"Valuable Lessons Learned from Our Four-Pawed Family Members"

"It is not the l length of life, but the depth of life." Ralph Emerson

The length of life is not always a choice, but the depth of life is up to each of us. This is a lesson we learn as parents of four-pawed family members. Loving and losing a pet is heartbreaking and difficult to reconcile with everyday human experiences. We should outlive those whom we raise. Unfortunately, that's not the case for our furry loved ones.

I recently had friends go through the heartbreaking loss of their pets. Having experienced the grief and pain that accompanies such a loss, I empathize deeply with my friends. To provide comfort, I shared Ralph Emerson's words and recounted the story of my own cherished golden, Brooklyn.

At the tender age of 4, Brooklyn received the devastating diagnosis of cancer. However, her spirit shone through as she celebrated her 5th Birthday with boundless energy and enthusiasm, thanks to the assistance of prednisone. This medication granted her the precious opportunity to enjoy her final months with us.

During the final months, we had a family photo shoot with one of my favourite photographers, Tammy Fiske. Tammy took the picture above, and Kim Hinxman MacQueen painted this beautiful picture, which her sister Krista Wright gifted to me. This picture is called "True Love." It continues to be one of my favourites. I am forever indebted to these two talented artists and Krista for thinking of me!

I firmly believe in taking pictures of life to record moments with those you love. Throughout the last month, Brooklyn and I worked together as she sat at my feet to create a video memory of her life and times. Each photo of Brooklyn captured a life filled with joy, happiness, and unconditional love.

Brooklyn's years were short, but she lived them with meaning, purpose, and intention. She woke up every day looking forward to sharing her life with family and friends. Brooklyn enjoyed playing hockey or taking a boat trip on our lake. Walk, ball and treat were her favourite words.

In the busy pace of life, we often forget that these moments never come again. None of us know how long we have left to live, but we know this day only comes once. On all other days, Brooklyn would advise us to live as she lived, with wonder, joy, and abandon. Brooklyn has a piece of my heart, mind, and soul. Her memory and lessons will live on forever within the depth of my days.