This is a sad post with a less-than-sad point.

On Saturday around 5pm our beloved yellow lab and family member, Rosie, had a major seizure. She had been slowing down and not acting herself for a week or two. That night, we had to put her at peace, as our vet called it.

She was 14. She loved a long life, but it was a sudden ending.

We had to put her dog brother, Charlie, down not long ago. He was 17. It was also difficult, but somehow less so because we sort of saw it coming.

Rosie and I had a connection, though.

We shared a general anxiety disorder.

I talked about it here once:

@calledforadventureMy yellow lab has an anxiety disorder. I do as well. Like any puppy she enjoys a long walk. This is about the life lesson that Rosie and I both are learning and how it helps me stay present. #anxiety #labsoftiktok #doglover #mentalhealth #adventure #meaning

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I will miss the walks I referenced in the video a lot. Even the cold February ones I always complained about. Our house feels quiet now. Last night I thought I heard and felt her jump on the foot of the bed as she would often do once Debbie and I were asleep. It woke me up. It was nothing, of course.

There is a lot of science as to why dogs and humans connect so easily. We are basically the evolutionary embodiment of codependency. So, add that to another mental health issue Rosie and I got to share.

Here’s the thing.

Death is death.

It’s awful and I hate it.

A person you love dying is the hardest thing most of will ever have to deal with.

For many of us, our pets are a close second.

But people and animals are not all that die.

Dreams die. Careers die. Youthful vigor dies. Relationships can die. Hope can die.

Both my faith journey and my observations have taught me that life always follows death in some form.

As I sit here now, it’s hard to see what life Rosie’s death will bring. But I know that always happens.

Death creates space for new life to emerge.

It’s cyclical.

Turns out, Elton John was right all along.

So, as I grieve the loss of one of my dysfunctional best friends, I’d encourage you to ponder two things:

1. Please be grateful for everyone and everything that is alive today that you love. Nothing lasts forever except the present. Love them while you can.

2. If you’ve lost something important to you, look for life to emerge. It’s coming. It always finds a way to fill the empty space in time. You may only see it by looking back. But one day you’ll see it.

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