He was with me every second of the day.

He was my shadow for exactly 8 years.

He followed me around everywhere.

Even when I would go to the bathroom he would just wait outside the door.

He would place himself at the center of the living room to see which way I would be heading to next.

And he would just look me in the eyes, trying to guess what I would do.

Of course I was his second love, food was always his first. ????

But he was my first dog love and always will be.

His name was Tyson and I said goodbye to him this last Monday.

And I learned this…

Dog love is like human love.  But purer.  Closer to the universe. Closer to God, source, divinity.  It is almost as if we are held by a force that is constant.  We are seen, by two eyes that never let us go (Click to Tweet!)

My heart was not ready to feel what it felt last Monday.

A complete and utter break.

My eyes were gone.

The helding was over.

The physical extension of my soul vanished.

I always thought we were the ones rescuing him.

He was found in Puerto Rico as a puppy and was brought to Northern Mass where we found him at 3 months old.

We adopted him and got in the car to take him home.

Tyson was/is a chocolate lab and he sat on my lap, wrapped his paws around my right arm and squeezed me as he was shaking all the way home.

And now I know.

He came to rescue me.

To be by my side as I was trying to blend two families with not much success.

By my feet, as I wrote Second Firsts and Where Did You Go.

Founded my Institute, found my identity, my voice, my own path.

When he arrived in my life I had just started writing this blog.

Tyson I know you can hear me, thank you for being with me in my loneliest years.

In my discovery years.

My aftermath years.

And I know why you left when you did.

You believe I can do this on my own.

This new chapter. Without your gaze.

Say hi to Bjarne for me, he always wanted a chocolate lab.

And I will be seeing you…

With real devastating heartbreak for my dog Tyson,

Christina

PS. He left the day before we were going to release the pre-order campaign for my new book. So here I am doing this for the first time without him: ORDER HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Did-You-Go-Life-Changing/dp/0062689622

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Christina

Christina

Christina Rasmussen is an author, speaker and social entrepreneur who believes that grief is an evolutionary experience required for launching a life of adventure and creative accomplishment.

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7 Comments

  • Amy says:

    Thank you for this post. I lost my chocolate lab almost two months ago. You explained how I am feeling perfectly.

  • Grace Johnson says:

    So sorry, Christina…your Tyson is a beautiful dog. I feel your loss…I have lost many beloved pets…2 six months ago. I once read that until you know the love for an animal…your soul is never fully awakened…I believe that for, yes, it is a powerful and sacred love.

  • Charlie Russ says:

    This is the hardest part of having a dog…I lost Max last year and he was 17! I had him since he was 6 weeks old…he was with me after my husband died and he DID keep me going…

    Now I have a rescue dashound and she adds so much fun to my day…

    I still miss my Max…

  • I am so sorry that you have to go through another loss. Our pets (dogs) are our family. You are so right, they rescue us, and seem to leave us when they know we will be ok. It is so hard to let go of our most loyal and trusting family member. He is now over the rainbow with your late husband enjoying heaven. You will be greeted by him when you cross over the rainbow as well, but until then he will be watching over you and your family. I am sure he had the best life he could have ever imagined. I will keep you in my prayers, and light a candle for you. Thank you for helping me heal and find hope, you not only touched your dogs life but mine as well. Sincerely Leeann

  • Jeri Wolfe says:

    Oh Christina. I have 2 labs, one a girl and one a boy. We got them the Christmas before my son died in the following November. They both follow me around and I call them my entourage. But is my sweet boy dog, my Jakey who is my eyes my buddy and knows my heart so well. To they they were a comfort after our loss is and understatement. They were our lifelines. And my Jakey always always knew when the pain was particularly bad and would not leave my side or my lap. My babies are 10 yrs old and I know the day will come and I so dread it. You have described it so beautifully above and I thank you. Much love to you during this time.

  • My condolences to you on the passing of your Tyson… a chocolate lab! Yet another common thread that we share! My husband and I three chocolates during our 37 year marriage, they are wonderful wonderful animals. May your heart heal soon…

  • Karin Sieger says:

    I can relate to that, in so many ways. My dog is still with me, but I know there will come a time … Best wishes for you and Tyson.

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