My dog died today. Cheyenne came home with us from the pound when he was just 7 weeks old, in May of 1998. We didn't name him right away. He use to hide behind the sofa...he was so 'shy' that the name Cheyenne was perfect (and saved me a lifetime of headaches as hubby had his heart set on a 'western-sounding' name when and if we had a son--his fave at the time was Montana--yes, you guessed it, after Joe Montana-and yes, I'm very thankful we have daughters!).
Cheyenne was a very happy dog--he loved bounding through the water at the park and throwing his bone up in the air over and over again. He also loved to play with hubby's underwear and my heels and our couch and the pillows and the garbage. But we loved that dog. And all he ever wanted to do was cuddle up and put his head on our feet. When I was pregnant I remember him putting his head on my belly and looking at me with fear and awe when the baby 'kicked him'. He loved our kids. He was gentle and sweet. He was a giant 80 lb. "puppy-bear" whom I will love forever.
His death reminds me of why my journey is so important. You see, Cheyenne was suppose to be my "solution" for losing weight...TEN years ago. I swore up and down to hubby if we had a dog THEN I would lose weight. I would walk the dog--ALL the time. In the end, I really just used it as another crutch, another excuse. Another thing that his death brings up is that he was very fat. And I wonder, had I taken better care of him, had I helped him to not be so fat, would he have lived longer? Would he have suffered less?
As a mother, I feel such a strong drive to take care of myself and not leave this earth early, especially for the sake of my daughters. Furthermore, I'm their first and most important teacher in life. Do I really want them eating ice cream and McDonalds and Doritos? I have one chance to do it right. I want to set a good example for my kids AND to be a happy, healthy adult.
"Chey-Chey Bear" (as we playfully called him) has taught me both through his life and his death. I guess if Cheyenne has taught me anything it's to be happy everyday and to appreciate what you have everyday, every moment & also to take care of what you've been given--starting most importantly with yourself--it is paramount.
I'll always remember him running in circles around our couch, with his brother Dakota--the 'puppy olympics' we called it. Cheyenne Griola 1998-2008 World's Greatest Dog.... Rest In Peace.
I feel sorry for your Cheyenne .
Posted by: Free Running | July 19, 2008 at 11:51 PM
Tha was my thought,too.
Posted by: mbt sale | June 22, 2011 at 03:55 AM