These words have often resonated for me, particularly when Pongo and I have spent so much time together on a hillside or mountaintop. But I have learned that paradise is not a place but a state of being. The day Pongo came into my life in May 2002 left me forever changed. What began as a commitment that I made to provide him with what he needed to be healthy and happy in exchange for companionship, was quickly transformed into something much more.
At the time, I had spent a dozen years trying to emotionally heal and move past being attacked one January night in Seattle. I moved across the country and vowed never to live in Seattle again. But I found that fear followed me. Though many years passed, in 2002 when my roommate moved out of our apartment, leaving me alone in an old building in the heart of Washington DC, I began having nightmares again. Looking for a solution, I decided to get a dog. Little did I know that this simple act that people do all the time, something so ordinary, would be my catalyst to change.
My life centered around him. Except for when I was at work, he was my almost constant companion. I began to engage in outdoor activities I hadn't felt safe doing in years. Not only did Pongo bring me a sense of safety, he brought me peace. Eventually, Pongo brought me back to Washington state where I faced those fears by living in Seattle again.
Temple Grandin, a well-known researcher, innovator, and professor with Autism writes that "animals make us human." Her insight into the human-animal relationship is unprecedented. I continue to ponder these words as their depth is immeasurable. She is right. I believe animals are a blessing and that by bringing them into our lives we have an important stewardship. Yet the reward for doing so far exceeds what we are capable of giving.
To my sweet boy . . .
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| My Best Friend April 11, 2015 . . . I owe everything. |
