Final Thoughts from a Dying Zen Dog

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.