It’s summer again, and I always tend to reflect a little bit more when life is so super great. Usually I hardly remember my first people…the ones who brought me to the shelter, but every now and then I think it’s good to remember where you’ve been.
There really is no greater rejection than to be dumped at the pound with the strong recommendation that you be euthanized. It’s sort of strange that I’m thankful for that awful day, but if they wouldn’t have thrown me away like trash, I wouldn’t have ended up where I am. It’s pretty amazing, isn’t it, how something so awful can bring about something so great. There’s a lesson in there, people. Pay attention. Seriously, when you live through lots of bad things, it makes you truly appreciate when thing are good.
There really just isn’t any point in dwelling on the past. I learned that a long time ago. Considering all that has happened to me, I pretty much have to let it go. Honestly, having a brain tumor, then a craniotomy, then a TPLO, then another TPLO, and then an amputation of the leg with one of the TPLOs is a pretty big string of bad luck.
I’m all about looking forward, though. If you let it, all of the bad stuff will crush you and make you forget about the possibilities tomorrow holds. Bad things can get so heavy, and I need to save my strength for living, not holding onto the weight of the past.
My Mom says she envies how short my memory is. Truth be told though, it’s not that I don’t remember…I remember it all. I remember being afraid. I remember that a broom isn’t always used for sweeping. I remember the shelter. I remember being given a second chance. I remember learning to trust. I remember all of my surgeries. See, I haven’t forgotten; it’s just that I refuse to let the ugly parts of my past ruin the beauty and possibility of any of my tomorrows. (P.S. Mom, I also remember that you and Dad ditched us for two weeks in June to take a vacation…prime Summer of Lincoln time, I’m just sayin’.)
The way I look at it, there’s no sense barking and howling about the things you can’t change. Same with all of the unhappy things I had to go through. It wasn’t an easy journey, but look where it brought me. Early on I decided to just let all of the negative memories float away, like a balloon in a good wind, that way they don’t have any power over me. My heart is in the future.
I am weightless. All of the good in my life is like helium. I float. I swim. I love. I live. Every day.
My life is beautiful.
Do not waste yourself in rejection, nor bark against the bad, but chant the beauty of the good.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
In loving memory of Cooper, the mighty warrior, who battled with courage and dignity until the end – where ever you are, may you continue to be the absolute king of the AMBF. Reign on Cooper.
Thank you Lincoln for the beautiful memorial statement for our beautiful boy! May you celebrate many summers to come!
Coopsdad
We love you Lincoln! You are beautiful!
From another reject that ended up at the pound – Paddy
Lincoln you are very beautiful & I like your philosophy, it’s very similar to mine- Chili Dawg
I love your blog, it always rings true. Lincoln is a very lucky boy. I don’t know how many people would’ve been able or willing to take on all of the fights he has had, but he is so worth it. I like the tribute to Super Cooper too.
Hugs from your friends here,
Elizabeth, Warren, Lincolns bff Sammy, and Titan
Lincoln, you always seem to get me thinking and being introspective. I thank you for that. I am soooooo glad you are enjoying the Summer of Lincoln 2.0. After all you have been through, you deserve the very best – and you found the perfect family to give it to you.
Keep swimming buddy,
Ginger
One can only dream of having such fortitude. Lincoln, you’re one special pup and I shall never forget you. Keep floating my friend!
I’m not sure if the first picture of Lincoln is a new one but he just looks so beautiful (handsome). It is amazing to think of all that he has been through and yet he looks so vibrant and healthy.
Cooper was indeed a mighty warrior!
How lovely, Lincoln. Enjoy your summer, big boy.
Just imagine how beautiful and colourful the sky looks with all those bob-bobbing balloons of negative thoughts and regrets sailing far far away.
Love it.
Lincoln, you continue to teach us to live and love life.
You remind us that just because you’re 10 years old, you don’t have to act it.
Because you’re a Golden you remind us that having a smile on your face all the time is a wonderful thing. People cannot look at a Golden’s Smile and not smile right back.
You are Lincoln and you are living an amazing life!
Now, c’mon everybody in the lake, let’s go swimming!
Shelby, the P.P.
I missed this when you posted it…
Thank you, Rhonda and Lincoln — you always manage to say exactly what I need to hear, at exactly the right moment I need to hear it. We’re barking and chanting right along with you!!!
Rio and Rio’s mom