I rescued Melvin ten years ago. Of course he rescued me ten years, and one week ago (when I drove to Delaware to meet him). I don’t know how it is possible that it is only ten years, because I cannot really recall a time before, or without, Melvin.
Melvin made me believe in fate. I believe the universe delivered a master plan in us.
Yes, Melvin won in his life with me. He got the vet care he needed. We waged an assault on his allergies. He had the healthiest life he could have, with me. I love him with my whole heart. But the winner of our union will always be, me.
He changed me. He taught me to chase joy. Jake came, because of Melvin. Because we were joy junkies and we needed that little peanut so we could all be more joyful together. I have so much patience for Doug, because Melvin taught me to be understanding of all dogs. To accept that it is not where we’ve been or where we are going, it’s where we are right now.
I worried when he died that he wasn’t able to impart his wisdom on more dogs. Had I know cancer would strike so quickly, I would have brought more dogs into our house so they could soak up Melvin vibes. But now with Doug, I realize that I am his link to all that. I am the connection from Doug to Melvin and Jake. And there are so many things about Doug that remind me of his brothers. My love is the link to them all.
There will be more decades of Melvin, because I carry him in my heart. His love, and life, and light, will always shine brightly in me. Melvin magic lives on.
A few years ago, I wrote a letter to Melvin’s first family. You can find it here.
I have said this before, I have hard time being anything but happy about Melvin. I didn’t spend a ton of time being angry at his life before me. I made a huge effort to not be angry when I was grieving his loss. Melvin personified (dogified?) joy every moment he was alive. I mean his tail got amputated and he came out of that surgery, on the stretcher, wagging his nubbin. He was ALL JOY, all the time. I worked really hard after he died, to not let anger become a part of our story. There is a peace that has always washed over me when I see Melvin’s face. I hope that stays with me forever.
Ten years of Melvin in my heart. I’m blessed.
That face! He was such a beautiful Dog! How wonderful to have had ten years together and to have all that he left in your heart.
Yes, yes, yes! So thankful for everything Melvin!
Aww, Melvin!! You have such a sweet face. Kudos to you for writing the letter and not feel angry towards his previous owners.
At first, I was def angry. Melvin was a hot mess when I rescued him. But he quickly became my hot mess and healing him always trumped his past.
I love your perspective so, so much. Reading your posts gives me strength and inspires me to try to adopt your positive, loving, grateful attitude. Thank you.
Wow, thank you! We are all going to feel low and negative in life. But I have def found that the darker side of emotion takes so much more energy than the lighter side. The lighter side actually fuels us.
Dogs, what wonderful creatures they are to live in the moment and they can teach us so much about joy if only we let them 🙂
Melvin was a dreamboat, all your boys are so special and seeing their faces in your posts always makes me smile.
Dreamboat! Yes!!! Dogs are so wise and wonderful!