Nearly 2 years ago, my yellow lab Kossi was diagnosed with canine lymphoma. At the time, our doctor said that if we didn’t take any action, that he would have less than a month to live (3 weeks to be exact). He underwent chemotherapy and now almost 2 years later he is cancer-free.

I wrote a post for Owning Pink about Kossi. Today, he is dealing with “old dog” issues – principally arthritis. But as I wrote back then, I continue to appreciate every moment we have with him. Just this morning, I spent an extra few minutes with him before I left for my office. I stroked his soft head. I marveled at the softness of his fur, and the beauty of his dark brown eyes.

He is not sad. He is content, and that helps me to be not sad and content too. He is able to let go of everything, and he is trying very hard to teach me that lesson. He knows that if I can learn to live like he does, that I will be able to free myself from the chains of my human suffering and unleash myself into the beauty and peacefulness of each life giving moment.

That is what he does, and that is what I will try to do too. If only, I can learn to live like my dog.

What do you think? Are you inspired by the animals in your life? What have you learned from your pets?

You can read my original article here.