As beautiful and poetic as the world is, there is also a dark and chaotic side that tangos through life’s web of happiness and inspiration. Anyone who has spent time with a dog, knows the bright and graceful honor that they travel through life with, and anyone who has had received the news that their precious companion, has cancer, knows the unfairness and heartache of life’s treacherous partner. Few words in our language can cause such a blow and utter heartache than the word ‘cancer’. This is why I am sharing Scooby’s story – to share the ups and downs, the struggles, and the accomplishments – to offer some sense of hope, inspiration, and togetherness, that all who have been touched in some way by a dog recognize and understand.
As difficult as it may be to journey down a road where the ultimate destination is known, by going through and sharing these experiences, perhaps the journey can be made bearing a lighter load.
“He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me… whenever… wherever – in case I need him. And I expect I will – as I always have. He is just my dog.”
– Gene Hill