What is a heart dog?
A heart dog is a part of your soul. They are a dog that you have connected with on an emotional and spiritual level. They are a dog that you’ve grown with and that has helped shape who you are.
A heart dog is a dog you can’t imagine living without. You’ve gone on adventures together, you’ve challenged each other to go further, do more, be better. They are a dog you deeply love and have shared your life with.
I have a heart dog, and his name is Caesar.
Caesar turned 12.5 on Dec. 11, 2023. For the past year, my heart dog has grown weaker and more frail. I am not ignorant to the fact that his time is fleeting. I knew 6 months ago that he didn’t have a year left, I know now that he likely has weeks, not months before he takes the trip over rainbow bridge.
A heart dog is a dog that has part of your heart. So how do you keep going, when your heart dog is gone? I reflect on our wonderful life together and it makes me both happy and sad—happy that I had him, and sad to know soon our life together will be a memory.
Caesar has given me 12.5 adventurous years.
Through my 20s, he carried me through each up and down.
Through his twilight years, I carry him inside and out so he doesn’t trip.
When I was 19, he saved my life by giving me a reason to live.
In September, I saved his life by giving him all necessary treatment to overcome a stomach flu.
Though heartbreak, he gave me kisses on my face and a thick coat to cuddle.
As his final days near, I give him a heated blanket, delicately pace him in my bed, and pet his face until he falls asleep.
I tell him each night how much I love him, kiss his face, and burry mine in his fur.
I know the feeling is mutual. We’ve lived such a good life together.
He was there on my happiest days and my saddest.
I’ll be there for his.
A heart dog only comes along once in a lifetime.
There will be other dogs in my life, but there will never be another Caesar.