In Memory of my Dog Dusty Who Became my Best Friend

My dog Dusty passed away at 15 1/2 years old in 2017. I was compelled to write this dedication because I felt that there was more meaning to his passing than just the end of my friendship with my dog. Dusty lived with my mom for 14 years until she passed away, at which time he was basically an orphan, and I took him on. At first, for me, it felt like such a responsibility I had to take upon myself. As I cared for him I learned he was very special and he became my best friend. I wanted to write the following about Dusty because I think he left something with us, a type of gift, that I might pass along to the world - a gift from a little Cocker Spaniel, just a dog of so many, but one that so many came to love. There was a reason. A reason that hopefully we all can learn from.

If I were to describe how Dusty was different, it was because he trusted and loved everyone. He did not bark. He did not bite. If you would had come to know him, it probably would have happened while you were walking down Broadway in Vancouver. He might have slowly stepped near you, and if he did not get your attention by just touching your leg with his nose, he would look at you with his big brown eyes reflecting his innocence and his trust, all without any judgement of who you might be. I remember once walking him by Cobb's bread and the automatic doors opened. He just looked at the two girls working behind the counter. They looked back with smiles - a reflection of his kind and trusting hello. Whether you were the street person with your guitar outside Macdonalds, a student in Cartems donut shop, or any person on the street of any race, age, or condition in life - he would only want to say hello. How could it be that he could so simply love everyone, yet want nothing other than a pat on his head or a simple smile, as a gesture of your kindness? I could tell in Cartems where he loved to lay flat on his stomach on the cement, that when he turned away treats, what he really cared about was to be with everyone and just make gentle contact with the students who studied there. Many of them loved to say hello to him because they missed their own dogs that they had left at home, in order to come to University.

Dusty was special because he was innocent, he was trusting, and he knew only goodness. My mom always watched over Dusty. He was never treated badly, and he was always cared for with so much dedication and love. He always felt safe and he was never alone. In the 16 months I had Dusty, I did the same, and cared for him with all my heart. In return, he always watched for me, he always felt safe, and he always depended on me. He trusted me so much. I thank all of you who said hello to him because, in the gentle pat or words you gave to him, it just told him again how good people and life could be.

This is what I wanted to say about Dusty. It is a lesson to us all. As humans, we often distance each other, we may take from each other, and we may hurt one another. This does not need to happen, but we need to first learn to trust and care about one another. We need to be treated as Dusty was, with kindness and care all his life. It should not take an innocent, gentle, dog to look into our eyes to touch our hearts so that we might reach out to give our warmest thoughts and trust. Dusty showed us every day that we can learn to trust one another. Countries and people just need to understand that maybe, if we can start by reaching out and trusting each other, like Dusty did every day, we can create relationships that are based on giving to one another, rather than taking from one another. Can you imagine if a child could grow up never knowing fear or need, always knowing he had loved ones and friends watching over him? How could such a child see anything but good in the world? How could such a child do anything but bring good into the world?

I miss my friend very much, but I write this for you on his behalf. When any of us have something special in our lives to share with the world, like Dusty, we try. Those that met Dusty already know how special he was, but for those who did not meet him, I have tried to share him with you.

It was time for him to go because he was old and tired, but what he has left us is the hope that the world can be good. We can trust one another, and we can work together to share life and love.

Thank you Dusty.