Monday, October 11, 2010

Living the Dash

As I am sitting on my couch, I find myself alone. It's true what they say: a dog is man's best friend. Since my wife does travel on occasion, it was always nice to come home to a dog with a wagging tail simply estatic to see you. I will take some time and write a few memories about Queenie because it is only fitting that I do so for such a beloved and compassionate dog.

Queenie came into my life in December of 2002. My wife tells the story of going to a small farm in Missouri to pick out the new addition to the family. What actually happened, Queenie picked us. While only a few weeks old, my wife is sitting among a litter of beautiful beagle puppies, and Queenie walked up to Carmen. It was love at first sight. For a mere $150, Queenie was our new baby. I had not grown up with dogs, so this was a new adventure for me. She came to us when she was six weeks old, and even though my wife had grown up with beagles, getting a new dog in December while living in the Midwest has its challenges. Nevermind the fact there was snow on the ground with a puppy that required to go outside quite frequently. Furthermore, my wife was planning a trip to California to spend Christmas with her parents. I had to work my stellar job at K-Mart over the holidays and care for a young puppy. I took three straight days off of work, had lots of sleepless nights, and almost lost my job. It was worth every second of it.

I titled this post "Living the dash." This is a popular saying referring to the dash in between the dates of someone's birth and death. Queenie, had a good life. She truly embraced the dash and touched the lives of many people. She was definitely a people dog. No matter where we took her, whenever she saw people, she always assumed they were there to see her. I've never seen such a happy dog. No matter what the occasion, she was the center of attention and truly lived up to her name. She was royalty, and she knew it. Whether it was stealing and eating frozen hot pockets, barking at the mailman every time it was delivered, eating used kleenex from the trash, stealing mail and tearing it up in front of us, or sometimes getting emotional and yelling at me, she was always living life to the fullest.

"Everyone dies, not everyone truly lives." This is a quote from William Wallace from the movie Braveheart. People are measured by what they do in life. "Living the dash" is making an impact in someone's life no matter how insignificant it may seem, challenging yourself to better educate yourself and make a difference in the world, giving selflessly to benefit our fellow humankind, and finding something you're passionate about. "Living the dash" refers to anything in your life that defines you as a person. We are all talented people, and people sometimes find and develop that talent at different times in their life. But we owe it to ourselves and to this world to utilize the talents we are given. We owe it to ourselves and to this world to live life to the fullest.

In close, Queenie truly lived the dash. We can all learn a lesson from her: take things one day at a time and "dream as if you'll live forever; life as if you'll die today" - James Dean. Queenie will truly live on forever. Will you?

11 comments:

Valladolid said...

Mr.Palo I'm very upset to hear the news that Queenie has died. I know how much you loved Queenie and how she came into the Palos lives. At least you know what a great, happy and smart dog she was. Queenie was one of a kind and unique in her own ways. But at least we know that Queenie is living in Dog heaven without any of her sicknesses. And don't worry who knows what other dog might come into the lifes of the Palos. But hey you still have your 4th period Gov't class that can somewhat fulfill your life at least for an hour each day. I hope you recover from this lose soon. Again I'm very sorry. R.I.P THE ONE AND ONLY QUEENIE.

palo said...

Thanks for the kind words. She is the one and only Queenie. Thanks again. See you tomorrow.

Andrea said...

I know that feeling all too well. I remember when I found out the family dog who I had known all my life had been choked to death by his collar while no one was home.

Just know you are not alone and neither was Queenie :)

glorious said...

I hate reading things like this and never knowing what to say. Im truly sorry for your loss just keep your head up Palo...everything happens for a reason.

Nancyy_27 said...

Wow Mr. Palo I am so sorry to hear what has happend.. I feel like I knew Queenie. Its so sad but its better that she isn't having to go through all the pain. And it is true.. everyone should live life to the fullest.

Jonathan__B said...

Very well put palo. I actually didn't mind reading this

SunShine (>^-^<) said...

I'm really sorry to hear about your dog mr. Palo. It brought tears to my eyes to read this cause I know how you feel right now, but just keep remembering the fun times with her and things will get better. The good thing here is that you gave Queenie the best life she could ask for and she had loving parents her pain and suffering thru the illnesses is now over and she can be at peace. She will really live on Forever in your heart and that's what counts. She will never be forgotten as the best dog you ever had.
R.I.P QUEENIE we will all miss you

Angie said...

I want to say I'm sorry but I feel like those words don't fully express what I mean. Queenie lived a long and fulfilling life with both you and your wife. Death is always sad to the people that feel like they were left behind, but just remember that she's in a better place, and she'll always be with you. I've also experienced a death of a pet, who seemed like so much more than just a pet or a dog, she was like family. You are definitely not alone. I truly hope that these words comfort you in the way that I meant them to.
"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."

-Anatole France

We missed you, Mr. Palo.

ShawnGintz said...

I know the feeling of loosing a loved pet. But we have to keep all the fun times in our hearts and the memories kept safe.

Jose G. Diaz said...

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Jose G. Diaz said...

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