Day 795

We had three beautiful walks this morning, but the third one touched my heart.

As we turned for home, I recognized a friend who was walking ahead of our trio. When we caught up, Lilly decided to plop down in the shade and Ranger joined her. Both Goldens looked so peaceful, so we took a moment to catch up.

We chatted about the neighborhood, her sweet dog that recently passed away, a new Yorkie pup who might join her life and finally how we met. We both had different versions, but mine was the best. She remembered connecting as I would walk dogs or ride by on my bike. Dogs are a magnet for me, so I would always stop to see her “fluffy, white mop” as she walked the pup with her husband. I told her my recollections were a bit different.

When I first noticed the couple walking their dog, I was charmed by their friendly attitude and obvious adoration for each other. I began to look for the threesome when I was in their vicinity. It wasn’t long before I noticed her husband seemed to have acquired a limp and soon a cane joined them on their walks. The cane was replaced by a walker and finally a wheelchair pushed by my friend with their little dog riding in his place of honor, on the husband’s lap. Eventually, I did not see them at all. I worried but didn’t know exactly where they lived so that I could pay a visit. Days turned into weeks and months, until one day I saw my friend walking her dog by herself. Catching up to her, I told her how happy I was to see her. There were tears in her eyes as she told me that her husband’s funeral would be that afternoon. Serendipity allowed me to honor him and comfort her that day.

After glossing over my recollections of seeing the three of them when we first met, I went on to tell her that as her husband’s health failed, it was humbling and beautiful to see their love reach a deeper level. No matter what they were facing, their love was palpable. You could see it in their eyes and in the very connection of their hearts. We both had tears in our eyes at this point.

Before we parted, she confessed that she feels him surrounding her still. In fact, with a small laugh, she told me she senses him sitting in the chair in their bedroom each night as she reads in bed. I told her that was beautiful, and would she tell him “Hello” for me please.

It is an honor to know the people I meet while walking my Goldens. I learn so much and my heart seems to grow with each new connection. When she tells her husband “Hello” tonight, I hope she also shares the story of how I saw them walking each time with love defining their every step.. I am so glad my Goldens decided to take a little rest on our walk this morning.