Our faithful companion Bono passed on Wednesday. He was nearly 14 and half years old. It's affected us all more than we thought. The re-adjustments are considerable. There's an empty space on the floor on my right side as I'm writing this.
Having a dog has by no means been easy (even more so 3!) It's a huge commitment not to mention the cost, but the companionship and unconditional love they give you in return is immeasurable.
Bono has been at my side through some very difficult times. We have walked together through times of extreme sadness, grief and loss. He always knew when things weren't quite right and stayed that extra bit closer. Dogs (most of them anyway) are instinctive to those feelings. Probably more than a lot of humans.
But it's the beating tail we will all miss the most. Every single time you come through the door, downstairs in the morning, last thing at night. He used to sit at the bottom of the stairs waiting for me to come home when I went out. He had separation anxiety if I'm honest.
So, I'll forgive all the poo eating, demands for dinner and it has to be said total obsession with food for the unconditional love and devotion.
It's made me think this week about unconditional love and companionship. The relationship between a dog and owner is quite unique. Hence the phrase 'mans best friend'. I feel too that when you've lost someone close, your connection with these 4 legged friends is even deeper.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches that we're taught not to get caught up in the end result of something. BG 2.47, You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.
In other words being aware of the 'conditions' around our actions. Perhaps we should all question our motives bit more? Maybe we can learn a bit more from dogs here and unconditionally show a bit more love and kindness, without looking for rewards.
Bono couldn't get up on his own any more and had been incontinent for a while.
We were able to make the hardest decision. We all agreed the kindest thing was to stop him hurting and suffering anymore. He passed peacefully eating treats from my hand and then his head just softly rested on my foot.
Namaste
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