We learned a lot about life from Birdie

We had no idea that a little blonde dog would become the focal point of our family for fourteen years. After our second date together and by sheer happenstance, Alison walked by a 3-month-old Birdie and quickly adopted her. In our years together, she gave so much love and provided countless reasons to smile. She had a true and fearless spirit of adventure traveling?with us to more than one-third of US states and Canada. On September 10th, we drove to the top of Pike’s Peak and, on November 10th, she took her last beach walk on Sullivan’s Island outside of Charleston. Alison and I let Birdie go ten days ago. She’d been diagnosed with an oral osteosarcoma in August. She remained stoic as always, but gave signs that she was ready. We listened and I’ve never cried so much in my life.?

Great day on the Totonto Islands in Lake Ontario in 2019

In thinking back on what Birdie meant to us, it’s easy to recognize that we learned much from this special dog.?

*HELP WHEN YOU CAN. In 2017, we adopted a re-homed eighteen-month old goldendoodle, Charlie. Charlie is an amazing dog, but needed some help becoming his best dog self. For instance, he was very anxious and awkward about jumping up into the backseat of our car. Alison had the idea to let Birdie jump up first with Charlie to follow. After a number of runs through one door and out the other, Charlie had it figured out. How many of us would have the knowledge we have today without the investment of others to help us improve? And sometimes a big push or jump in the right direction is easy to give if we just take a few minutes.

*DON’T BE SO RUSHED. Birdie was a magnet for canine lovers and we heard a lot, a whole lot, of their stories. With Birdie on leash, there was no way to run from these conversations. ?? I had to listen, make personal connections and oftentimes learned something. Without her, I’d likely have just kept moving along looking at my phone. When possible, slow down and engage. There are a lot of interesting people and experiences at every turn, if you move with eyes wide open.

*BE KIND.?Many people talked about their own pets and losses they’d experienced when they’d see us with Birdie. There’s no doubt we pass people every day with some sort of trauma going on in their own lives. Birdie never turned anyone away. A kind word or smile might be just what someone who is struggling needs at that moment.?

*TAKE MORE WALKS (AND THE OCCASIONAL NAP). This one should come as no surprise to anyone, especially dog owners. Birdie’s stare forced me to get out on walks for fourteen years and I never regretted it?Find reasons to take time for yourself.

*YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO DISCOVER NEW THINGS.?Birdie first walked on a beach in San Francisco as a nine-year old. We were only there a short time, but she loved it. We made it to beaches several more times and she couldn’t wait to get to the shoreline. It was easy to see she enjoyed it. At times we may feel like the old dog, but I’d rather be the kind that learns new tricks and is open to new ideas and experiences.

*CHASE SOMETHING. In January 2020, just before the pandemic, we were in San Diego at?Coronado Beach Dog Park where the dog section is clearly delineated from the larger dog free beach. I took Birdie off leash and she immediately ran a half-mile or so to chase some birds, of course, in the no dog section. I tried to keep up in what had to be a sad sight, but Birdie had her head down and was hard charging. She saw something she wanted and went for it. When do we need to stretch ourselves for goals just out of reach?

*BE ENTHUSIASTIC. Up to the end, Birdie was bright-eyed and enthusiastic. If she wasn’t willing to get engaged in something she’d walk off. Where do I spend my time and how can I focus more of the things I’m excited about?

Alison and I are so thankful to have had Birdie in our lives. We’re in unchartered territory since she’d been with us for our entire relationship, and we’re going to take the above cues from Birdie to ensure we keep growing.

I know I’m not the only one…what lessons have you learned from your furry friends?

Remember the Dan and Dave Reebok commercials leading up to the '92 Barcelona Olympics? Here we are with Dan O'Brien and his 1996 Decathlon Gold Medal.