It’s my first, multi-day road trip with my new sidekick, Willow.
We’re in Asheville, North Carolina readying ourselves for a Steve & Jen White training workshop at A Good Dog’s Life. It’s a very yin yang kind of trip. Blissfully wonderful having Willow here with me and painfully sad because the last time I was in Asheville, again for a workshop at A Good Dog’s Life, I learned I was going to have to euthanize my soulmate dog, Gibson.
I don’t even need to tell you the pain I was in ….you dog people know. Suffice it to say, I wasn’t sure I would live through it, yet here I am watching this beautiful, blue merle Australian Shepherd girl, Willow, confidently experience all the newness of her first road trip with such ease and grace. I’m sure Angel Gibson would be proud of her. In truth, I know he is. I feel him with us.
He and I had nearly nine years of road trips together and he was always cool as a cucumber in all new situations. This little girl seems to be following in his paw steps. Oh, except for that darn Harley that gunned the engine while we were taking a potty break by the curb. No, she didn’t like that at all! But she recovered very quickly and was back to her confident self.
So here’s the fun Willow and I had today in a short photo journal.
Imagine that after checking in, the first person she met was Steve White! Yep, he thought she was cute. She was pretty full of herself after that.
She was quite curious about the flag poles. All that racket kept her looking up a while. Then it was on to experience her own personal, moving chariot.
After getting settled in our room, I decided it was time to do a little classical conditioning around the elevator before going for a ride. Neither the opening, nor closing of the doors bothered her.
And some dried salmon helped her think the funny sounds while inside the elevator (when it moved) were pretty cool….well, maybe just ok.
After all that adventure, it was time to hit the bed. I love hanging out on a hotel bed with my dog. Something glorious about it that I can’t describe. Maybe it’s the cuddle factor?
And she loves her window on the world!
And I discovered that the girl has an extreme desire to burrow! OMG…..I wish I had been able to get it on video. I laughed myself silly.
So here I sit, with Willow burrowed in the pillows beside me and reminiscing about my days with Gibson. Yes and crying. Many tears. I didn’t think it would be possible to love another dog again, but Gibson was even more special than I thought, because he’s made more room in my heart for Willow. I already love her beyond measure. I think we’re going to have a really fine life together. And she’s already a great Cold Nose College Mascot. Yep, there “is” life after death.
I love you, Gibson. I love you, Willow.
14 thoughts on “Life after Death”
Lisa,
Gosh I loved this for so many reason, life after death, the Awesomeness of Aussies and the symetry of life. And I loved this for you and your amazing Willow and of course you know Gibson sent her to you. Pls. share your Carol Cummings reading with me when you get it. Love you! Patti
Yes, Patti….I know you understand on so many levels. Amazing how life “can” continue. I’m chatting with Carolyn this coming Thurs. Will be in touch after that. xoxox
Oh Lisa,
What a beautiful post. I hope I have your grace when I find myself on the path you’re taking. I’m in awe. Many hugs to you as you experience the spectrum of emotions. Thanks for writing this and for being so present for Willow while also honoring Gibson.
L.
Thank you, Laurie. Falling in love with Willow is easy and I’m thankful I see some of Gibson in her. Lisa
Beautiful pictures and beautiful post. George and I are both crying, now ! We understand.
Oh yes, you two DO understand. For the love of a dog….they’re all so special and never with us long enough. I’m soaking up every moment with Willow!
Lisa,
I love seeing the joy of you and Willow being together. Things are the way they are suppose be, no matter how painful they are sometimes. Gibson helped you become the person you are today. I know he is ALWAYS with you. And yes, quite possibly through that precious girl of yours.
Somehow I missed this the first time.
Thanks for sharing it again.
Thanks, Melissa. It’s amazing how our hearts can heal and also expand for yet another wonderful companion.
Lisa,
Beautiful. Tears flowing. I too am soaking up the wonder of Willow and watching you with such awe.
Thank you my friend.
Laura, I continue to be amazed by extreme joy and sorrow of the two of them. I miss Gibson SO much, but I love her SO much. Wow, life is quite a journey.
Wonderful! Thanks!
Yes, Pat. You understand.
What a lovely post, Lisa. A fitting tribute to Gibson and a joyous celebration of new love with Willow. She is a delightful soul who will only grow more delightful, because she has the good fortune of being with you. She was surely sent to you for this great purpose — to open your heart again and live there alongside your boy Gibson. She grows more beautiful and confident every day. Enjoy every minute. Let the love keep growing (I know you will) and your heart keep filling, my friend.
Thanks, Jenny. You knew/know them both and you were the first classroom teacher of each….how cool is that? Can’t wait for more time with you and her.