Final Thoughts From A Dying Zen Dog - Tapa blanda

Recommended for adult readers, mature age 13 and up.

I’ve seen a lot in my thirteen years of life. I’ve run away and been rescued. I’ve had children and lost them. I’ve lived in cages and in beautiful homes. But these days, a lot of my thinking is done behind closed eyelids, as I just feel so old and tired all the time.

Now, you’re probably confused at this point because, in human years, thirteen isn’t old at all; but in dog years, especially if you’re a sheltie like me, that’s ancient. So, when my human parents—the best people you could ever meet—started moping around the house, I knew something was up. For a few days, I tried to ignore it, but after another visit to the doctor, we all had to finally face the truth.

I am dying. But the story I have to tell you isn’t a sad one. You might say we dogs tend to view the world through rose-colored glasses. But really, we just see it for the wonderful place it is. Sure, there are difficult moments, but that’s just it—they are momentary. The way I see it, every day we have a choice to love, laugh, and be grateful.

Rich Kaye is a retired psychotherapist who once lived and worked in upstate New York. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Iowa and a master of social work degree from the State University of New York as well as completed postgraduate psychotherapy training. After moving on from private practice ten years ago, he relocated to Wisconsin, where he worked with children in a school-based nonprofit agency for four years.

He currently lives in Middleton with his wife, Diane, who is a dog trainer, and their four-legged family. Rich has an adult daughter who lives in Boston.