Salvador "Red Chief"

14 Feb 1999 - 24 Feb 2012

I am of the nature to grow old.
There is no way
To escape growing old.
I am of the nature
To have ill health.
There is no way
To escape ill health.
I am of the nature to die.
There is no way
To escape death.
All that is dear to me
And everyone I love
Are of the nature to change.
There is no way
To escape being separated from them.
My actions are my only true belongings.
I cannot escape the consequences of my actions.
My actions are the ground upon which I stand.
from: The Plum Village Chanting, by Thich Nhat Hanh

While he was being treated for increasing arthritic pain in his back and hips, the acute phase of his illness lasted only three days. We have a wonderful vet, who did everything possible to ease his pain, but we were not successful. The vet cried with me as we eased the big beautiful boy into that gentle sleep from which we do not awaken in this world.

I have a giant Salvador-shaped hole in my heart, a heart that is riddled with other holes as well, shaped like Patches and Fred, Nosey and Fatty and Bully Boy. Little pieces torn from the fabric of life. Anyone who hasn't loved and been loved by a creature innocent of all agendas, who dances only in the breathing moment, has yet to live.