Nikki Dharma Dog

Whew, had to take a break after that last post. I guess it's pretty obvious now, that all dogs are dharma dogs. They have so much to teach us about life, about ourselves. It was really more about the level of my own Buddhist practice that I began to call Nikki the dharma dog, and not any of the dogs before. And while our morning outings have taken us to places of quietude and contemplation, it was my relationship with Nikki - and the way it unfolded - that made me recognize him as the dharma dog.

For the longest time, Nikki lived in the shadow of Kaleo, even as I hated to admit it, I held back my affection and became disappointed when unrealistic and unfair expectations were placed on him. It took a huge effort to see Nikki for himself and not as a failed replacement for Kaleo. Eventually, mindful persistence and discipline paid off. I began to appreciate and see him as a beautiful dog totally in his own right. And with with Nikki's patience and generosity we managed to form a special bond that is uniquely our own. 

Kaleo

Kaleo is my favorite dog of all time. Yes, I admit it. Yes, we're not supposed to have favorites, but it happens. You can't will it away, or dismiss it based on some sort of "thought correctness." Truth is, some sentient beings resonate with us more deeply than others -  be it a child, a pet or a life partner. It has to do with our karma. And so it is that Kaleo touched me more deeply than any dog so far. The grief and despair I felt at his passing was greater than any I've experienced - for dog or human.

I've always felt that Kaleo and I had known each other in a previous life. With those piercing eyes, I felt the stare of my ancestors. I felt the connection to memory from a long, long time ago. But it wasn't the memory of the mind, but of the heart and soul. And due to fortune or karma, we were brought together again, perhaps, as reward for good behavior. 

Why, then, were we separated again so soon? Is it really true that all good things don't last? Was it to teach me about impermanence, about loss? To prepare me for even greater losses up ahead? There are, of course, no definitive answers, suffice it to keep the thoughts in mind, for when situations do arise, I would be better prepared to do what I have to do. And ever since I buried him, I've felt much more at peace with his passing. I am deeply grateful.

Trina and Kaleo

Trina brought us so much joy from day one. My mother was still living with us then, and when Trina came into our home for the first time, she went straight to my mother and put her head in her lap and looked up at her with those big, pleading brown eyes. Mom was instantly won over.

Trina has always been such a good girl - we never had to house train her. In the ten years since we've had her, she has had only one "accident" and that was because she was sick. She always came when called and before long, we were letting her run off leash. 

She loved playing with other dogs - "stalking" them from distance, then making a last minute dash toward them with "no-holds" exuberance. But what she really loved was being chased and boy, did she own that game! She had a thing or two to show the guys in football - how to make it through the best defense with lightning quick fakes to the left, then right, left again, getting low to the ground for the sharpest turns, then circling around so she ended up chasing the chaser! She was so good other dogs soon gave up playing with her. They didn't stand a chance.

Because Mom was getting on in age, she could not spend the kind of active time with Trina. When Karen thought out loud about getting another dog to keep Trina company, it was all I needed to hit the internet dog search. I had actually always liked Huskies, so I thought this time, I would get one. I found one posted by a Northern dogs rescue organization in Salinas, CA. It was love at first sight. I made arrangements to see the dog and brought Trina with me to make sure it will be one she liked. And for her, it was love at first sight, as well. She and Kaleo (called Nohea then) hit it off right away, and it was like, " Can we take him home, Daddy, can we, can we? Ple-e-e-ase!"

Well, it took a couple of days for me to finally decide, as I wasn't sure about having two dogs in the house. But, of course, you know I was going to bring him home. As it turned out, they became the best buddies ever... and no trouble whatsoever.