As I sit here about to type this post, Lessons I’ve learned from my Shih Tzus I realize There are really no words to describe the emptiness I feel on days like today what would’ve been my mom’s 72nd birthday.
You always think you have time.
So many things left unsaid and so much unresolved stuff. My world is so much grayer without my parents and at times it feels like so much of what has transpired since both their deaths has been tinged with great sadness because neither one of them was there to witness it. If you have loved ones try not to leave anything left unsaid.
This world doesn’t truly allow us to grieve but on days like today my grief is so heavy and so palpable and I just really miss them both and hope if you read this and your parents are still on this earthly crazy planet that you call them today and tell them you love them because i would give ANYTHING for just one more chance to have one more conversation. love you mommy and daddy.
And so it would only be fitting to share this post about my two rescues -Lessons I’ve learned from my Shih Tzus who in so many ways share so many of the qualities I loved and cherished in my parents.
Lazer has been my constant companion on a daily basis since my dad passed away eight years ago. And to be fair ( Ike who we rescued five years ago and is Lazer’s forever shadow) is also heavily breathing on my other leg.
When we adopted Lazer he was two and half and from the day we brought him home he has laid next to me on mornings when getting out of bed felt impossible.
And whenever the opportunity presents itself, he licks my face and tries to get in the nook of my arm or leg, just to be as close to me as he possibly can.
My 12 pound 9 year old Shih Tzu who I named Lazer (yes after my father Z’l whose Hebrew name was Eliezer) is as much a part of the fabric of my life as anything and anyone else.
And not to leave out my Rescue Shih tzu Ike ( who is still very much a puppy) who is also inextricably interwoven into the fabric of my life. We adopted Ike after my mom died. And like my mom he gives so much -he has such enthusiasm and such fierce love and is also very discerning. He keeps his circle very tight!
Lessons I’ve learned from my Shih Tzus
So why does it seem like I am favoring Lazer? I’m not! It’s just that his life, and especially his old age, feels so parallel to that of my father. And I swear I feel like I see my father’s face in Lazer’s ( And yes–I know it sounds crazy!)
As my father’s illness progressed, he required so much more help but- he was a tough one; fiercely independent and adamant about doing whatever he could, on his own.
Lessons I’ve learned from my Shih Tzus
My Shih Tzus Have Taught me about Determination
Did I mention that Lazer who has problems jumping will attempt a jump from the floor to the couch at least 10 times, until he finally makes it? Like my dad he’s got this spunky quality about him.
And Like my dad, as he has aged Lazer too has slowed down considerably. Yet there are times when he will summon up that puppy exuberance and in those moments he wins my heart all over again.
Sure there are some who think I have gone absolutely mad. I have, in the past couple of years, organized our lives around this little 12 pounder-( and our other rescue Ike who is till very much a puppy at a little over four years old) who I can’t leave in the care of anyone other than my husband.
So yes it’s true I *might have* given up a few trips to exotic locales recently because I couldn’t find suitable accommodations for our boys- but the way I see it- they are my priority.
I feel as strongly responsible and in love with my my dogs as I do my two legged fairly hairless kids. I made a vow when I rescued them years ago that I’d protect and love them.
And sure I don’t relish not being able to jet to Paris, but by the same token these are just small sacrifices compared to the unconditional love they have given me all these years-all the while never asking for anything in return other than just a warm body to snuggle up to.
Of course some people view my devotion to them as slightly insane, and they wonder, how could I be so utterly connected to an animal?
My Shih Tzus remind me to seek out the essence of other beings
But the thing is, when I look at Lazer all I see is love. I see his spirit and it is so very reminiscent of the way I felt about my dad. Sure towards the end of his life his body may have betrayed him- but my father’s personality and the very essence of who he was, was still utterly intact.
I see my Lazer in the same way; yes he needs more care now- but his spirit and that love, it’s all still so very present.
I hope in some small way- my kids are gleaning some lessons about life, love and responsibility through the relationship and commitment we honor with our Lazer and Ike and that all life deserves to be honored and cherished.
My Shih Tzus have taught me about how Our time is limited
I also know my time with both of my rescues is limited. and so each day I spend with them I remind myself is a gift- and of course their love is a gift that continually gives, without any conditions.
Lessons I’ve learned from my Shih Tzus
With all that being said these 10 PET COMMANDMENTS feel very sacred to me.
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however, you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
When it comes to Lessons I’ve learned from my Shih Tzus … bottom line Life is better with them in it!
Too cute! I have cats, and they’ve taught me to leave them alone or else they’ll bite, ha.
Adorably cute pups. I have two rescues, too. There is nothing like the relationship between a family and their rescue pups.
What a lovely pair of shih tzus you have! It is amazing how dogs often seem to know what is going on within our minds and can help us feel better or at least just give us comfort.
First of all your two pups are so cute and adorable and lastly, you have such a wonderful relationship with them that you and them will treasure it forever
Oh wow! Your Shih Tzus sound soooo adorable and I can feel that they really have given you a wonderful reason to smile every day. Hope I could have one, too!
They are both adorable. And this is such a sweet and heartwarming post. We sure do learn from our furry friends.
Your dogs are so adorable. Back when I was younger, I had friends who had these dogs too. They are such the cutest dogs.
I wasn’t a huge dog person until I got my hands on a Yorkie. He quickly won my heart over and I never knew what true unconditional love was until him. He is always there when I need him. Like your dogs, Buddy, my Yorkie, typically lays next to me or sleeps next to me. He loves to be as close a possible. I suffer from chronic pain and Buddy has been a huge help. He senses my pain and comes to give me love whether it is laying on my chest or shoulder, tossing a toy at me so that I will play with him, whine at me if he wants attention, and gives me plenty of kisses. The emotional support that he gives me is very beneficial and I cherish him for taking on that role when he didn’t have too. But that is what dogs do, they know.
They are such a cute and protective little dogs. I would love to have one.
They are the cutest! Thanks for sharing to us what you’ve learned and I have learn something too.
Your dogs are so adorable ans so so sweet! Dogs make our life better!
They are so cute and look so playful! Shih Tzus and Pomeranian are my favorite dog breeds!
They sure are the best companion we could have. They are loyal and would love us until the end.
They are both adorable. I have 3 rescued dogs and they have thought me so many lessons, they are a blessing for sure
We had two twin Shi tsu sisters and lost one this past fall to CHF. They looked like yours. Always playing, chasing each other and flopping over on their backs to wiggle against each other. Enjoy every moment. They are precious. Our Lola has become my shadow. I unexpectedly lost both my parents last March within twenty days of each other. My rescues, rescued me.