New year, new companion | Casey’s Corner

A new year is now just days away. A time to reflect on the year that’s passed, and look forward to what the new one may bring. So much can happen in a mere twelve months: despite our differences,  during these last 365 days each of us has experienced unexpected changes in our lives — some more profound than others — just as we’ve each known joys and sorrows, love and loss, times of serenity and those of turmoil. That’s simply the inexplicable rhythm of life.

If you’ve been following me over this last year, you know that I too faced an acute loss when I made the agonizing decision to let my beloved dog Joey go. Felled by grief, for months I wondered when — or if — I would be healed enough to bring another dog into my life. But week by painful week, month by empty month, I began to feel the pain lessening, began feeling more joy and gratitude at having had Joey in my life instead of desolation at having lost him, and little by little, my heart began to open.

All of us who’ve loved and lost a treasured dog have been down this road. We may have even told ourselves that we’ll never do it again, never have another dog, because the pain of their eventual loss is just too great. Some of us never can move beyond that pain, and for those who can’t, who choose never to allow another dog in, I believe their lives are the poorer for it.

What a dog brings us goes far beyond mere companionship, beyond even their irrepressible, unconditional love. Just by being in our world, they teach us how to live. How to devour each morsel of joy the day holds without worrying about what it might cost or whether it will last or what someone may say. They teach us that even if life doesn’t last forever, love does.

It’s love that took hold of me in November, telling me that I simply needed a dog in my life. And it was love that I found when a beautiful, 2-year-old Golden girl came romping into my life in early  December. Found as a stray in the San Joaquin Valley, she was quickly transferred to Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue where I volunteer, and where I adopted both Joey and Casey. Just a day later and totally out of the blue, I decided to drive down to Homeward Bound, where I discovered her, promptly fell in love, renamed her Frankie, and brought her home.

I have no idea how I was so fortunate as to have such a sweet, marvelous dog as Frankie come into my life after having had such a special, remarkable one like Joey . . . but I’ll be forever grateful.

What a wonderful way to end the year!

And speaking of ways to end the year, remember that our dogs aren’t anywhere near as excited by all the celebrations as we are. From exploding champagne corks to eyepopping fireworks, there’s something there to terrify even the most even-tempered dog. If you’ve having a New Year’s Eve party in your home, consider asking a friend or relative to keep your dog for the night. If that’s not possible, then find a safe, quiet room for him, away from the crush of guests and midnight revelry. If your dog is a social butterfly, allow her to mix and mingle for a while, but watch for signs of over-stimulation or anxiety.

May you and your furry companions have a wonderful New Year!

Joan Merriam lives in Northern California with her Maine coon cat Indy, the infinite spirit of her beloved golden retriever Joey, and the abiding presence of her dog Casey, in whose memory this column is named. You can reach Joan at joan@joanmerriam.com.