jasper would leave me and I would be the lonely one.
Although I thought by having another Basenji in my life, this would somehow lesson the impact of loosing Jasper, I quickly realized that when the day comes, it will still be just as hard for me… and Bailey.
The story below was sent to me by Bailey & Jaspers’ Vet. A nice way to look at your pets life and yours.
A DOG’S PURPOSE… AS TOLD BY A 6-YEAR OLD!
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker ‘s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ”I know why.”
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me.. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.
He said,”People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The Six-year-old continued,”Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree
When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you’re not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
So I often receive emails, photos and portraits from my followers on Twitter, my “likers” on facebook and my friends.
Today I received one from my followers in Malawi and I thought I would share it with you.
While you may ask questions like how did they find me to follow to begin with, how they get wi-fi, charge their laptop, or feed their dog…my question is much simpler—how do they get those titties so flat?
