Gizmo loved and (lived) to take care
of the sick. She was partially responsible for my unexpected meeting to the woman
that would eventually become my wife. Gizmo was also a full-time doggy
caretaker of me when I was surviving cancer. She was later companions to my
parents with their battles against Lyme and Alzheimer’s Diseases.
Gizmo was totally unique, forgiving,
and full of love (like our other fur kids). In remembrance of Gizmo, it is time
I share with you the handful of life lessons my canine buddy taught me.
“Until one has loved a Chihuahua a part of one’s soul
remains unawakened.” (Anatole France)[i]
1.
Every New Person You Meet is a Potential New Friend - All
it took for Gizmo to like you was to meet you. She was sure to greet you with a
smile, a bark, and a barrel roll onto her plump treat filled belly. I am suggesting
that every person we meet is worth something, and deserves a smile.
If you have ever had a dog you know that wonderful feeling
you get when you walk into the house to a wagging tail, a moist tongue, and
happy barks. You also know that terribly lonely feeling when that celebration
no longer happens.
Are there times in our lives when we forget to greet others
with excitement and respect? It is amazing what a little positive energy can do
for our relationships.
2.
Don’t Wait Until Tomorrow to Show Love - Call me cheesy
but after the various life events, I have experienced I am beginning to
understand that waiting until the time is right to show love and appreciation
for people in our lives may be too long of a wait.
One of my favorite things Gizmo would do for me (when I was
waking up from a chemotherapy nap) was to beg for me to pick her up. As soon as
I did, the kisses came and soon I was more focused on Gizmo the Chihuahua than
I was on my nausea.
“Long-haired Chihuahuas have no notion they
are bite-sized.”
(Rosemary
Clement-Moore)
3.
Be a Loyal Companion - Often times the best we can offer
someone is just a set of ears. Gizmo offered ears to listen (no voice to
respond from), and often times that was exactly what was needed as she set loyally
by my side. Are there times in life we need to offer only loyalty and a good
set of ears?
4.
Create New Memories Now - Gizmo taught me
to go ahead and create great memories today. Every day is a new adventure when
you’re a ten pound Chihuahua. Maintain that adventurous spirit; be excited
about life’s detours, and every once in a while treat yourself.[ii]
[i] I totally agree with this quote.
[iii] This post is dedicated to my three Chihuahuas, Chico,
Rosco, and Lola. Chico and Rosco were with me during my cancer (and chemo) in
2009-2010. (Their presence when the family was gone during the day was a
blessing.) I relate so much of David’s article. I smile at the big ears with
the even larger attitudes that go with this small breed I so love.
No comments:
Post a Comment