I WONDER WHAT MY TOMBSTONE WILL SAY…
It may seem like a strange thought, but imagining your life in a few brief words on your final resting spot is an excellent way to get back on track with what gives your spirit purpose-while you are still alive.
In my first book Dog as my Doctor, Cat as My Nurse, I shared many heart-warming stories of how cats and dogs help us live healthier, happier, and more extraordinary lives. From two felines helping a man suffering from Parkinson’s Disease, to a dog comforting a woman after the death of her son, and a couple understanding what love is with the help of their rescue cats–the support we get from our non-human friends is remarkable. For many, animals have been the inspiration for ideas, books, and future careers. But at the root of these experiences lies a special treasure – unconditional love. This affection, offered by our animal companions, is so pure and unique that humans struggle to match it.
Unconditional love is a complete form of acceptance regardless of any warts you bear, the baggage you carry, or even what your boss thinks of you. If you enjoy a loving relationship with your cat or dog, they return that emotion a hundred-fold. You might notice their love spread throughout the day like a delightful rain shower, or sometimes it can arrive in a torrential pour. Either way, a pet’s unconditional love is a boon to their human guardian’s wellbeing resulting in stress relief, improved self-esteem, and increased compassion, empathy, and joy.
In exchange for these riches, we feed, walk, and love them in return. But their unconditional love is such a priceless gift, that I often feel that animals get the shorter end of the stick. So, what can we do to help our friends who give us so much of their hearts every day?
PAY IT FORWARD
If we love animals as much as we say that we do, why not take that unconditional love they model and pay it forward by being of greater service to animal-kind? After all, being of service serves the server too, and brings a boatload of benefits including improved physical health, increased confidence, and even a stronger sense of purpose. Volunteering in a rescue shelter, signing petitions, and writing our legislators to pass stronger laws are some ways we may better serve our friends. Another way to support organizations that advocate tirelessly on behalf of our animal friends is to donate.
With every book that I write, a portion of my proceeds go to benefit animals in need. I do this because I’ve been part of many nonprofits witnessing first-hand the urgent need in these communities. I’ve felt the pain of seeing innocent animals suffer needlessly, and spent long hours on campaigns hoping others will reconsider and see animals as fellow earthlings instead of as possessions or as food. I’ve also shed countless tears, hoping to save an animal from abuse, liberating them from a cruel situation, or rescuing a dog from neglect. My heart goes out to the rescuers, volunteers, advocates, and activists who work relentlessly day after day, their heroic efforts unseen; all in the name of making this a better world for animals.
MY TOMBSTONE
I don’t believe I’ll ever have a tombstone. Instead, I’d prefer my ashes spread over a lovely spot in the woods where I’ve enjoyed hiking with my dog, Grace. Nonetheless, as an exercise in making certain I’m on track with my life’s purpose, I continue to imagine the words on my theoretical tombstone. When all is said and done, the words I hope to read across that stone slab are, she was a good friend to animals. And with that I’ll know that the unconditional love my animals shared, inspired, and showered me with-didn’t go to waste.
Stay healthy & stay pawsitive
💜 Carlyn MDO
PS: Will you help me on my mission to pass stronger laws to protect animals? Just as we humans need legislation to keep us safe from harm, the animals who urgently rely on us need these protections even more. If you would like to see a better world for animals, please consider making a donation to my fundraiser, Laws & Paws, for Animal Protection Voters no later than May 7th! To donate, please CLICK HERE! Your donation is MOST appreciated! 🥳
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