Grieving and the Loss of a Beloved

                                                                                               12 March 2017

 Yesterday, March 11, we said goodbye to our beloved Dog of nearly 14 years, Missy.  In 2003 shortly after arriving at Blue Heron Bed & Breakfast the owner Joe, suggested we think about getting a dog.  I recall her reasoning was to give her pet, Sammy dog, a companion, a play mate.  We immediately agreed to the idea and my journey within began to accelerate.  I was already on a path of awakening (or what I like to call, “increased awareness”) that would have me question everything I’ve ever believed in.  The Joy that Missy brought into our lives was equally balanced by all the challenges we encountered by her being an Alpha female.   Being a dog friendly B&B, we had to be continuously aware of new quests coming for the first time because Missy would almost certainly be first to greet them.  If they had a dog, she also let them know immediately who was in charge.  More than once, our newly arrival quests nearly refused to stay because of the hostile greeting they received by Missy.  Most people that have a dog are aware of the dynamics of a dogs’ dominant/submissive behaviors, understand it, accept it and know how to deal with it.  However, for those few that didn’t, there was always a powerful lesson to be experienced.  For three years Missy and I roamed the North wood forests of Minnesota together and my spiritual awareness became even more accelerated with her mentorship.  Mystical experiences were happening at such a rate that I nearly lost my mind.  Well, truth be told, I did lose my mind, and as a result, I’ve never felt more freedom as when I wondered the forest with my Missy.  Our connection with nature intensifies when we take a pet on as a companion.  It should be no surprise to anyone that the pet industry is one of the largest and fastest growing economies in the modern world.  When you think about it, having a pet as a companion could very well be what helps us save and conserve the incredibly beautiful natural and wild places on earth by helping us connect with it, understand and feel it.   Being 57 years of age, I’ve had my share of personal loss, meaning the death of family and friends.  So, I ask myself, why do I feel such a profound loss of my dog.  It’s interesting to note that I’ve felt an even greater sadness with the loss of Missy than my father.  I want to make something very clear.  I loved my Dad.  I don’t recall anything terribly wrong with what he did or didn’t do.  It’s just that he was generally absent from my life.  He was there my entire life physically, but emotionally he was detached.  And spiritually he was non-existent.  So perhaps this absence of a spiritual connection is what makes the difference in a more meaningful and loving relationship and connection to others and more importantly, with ourselves!  I have witnessed repeatedly the relationships between a pet and its owner being stronger than that of a wife and husband.  Sad as that may appear, the reality is that words can often get in the way of a good relationship.  I also believe that authentic, conscious communications is key to a successful and loving relationship.  It starts by having a Conversation with G.A.S. with yourself.  So, it is my belief that pets allow us to experience something more profound than most relationships we have with other Human Beings because of the unspoken communications that is shared.  You might agree that perhaps our pets are our secret connection to the unseen world of nature phenomenon.  Our Missy will be deeply missed and my gratitude will forever be etched in my soul because of the authentic teachings she bestowed upon me.  Missy was the key to unlocking a whole new world to me, the spiritual world.  The world of Mystery, Serendipity, Love, Exploration, Curiosity, Real Adventures and so much more.  Unlike the world of humanity that often appears to be dominated by jealousy, greed, hatred, fear and many of the other emotionally linked destructive behaviors, Missy taught me the world of unconditional love.  A love that has no boundaries.  A love that doesn’t judge, doesn’t place demands or expectations of how a relationship should be.    Always happy to see me.  Always excited at the prospect of going for a walk in the park, unless of course she was sick or injured.  She will be missed.  She will forever remain in our hearts and minds, a reminder of what fuels and nurtures life, Gratitude, Awareness and Service.