Happy 8th Birthday, Tavis - Lessons from our Golden
- bjaucoin
- Nov 16
- 2 min read
Yesterday, our beautiful boy Tavis turned eight. What a blessing it is to have him in our family. His presence brings unconditional love, steady comfort, and a daily reminder of what it means to truly be alive.
As I continue to navigate life with stage IV metastatic breast cancer, Tavis has become more than a companion. He has become one of my greatest teachers. In his quiet, joyful way, he continues to offer me lessons I hold close:
1. Unconditional Love
Every morning, Tavis greets me with soft eyes and a wagging tail. No matter how I feel or what the day brings, his love is constant, pure, and uncomplicated.
2. Living in the Present Moment
When we feed Tavis, he dances. Every single time. He is fed three times a day, yet you would think each meal is a five-star feast. His delight reminds me to savour the simple joys we often overlook.
3. Balancing Movement and Rest
Tavis loves to run on the beach, across the fields, and through the farm. His freedom is beautiful to watch. But he also knows the value of rest, curling up by the fireplace, content just to be. He shows me what balance truly looks like.
4. Giving Fully While Asking for Little
Through the highs and lows of this journey, Tavis has been right beside me. He does not ask for much, yet he offers so much in return: comfort, companionship, and a steady presence that grounds me.
5. The Width of Life Matters More Than the Length
The hardest part of loving dogs is knowing their lives are shorter than ours. Every golden I have ever had has taught me the same truth. It is not the number of years that matters, but how wide we make them, how full of joy, love, and memory.
Tavis has walked with me through many chapters, and the greatest gift he continues to bring is the reminder that love is what remains. Love is what carries us. Love is what we take with us.
Happy 8th Birthday, Tavis. Thank you for brightening our days, widening our years, and filling our lives with more love than we ever could have imagined. 🐾💛