04/25/2025
There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.
8 years. 2,920 nights you slept by my side. You’ve seen me at my worst, and sometimes at my best. You are the most courageous creature I’ve ever met. My best friend. The chips were stacked against you, you battled end stage liver failure for almost two years, but you fought through it all. For me. You are pure love. You’re just the best buddy I’ve ever had. Nothing could earn the love you gave away for free. Part of grief is selfish, and the selfish part makes me miss you. I miss you so much, Ozzy, but I’m consoled by how you lived. We gave each other purpose in a world so often devoid of it. If this hurt is the cost of the transaction for being on the receiving end of a mighty love, then I pay it with enormous gratitude. I will love you forever. Until I see you again, my boy.
“He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me… whenever… wherever – in case I need him. And I expect I will – as I always have. He is just my dog.”
– Gene Hill
