I am
looking at an old friend of mine as I
write this. He has been one of my best
friends for almost twelve years now. He
has blessed my life with his loyalty,
kindness, wisdom, and love since the day
that I first met him. It doesn’t matter to
me then that he has four legs instead of
two, fur instead of clothes, and barks at
me instead of talking to me.
As I watch my friend sleeping in the sun,
I can’t help but think of all the goodness
he has brought into my life. He has been a
protector of my children, a companion to
all of my family and a fountain of love
and affection to everyone he meets. He has
been with me everyday through good times
and bad. He has always reminded me that I
am loved and showed me how to love at the
same time. He has been more than just a
little, 20 pound mutt that my
father-in-law gave me. He has been rather
a teacher, a friend, an angel in disguise,
and a gift from God in my life and in my
family’s lives.
My friend has aged far quicker than me and
has had more and more health problems over
the years. I can see now the end
approaching of his time with me. I am not
sure how much longer we will have together
before he passes from this world to await
me in the next. One thing I do know,
however, is that I will always thank God
for bringing a tiny, mixed breed puppy
into my life. This wonderful dog has
showed me that it is natural to be joyous,
that it is so easy to be loving, and that
life is always wonderful when you choose
to do both every single day. He has showed
me again and again that you don’t have to
be perfect to be loved and that you can be
happy in spite of all the difficulties
life throws at you. He has showed me that
poor health and old age might affect the
body, but they don’t have to diminish the
spirit. He has shown me what it means to
be a good friend and I will always cherish
every single day we will have together.
Joe Mazzella
joecool@wirefire.com
(used with permission)
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