Today's MOZEN: Me and Rex

Me and Rex

It's only been a few days since I lost my most beloved companion, Rex. So, of course, I still have a sense of deep loss. I'm at the stage where I am encountering, for the first time, things that I did with him that I no longer need to do. Some of them became so routine that I never even thought about them - until now.

We had such a long run, 14 years, so it's hard not to be grateful for the wonderful time together. And, thankfully, he maintained his vigor for the great majority of his life and his decline was relatively painless and rapid. If I took the time to punish myself for the fact that he's gone, I'm sure that I could find things that I would do differently. But, not many. Besides, life is for learning and we learned a lot about one another in those 14 years.

In the beginning, I never even wanted him - I inherited him from my stepson who had rescued him from a shelter in New Jersey. He was big, wild, and raw. I could see why someone not accustomed to big, powerful dogs would bring him to a shelter. However, over the course of those many years, I went from resenting him to devoting a good portion of my life to make his as full as possible.  In return, he truly became MY DOG. And, we were the best of friends because of it. So, I have no regrets but, maybe one: I wish that he would have left us of his own accord. We had to help him begin that new journey. However, there was no other way. We had to be strong for him, and with great compassion, did what needed to be done.

I really don't know what happens to our souls after we leave this body/existence. My faith does not tack in that direction. But, I do believe that we have an energy that is embodied in what we call the soul. I also believe that ALL sentient beings, including dogs, are endowed with one. It may be in different degrees of development, but we all have one. So, I'm not sure if he crossed any Rainbow Bridges, but it sure is a nice sentiment anyway. And, I do sense that his energy, i.e. soul, has simply changed form - to which, I do not know - yet. My hope is that someday, perhaps in a dream, he will reveal it to me.

What I do know is that, if I accept it, this is also a most sacred time. It has forced me to reevaluate what is most important to me in my life - what matters and what simply does not. Rex showed me to be true to what my core is (as was he), to live simply and with dignity (as he did).

Another positive that has come from this event is the incredible outpouring of support for me and Rex. In fact, it's been overwhelming. It is a testament to the incredible transcendent power of love. The effect this humble creature, a dog, had on so many, is extraordinary. And, most people never even met him. They simply sensed it in his expression from the many photographs I shared of him on social media. THAT'S the soul I speak of. THAT'S what endures.

So, yes, it's OK to miss my buddy. I always will. But, I can't go back - only ahead. With that in mind, in honor of our time together, I will do more to be kinder, even more open, and, above all, do my best to love greater.