The Life of My Dog

My sister-in-law lost her best friend this week. She wrote this touching tribute.

A Tribute to Shaman

Shaman, my beloved friend and soul-mate, your passing from the earth has left a huge hole in my heart; a heart that you helped to grow. Your love was so great; I am not sure how I am going to fill this hole in my being. You brought so much light and joy to the human race – your giving was impeccable, you existed so others may live with more wholeness and balance. You embodied the three components to happiness and fulfillment: will, love and wisdom. Your will was strong. Your confidence, stubbornness and drive gave you many opportunities to explore the world. Your unconditional love and compassion brought joy and hope to so many people young and old. Your wisdom and insight into people and other dogs was extraordinary knowing when and what they needed the most.

You were the grand dam of our household until your last day. You were alpha with kindness and style and were always reasonable. You were my teacher, the silent warrior who taught me so much about life. There are so many other things to say about you: your total trust of me, your willingness to try anything as long as it was with me, your love of travel and meeting new people. You brought me out of my reclusive shell and inspired my own heart to shine. Your great love for playing, wrestling, and tugging and fetching your pink football. Your EED (eternal eating disorder) was always a challenge to keep you fit but I sure did love to feed you and you sure loved to eat. I will especially miss our acupressure sessions where I would rub your spine and stretch your legs.

I believe that our spirits are eternal and that we come back again and again to join in the dance of matter and spirit. I know we have been friends before and I want to be your “best friend ever” again. Please come back to me. I will cherish our memories and keep remembering that you are always with me, no matter what form that takes. I love you and always will.

Goodbye my dear friend until next time…may you forever eat, play and love.

- Kathy, January 2008

Shaman’s Song

Shaman my friend, my reflection
She senses on four legs what I cannot
She finds reasons to love, in the smallest ways
She finds reasons to love, in the greatest way.

And her knowing is simple and deep
And her knowing is simple and deep

She has no conditions save for me
Her heart is pure and her mind is clean
And I wish I could sow what she reaps.

What if more two leggeds were like her?
Think of what the world could be

What if more two leggeds were like my four legged friend?
The world would be better in the end
Yes the world would be better in the end.

Shaman my friend, my reflection
She senses on four legs what I cannot
She finds reasons to love, in the smallest ways
She finds reasons to love, in the greatest way.
Shaman, my friend.

Written June 2008 @ By Kathy Marshall