Cassie, Leo, and Koda are my three constant canine companions. Three completely different breeds; each with their own unique personality. All three are capable of expressing great empathy and unselfish love without demand or drama.
Cassie is the oldest and only girl in the trio. An Australian Shepherd with strong herding instincts, but no formal training. Thankfully our horses patiently tolerate her annoying and confusing attentions. Loyal and protective, she guards the house and is the one we have to worry about being unpredictable and aggressive with strangers. Jennifer was her “alpha” and her “go buddy”; and without her she is searching for her purpose.
Next is loyal Leo, also affectionately called “little puppy” or “nerd” by Sydney. A Beagle-Red Healer mix, he has a single-minded focus, boundless energy, and world-class acrobatic talent for chasing and catching balls. He can also howl on command like a true beagle hound. He expresses his excitement and enthusiasm with awkward whole-body spasms, high-pitched whining, and ear-splitting barks. Leo is fiercely loyal and loves to hang out with me whenever I am working outside or in my shop - always checking in to see if it’s time for playing ball.
And then there is our sweet boy, Koda. The youngest and biggest of the bunch, Koda is 80 pounds of pure braun and spoiled-rotten cuteness. A Catahoula-Cur mix, his size and conformation are intimidating to some; but in reality, he is a big soft cuddly teddy bear, with no concept of personal space or of his own size, who wouldn’t hurt a fly. He loves to lounge on the couch or bed and prefers a pillow or arm rest on which to rest his substantial head. Koda is unusually sensitive and a bit needy. He likes to be the center of attention, and he exhibits an unexpected tail-tucking lack of confidence when he feels anxious.
This menagerie of four-legged creatures is much more than just a trio of pets or farm dogs. They are, in fact, the truest of friends and most loyal of companions who help fill the emptiness left behind in the wake of loss with their unconditional love and profound empathy.
The simple act of one or more of them sitting or lying beside me on the couch or porch swing is cathartic, like a welcome caress of a hand, a warm hug, or a reassuring arm around my shoulder. The direct warm-body contact or even the indirect presence of sleeping with me on the opposite side of the now half-empty bed are comforting. And the genuine excitement and pure joy expressed whenever I return home from a quick errand, or a long trip are so welcoming and heart-warming. In the truest of ways, these three canine companions are like grief service animals; for without them, I would surely be lonely and lost!
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