2010
Loyalty
Motivation
Loyalty (loy·al·ty)- The state or quality of being loyal; faithfulness to commitments or obligations.
Yesterday was pretty tough. We lost a beautiful, faithful member of our family. I know this is a pretty heavy way to start off what is typically a motivational post but please hang with me.
Laura and I picked out our little Bailey from the pound and were instantly smitten with her. As she grew from a playful pup to a sometimes cantankerous dog, so did our love for her. That love was repaid to us by her fierce loyalty and protectiveness. Wary of strangers, she was a great companion to Laura on many training runs at the park. I knew I could count on her to keep my girl safe.
I know it’s been said that we can learn a lot from animals- unconditional love, loyalty, being in the moment, living life without a care. I think that out of those, the loyalty aspect is pretty interesting. If you look at the definition again, it states that loyalty is faithfulness to commitments or obligations. Dogs really have no obligation to us. They haven’t made any commitments they need to keep. So what is their loyalty all about? I think it’s all about love. I think their love for their people makes them loyal and protective and it’s that love that endears them to us. Dogs want to do and please because of that love.
My question for you today is- To what are you loyal? Take a look. Are you faithful to habits that are building you up or tearing you down? Are you gung-ho on your exercise program for all of a week at a stretch? Are you starting that “diet” again for the 50th time? If that’s the case, I’d suggest you change your game plan. Start with love. You’re going to need to love yourself before you’ll be able to keep your obligation. You’re going to have to decide that you are worth it in order to remain faithful to any commitment you make. Your loyalty to you begins with love.
I know it will take me a bit to get used to the fact that my Bailey is gone. Each time I come home, I subconsciously look for her as I drive up to the garage. I expect my loyal, loving dog to be there. To come running out from behind the shed or to just be sitting under a tree keeping a watchful eye on a squirrel. I wish it were so.
I’ll miss you Bailey.
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Chris,
I am so sorry for your loss!!!! I am in the same boat with my 11 year old boxer this week myself. He is not doing good and I have been a mess this week hoping and praying he makes it one more day and then another I can’t imagine life without him.
I am so so sorry for your loss..
July 23, 2010 at 7:42 am.
What an inspirational message. I am so sorry for your loss.
July 23, 2010 at 8:04 am.
Thanks, T.
July 23, 2010 at 10:41 am.
Thanks, Misty. I wish you peace as you travel the same road. These furry family members bring so much joy to our lives and it can be hard to let them go.
Best,
Chris
July 23, 2010 at 10:58 am.
Chris and Laura,
I am so sorry for this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
July 23, 2010 at 11:24 am.
i’m so sorry. our last dog we lost, i almost felt guilty for grieving the way i did….but a dear friend who had lost her son told me…”grief is grief, regardless of the source.” i’m sorry for your loss and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
laure
July 23, 2010 at 3:12 pm.
Chris & Laura!
I’m so sorry for your loss…what a beautiful tirbute to Bailey’s life with you guys!!! It made me really tear up…I don’t have a dog now but I had a beautiful Golden Retriever “Rhett” his owner was moving to NY & couldn’t take him w/her so she was giving him away to a good home….me, my Mom & Sister went over and he was so beautiful….so we took him home and I’ve never seen such a protective & loving dog as he was……he is gone but never forgotten….so thankful for memories & pictures!!!!
What a wonderful life for any animal to be in a loving home with a loving family…what more could Bailey have asked for!!!
Brenda Walker
July 26, 2010 at 8:06 am.
Chris,
We are so sorry to hear about your family’s loss. We have experienced a lot of loss and believe there is a special place in heaven for our loyal and loving pets. Our prayers are with you and Laura and Clara always.
Rebekah
September 24, 2010 at 10:48 am.