At the gates, Doc hesitated for a heartbeat. Then he took a deep breath
And exploded with joy!
To see Doc dash across the prairie you’d think his romp was purposeless. He randomly dove into bushes, smelled trees, rolled in long grass and zig-zagged in looping circles. But if you knew Doc’s story you’d understand that the romp was the purpose. It wasn’t the direction or the location that mattered, it was the act.
The only certainty for Doc is the present moment. And he lives in the moment in a way even more profound than my own pups.
Doc jumps exuberantly
Paddles furiously
And even when this little punk made off with his toy…
Doc couldn’t care less. He lives in serene appreciation of a moment he might never have again
I love watching Eko and Penny romp, but there is truly something special about watching Doc run free
So free that dozens of acres wasn’t enough for him! Doc somehow managed to get on the other side of the park’s fence
As they always do, Eko and Penny followed me back to the car. They enjoyed the adventure and trusted we would romp again soon. Doc, panting and muddy, trotted by my brother’s side with a big smile.
There will be plenty more romps in Doc’s future, but his posture said that if our trip to the park was his last one, he had no regrets
My brother makes the same promise of love to Doc that I make to Eko and Penny. Together they’re building a bond and Doc is learning to trust each moment will be filled with that love.
None of us is sure how many moments we have left. While Doc learns to trust there will be more, he provides a powerful reminder each passing day leaves us with fewer moments to fill and enjoy.
I’m thankful to Doc for demonstrating that the most important promise is the one we keep to the present moment.
When you write your book (and you must), there has to be a long chapter about Doc’s transition to a fulfilling and loving life with your brother. I can’t promise not to shed a tear of happiness for them.
So beautifully written, Will!
BonBon went through a lot of changes, to teach her boundaries and keep her safe was rule number one, same with me, we live on 17 acres boundaries are important with freedom.
I’m thankful that Doc met your brother after that long odyssee…. sometimes miracles happen and they probably happened that moment you came to this fabulous place for pups :o)
Some much joy and love in the blog today. Not to say the others lack in it because they don’t. This one made me want to give Doc a big hug. I hope all dogs, and any pet, finds their forever homes.
That was so incredibly beautiful. I have something in my eye… *sniffle*
I’m so so so so happy for Doc and so happy for your brother that they are together. And I SO happy to get to read about all the adventures you and your extended family share! Thanks for that, Will. 🙂
your prose brings tears to my eye- well done! And so happy for Doc and your brother!
What a beautiful story Doc has now. He’s a lucky boy. So is your brother. Thanks for sharing their story.
Yes this was a wonderful tribute to the relationship your brother& Doc are building together and Doc reminded me of my boys once when got to play in the big mud puddle in our backyard once — such JOY to be found in a simple pleasure some take for granted! Live in the moment Doc and run with it!
beautifully stated and so true. We all need to heed this reminder.
Kaci and Kali are like that. There is something about a dog who has been kicked around-they really enjoy the good times because they know that there are also bad times.
Great post! Run Doc run!! 🙂
Such a great post- and a wonderfully valid point that my husband and I talk about frequently. We see this stark contrast in our own two boys Bear and Scooter. Bear has had a supremely rough life, fraught with neglect and abuse before he came to us so he is much the same as Doc. Our Scooter though, was hand raised by us and has never known fear, or uncertainty. Bear comes across as much more ‘grateful’ for each and every thing- he celebrates every meal with the happiest dance just in case it is his last.
Will thank you for sharing your gift with we readers. More importantly, thank your incredible family for opening your hearts to the fur children. May Doc, e no and Penny live long lives and share many adventures together. We are privileged to be allowed to peek and humbled by the tears of joy they bring! Thank you from the deepest part of myself.
That should read Eko!
So very true. Doc is a very lucky guy finding a home with your brother. Mom tells us all the time how spoiled we are and that we have no idea about the struggles most dogs live with daily. Like Eko and Penny, we three are truly blessed.
The gratitude of a rescued dog is boundless…each and every day. Beautifully said, Will.
Your postings on Doc bring a tear to my eye everytime – partly the GSP thing but mostly just Doc, seeing him so happy and knowing he is so well loved now – as all dogs deserve. Don’t you know, don’t know your brother – but love you both for loving Doc.
Big hug to your brother. I know how that feels because of our dogs. Our male bonded with us immediatly. Because of his previous experience he suffers from separation anxiety. And with our female it took a whole year for her to realise, that she has a home and a family with us, and for us to hug her.
Best regards!
Wow! Beautifully written.
What a beautiful post. Doc sure is lucky to have finally landed in your family even if he doesn’t realize it is forever.
what a great day and adventure, love the orange bumper!
I left a comment earlier. I’m not sure if it got posted or not……but…
I think this is one of the best “postings” I’ve seen from your blog… so true.
Oh darn you Will, you made me cry again! Doc tugs at my heart in a way most will never understand but you see perfectly! I saw it for many years in my Mazie and she still slips back into that unsure pup sometimes even though I have had her for 7 of her 9 years. Time is precious, enjoy!