Seems a good day for a love letter to my dogs… 💌
To Kelly, Daisy, Jolly, and Raffles – my childhood companions. Thank you for gifting me with a natural confidence around dogs. From the very beginning of my life, you made being with dogs feel normal, effortless, and safe. I may not remember every moment, but I know you were there, shaping my world.
Kelly & Daisy, I have faded memories of playing in the garden with you, the sun shining as we ran together. Jolly, your sweet and cuddly nature left an impression on me, even if the details are hazy. And Raffles, my fierce little lion, I remember you sleeping at the foot of my bed and striding through the park, convinced you were ten feet tall.
Because of you, dogs have always been my comfort, my constant, my natural world. Not every trainer has that foundation, and I see what a gift it is every day. You were my first teachers, giving me the ability to help others. I don’t remember enough, but I do remember the sadness when you were gone.
And if you could speak now, I think you’d say: To our little girl, our Gemma. We loved our adventures with you, and we saw the care you took in walking and feeding us. Thank you for being ours. We loved you very much.
To Kai, Ella, Diva, Jade, Vodka, Toddy, Impact, and Summer – my heart, my partners, my family.
Kai, my love, my guardian. You protected me in life, and your love still protects me now.
Ella, my bright light, my fierce little agility star. You played our favorite games with unmatched joy. You are so missed.
Diva, I wish I could have been your home forever, but I’m grateful you found happiness with Brenda & Ian. You loved me, my boys, and everyone you met with such kindness.
Jade, my clever, cuddly mountain goat. Deafness couldn’t dull your brilliance, and even as age changes you, you’re still as amazing as ever. Running agility with you was a joy I will always treasure.
Vodka, my protector, my silly, loving girl. You tested me in the beginning, but we were always meant to be together. Thank you for your daughter, Summer, another extraordinary dog just like her mum.
Toddy, my happy-go-lucky boy. If ever a dog was reincarnated, those who knew Kai say it would be you. But you are your own beautiful soul, full of love and adventure.
Impact, my brave girl, I wish I could take away the daily chronic pain in your front feet. But your strength and joy, despite it all, inspire me.
Summer, my joy, my bright spark. Seeing you grow into yourself, full of life and excitement, is a gift.
Each of you, in your own way, has taught me that no two dogs are the same. You’ve shown me how to listen before I teach, how to be present, how to love with my whole heart. And for those who have passed – Kai, Ella, Diva – I cherish those final moments, the deep connection we shared before goodbye.
And if you could speak now, I think you’d say: Don’t be so busy helping everyone else’s dogs that you forget to train and play with us. That time is precious, and we love spending it with you.
To love a dog is to open your heart in a way you never thought possible. And while the pain of losing them is devastating, I would do it all again in a heartbeat. What they give us far outweighs the pain of losing them.
Thank you, my dogs. My greatest teachers, and some of my greatest loves.
