For the longest time we’ve been thinking about starting an inspiring #DogStory series to share some heart-warming tailz. Today’s story is about a dog’s legacy.
So, after a long day at work when you get home today, finish all your chores, sit on the couch with your four-legged close to you and read this #DogStory.
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Introducing Annie
Many years ago, there was a shepherd mix dog called Annie. Barely two months old when Annie found her forever home and loving humans who doted on her. There was one problem though – the humans really wanted her to swim in their pond.
Even though Annie was blessed with an “aerodynamic body, muscular legs, and glossy black fur that repelled moisture” she didn’t fancy swimming. The humans tried everything but couldn’t convince Annie until one day one of them feigned to drown. After a few anxious moments of pacing around, Annie dove right in to check on her human. That was the start of a dog’s legacy who learnt to swim.
As more pack members arrived
Annie’s humans adopted three more dogs in the following years – Pepper, Will and Cleo. As an act of bonding, the first thing Annie did every time a new pack member came home was to swim in the pond together. Except when the last member Cleo came home, who was as afraid of water as Annie.
The dog-human pack spent some wonderful years together and the pond was among their favourite destinations. Until one night when Pepper suffered from bloat and suddenly passed away leaving a heart-breaking void. To make matters worse Annie was diagnosed with “inoperable bladder cancer.”
The last swim together
The cancer couldn’t deter Annie’s spirit. Just like a puppy she would still run in circles, go for walks and crash into the pond, although she needed to urinate more frequently. As days passed Annie started to lose weight. It seemed as if the pond looked sad too. Until one day when Annie and Will heard a bullfrog plop into the pond and dove right in. After a few “frog-frolicking” moments they came out of the pond and Annie seemed pain-free for the first time in many days.
That wasn’t the end my friends because finally both Annie and Will convinced Cleo to dive in with them. All it took was a touch of wet noses and some tail wags. And the “land dog” Cleo was converted. Little did they know that it would be Annie’s last swim with them. But I wonder if the dogs realised that their pack member would cross the rainbow bridge.
A dog’s spirit is the legacy
We often think of the legacy that we will leave behind. Will people remember us as a kind soul, as the ambitious leader, a born artist and so on. A dog doesn’t have to think so much. Because their spirit is their legacy. And every dog leaves behind an incredible legacy that’s worth remembering and celebrating.
This story is written by Gretchen Bassier and taken from the book “Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dog Did What?”
