This golden boy, my hero, my heart dog, Reilly! A little puppy celebrated by family and friends near and far! Who could forget the sound of his happy caroling, yipping really, when he saw you coming and stretched the leash to come to you instead. He was an amazing animal, and as one of my friends claimed not an animal, but a human in a furry suit. Reilly walked me around the universe of my existence, taking in the tall grasses, little baby foxes in the field, coyotes lurking along the stone wall, up hills, down hills through the nature world of my heart. Blue skies, dark skies, threatening thunder and bright sunshine. We walked, we ran, we trekked through snow, him on his furry paws and me with snow shoes clamped to my feet. We walked and walked and walked. And in that, grew a life. A golden life of friendship and admiration. This was what my son called ‘a lion,’ in looks and in heart. Without knowing, he created a vast space of time and companionship, a rest from the worries of the outside world. For when you walk with such an incredible beast, you gain a different view of the world, its people, the places and the times within your own life.
Recently, a friend of mine posted a quote from noted yogi, author and speaker, Ram Dass, “We are all walking each other home.” So profound then and now, as today as I think about my Reilly, my golden dream puppy, who passed from this earth and hopefully onto his next life where I’m sure he is walking alongside another fortunate human. Or perhaps he is the human walking that golden mud-loving dog! Reilly gifted us with laughter and love and an amazing understanding of the importance of cherishing each moment of our lives.
It’s been a full year now, since he’s left us. I did not expect to lose him just two days before his 10th birthday. He simply collapsed at my feet. It was a horrifying experience that I can feel even now down to my bones. But what I now realize is that we, together, were truly walking each other home. A home free of time and space, a home free of conflict or struggle. That home was there in every moment we spent on the trail. And now, one year later, I hope his home is a mansion with a yard that stretches beyond the horizon of my imagination, with tall grass and bright blue skies, because he gave that to me and so very much more! (And of course, endless puddles of dark silky mud for him to sink and settle into each and every day!)
8 thoughts on “Golden Days”
Gael, this is such a beautiful remembrance of your special dog. I’m sure he still walks beside you at times, especially hard times.
Absolutely, Anne. I’m a true believer that a spirit like Reilly’s will always circle around us in some magical way!
I don’t know if my comment here is making sense. The tears are getting in the way of my eyesight while writing this. What a great buddy he was! We’ll never forget Reilly!
🐾🦮🦴💙
And Reilly, I’m sure, will never forget you! He loved his humans, and that was a deep, lasting love!!
After reading the tribute to your sweet loving Riley, I’m left speechless.
The friendship and love that you both shared and expressed in such beautiful words brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you for sharing your fun filled memories with your loving buddy!
Only us dog loving humans can know the tremendous loss of a pup, right? That companionship, the way they weave themselves through the course of the day, the feel of that silky fur. Like you, I can never be without a furry friend!
What a talented writer you are! Thanks for sharing your beautiful tribute and insightful thoughts. It brought tears to my eyes for your Riley and remembering my Malachi. Even though we all walk different trails, it’s a blessing to have that undeniable loyalty, support and companionship of a furry friend “walking us home”.
You are so right, Jan! The loyalty, the companionship and the friendship. I’m sorry you lost your Malachi, but I’m sure you will always hold those memories close to your heart!
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