A Sad Anniversary
I have started and restarted blog post after blog post to try to honor Zimmer, but I can't come up with the words to demonstrate his loyalty, love, friendship and guardianship. You see, Zimmer wasn't just a dog to me. He was my soulmate and my teacher. He taught me how to be brave enough to love unconditionally, he taught me patience and loyalty.
He was beside me when I had tough good-byes to say. He was beside me as I put countless hours of work into two degrees. He was beside me when I didn't feel well and when I laughed and acted silly. He slept on my bed, watched me eat, turned his head when I changed my clothes (yes he, did, he would lower his eyes and look away). The first hint of sadness that rose in my voice or fell from my eyes, he was next to me, comforting me with his big paws and warm kisses, letting me cry into his fur. He was my fearless protector except when it came to thunderstorms. Having an excellent sense of atmospheric pressure before the first rumble of thunder was audible to my human ears, he was camped out in the bathtub trembling.
His patience taught me unconditional love. No matter how boring your day was or how tired or angry or sad you are feeling, you should always greet your loved ones with a giant hug and a wagging tail. You should always be ready to go for a walk no matter what the weather is. You should eat whatever is prepared for you. You should clean up your messes and the messes your buddy creates. You should smile whether you are happy or sad. You should enjoy the simple things in life and marvel at how a ball bounces and always find where the squeaker is hidden. Always know where your toys are because you never know when someone will be willing to play with you. Treat everyone equally (except for your mate who should be treated better than you treat yourself!) and have no prejudices or biases. Protect those who are weaker than you. Listen more than you speak. Above all, love with all of your heart.
I look at his photo and he's staring back at me. It's almost as if he's watching over me, waiting for the day when I finally come home.
