Oswald was an Australian Shepherd—a herding breed that tends towards hyperactivity and restlessness. He didn't fit the profile though: Oswald was unnaturally calm.
In fact, he was such a mellow, happy dog that my friends named him the "Doggie Lama." Even as the cancer slowly took its toll over the past few months, Oswald maintained a peaceful, joyful attitude. When it got to the point that he could no longer climb the stairs, I slept downstairs with him (Well, okay I didn't actually sleep much; I stayed by his side, watching over, petting, and holding him).
When Oswald was in my life, I was never alone. Now that he's gone, I keep running into the traces he left behind—seeing the place he rubbed against the couch, or finding his favorite stuffed toy hidden in a corner.
As heartbreaking as it was taking care of him during his final days, it turns out that it was easy compared to living with the inescapable presence of his absence.
The Doggie Lama's gone. I know that in his passing he left a gift for everyone he ever met. You won't have to search for his gift. It will find you. Peace out.
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