This past Friday I had to say goodbye to my sweet Bogie at the young age of twelve due to kidney failure.
Even though his body failed, he never let it take away his spirit. He taught me a lot - in the good times and bad.
Below are five lessons I learned from Bogie that I will keep with me for the rest of my life.
Love Unconditionally
The other gorgeous guy in the picture is Bogie's brother Bryce. Bogie ADORED Bryce - and me. There wasn't a day that went by that he did not express his love to us in some way.
There were no stipulations to his love. It was as pure as can be and he made sure we knew we were loved by him every single day.
Never be afraid to express your love. Never miss an opportunity to let those you love know it.
Play Every Day
This boy loved to play! The day before his passing, as sick as he was, when he saw a string he went for it the best he could. He never lost the childlike spirit.
Laugh every day, jump in the puddle, play board games, play tennis, just do something fun every day. It'll make life better. And not just for you, but for those around you too.
Forgive
Whenever I did anything that would upset him (cut his nails for instance), the second I said, "I'm sorry" he would forgive me.
That forgiveness freed him of a life of resentment, anger, and unhappiness. It let him be free to live a life of joy and healthy companionship.
Forgive.
Keep Trying
Before he passed away he had a mini stroke which made it so he slowly lost the use of his back legs. Even though he knew he didn't have much strength he still tried to jump up on the footstool. He never gave up.
Even if you don't think you can do something, try anyway. You may just make it.
And if you don't make it, try something else. Never give up.
Live in the Moment
He knew he didn't feel good. He knew he couldn't do the things he could do before. Yet he still lived each moment of his life to the best of his ability and took in each moment fully.
We snuggled every day. He watched the birds and lizards outside the window. He loved for me to sing him to sleep while I rubbed his belly. He still ate his treats. He still loved 100%. Every moment was to be cherished.
I learned a lot from Bogie and I am better for having had him in my life.
Rebecca ~
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