Can any of you believe it? It’s been two entire years since they hacked my leg off. It’s pretty telling that the first two years of my life were way worse than the last two. Don’t get me wrong, the last two have been a challenge, but at least they were full of love (and no brooms, thank goodness). It’s been a fantastic sort of alchemy, really. For all of us. I’ve transformed from a big fat ‘fraidy cat with four legs to a saucy, smiley, swimming, macho dude with only three. I’d way rather be who I am now. My Mom has transformed from somebody who didn’t believe in anything to someone who believes in me. Even my Dad has changed from a tough guy into a big old softy. The other day I heard him say he’d take a bullet for me and he wouldn’t even think twice.
Miracles are wondrous things.
What’s most important in all of this is how none of us ever gave up, even when we were all but promised that it wouldn’t end well. My Mom gave me so many chances only considering my well being, and nothing else. My Dad has been here for me through everything; changing dressings, helping me walk, being that 4th leg when I need it, taking me to the driving range nearly every day, and lifting me into the truck. Don’t forget, I still weigh 115 pounds, so that’s a big gift.
I’ve always known I was here for a bigger purpose than being a dog. For some reason when I got dumped at the pound, it was supposed to be my Mom who adopted me. Have I mentioned that she was second in line, and the first person didn’t want me? If that’s not the definition of “meant to be”, I don’t know what is. For some reason I’ve had all of these health problems and we’ve had to make a lot of tough choices. What if my Mom hadn’t picked me that day? Who knows where I’d be, but I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be blogging right now.
Even more important, is where would she be? Before me, she didn’t believe in much of anything. But after watching me refuse to quit and seeing me beat the odds again and again, somehow hope and faith got the best of her. She says she’s a better person because of me. Isn’t it incredible what can happen when you act without expectations?
She knows that I’m not going to be around forever, but she’s also grown to understand that forever isn’t defined by years; it’s defined by memories. Memories we wouldn’t have if I hadn’t gotten dumped, and she hadn’t picked me, and if I hadn’t gotten sick, and hurt, and sick again. Memories that wouldn’t exist without chances and hope and love. Memories that have transformed and enlightened and knitted together the broken parts inside of us.
It’s been two years since my leg got cut off, but it’s been eight years of love and renewal. My leg is the last thing on my mind. I’ve still got lots of teaching to do. My humans aren’t as enlightened as I am. Yet. But I’m working on it.
Alchemy. Transformation. Passage. Every day, I can make a difference, no matter how small. Every day I can give something, no matter how slight. In the end, that small thing just may be what saves them.
“From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.” Arthur Ashe
Congratulations on your two year ampuversary! My Roxy just celebrated her two years as well. I think march is a very special month! I am so glad you were there to rescue your mom and dad. Meant to be is meant to be. Here’s to many more months! Keep hopping handsome boy.
Leslie
Love it! 🙂
You are our hero Lincoln ol’ buddy, and you always will be.
NGU!
Oh this is wonderful Lincoln!!! Happy 2 year ampuversary!!!
Loads of hugs and wags
joanne & lylee Girl
I always love your pictures, Lincoln, and today you are looking happy and dignified and content. You have been a gift to your family, and they know it. That, my friend, is priceless. We celebrate with you today and know that you squeeze the most out of every day you’re given. That’s why we admire you so much.
Love, Dakota
Happy 2 Years Lincoln!! You are really an amazing guy! I love reading what you have to say in your blog, I learn a lot from it. I hope you and your family have a great celebration!!!
What a beautiful boy! So photogenic. Congratulations on the 2 yr anniversary.
Meg and Gandalf
Lincoln, we are ALL better because of you! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your amazing life. Two years is MIRACULOUS!!! We love you! Congrats!!!!
aww Lincoln you are a special boy and I’m so happy that you and your mom and dad get to share your journey together. It really is amazing what we can learn from dogs.
You are definitely an inspiration to us all, Lincoln.
I saw a bumper sticker the other day with a pup on it that read “who really saved whom.” And it’s so very true. We think we’re the ones doing the saving, and it’s really you dogs that end up saving us! You teach us how to just accept the cards we are dealt — with courage and with grace — rather than feeling sorry for ourselves or being angry or bitter about things we can’t change.
Here’s hoping that one day soon, us humans will reach your level of enlightenment — in the meantime, keep showing us how to be more dog.
Love you, big guy!
Rio’s momma
Congratulatoins Lincoln! You are such an awe inspiring dog!!! You come to mind often…how you have beat soooo many odds! You go dude!!!
Tracy, Maggie’s Mom
You’ da man! Congrats Big Red!!
Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincoln. Since there are celebratory milestones in every moment and every hour and every day, I don’t think there’s a font big enough to adequately express: CONGRATULATIONS, CONGRATULATIONS, CONGRATULATIONS!
I’m just going to echo what has already been said: you are beautiful; you are wise; you are inspiring and have touched many, many hearts; and you are a hero.
Riley would like to say (even though he is a little jealous you get to ride in a convertible and hang out at a cabin and go swimming and do dude-y things like play golf): Rock on!
Carmen, Spirit Catie, and Riley
Lincoln,
Two things are for certain 1) you are always so handsome and 2) every blog makes me cry (I usually read them again, and may cry the second time, too…your mom would call me a sissy, but just ignore her).
Love you!
Your (favorite) Aunt
My first time reading Lincoln’s story. He is beautiful, and his true beauty lies in how he has endured through everything. I have a rescue golden who will need to have a limb removed and I am building up my courage reading thse stories.
Happy ampuversary, Lincoln! That’s pawesome that your mom picked you 🙂 I hope you had a wonderful day, full of lots of pawties and good treats!
Jenna & Spirit Chili Dawg
a little late…but CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! and you are a terrific writer with those three paws……………….