A Vet, A Truck And A Dog
On a farm in New York, a faithful dog waits for his friend. I thought many of us could relate to these pictures. Maybe not in a perfectly preserved pick up classic, but certainly the idea of a companion sitting and waiting in the front seat ready to travel the roads and explore life together and expecting nothing more than to be in the moment with you. Ah this is life without worry. There will always be food and water and a pee break. There is nothing better in the world than one hand on the steering wheel, the elbow on the window ledge, and a dogās head resting on your lap as you gently rub his head just behind his ears.
On my first day of practice back in May, 1984 I had this experience with my dog E-Z. He had waited patiently for years as I worked my way through the trials of learning all the material presented in my classes at Cornell. Long nights and cold winters along with warm summer days all blended together but my dog remained special in each of them. My promise to have him in my new vet truck on my first call seemed to help him stay alive into his old age. On graduation day I fulfilled my promise to him as I drove with the windows down to Janetās farm to see a bad eye in a foal. His head placed outside the passenger window, eyes almost closed, and ears waving in the wind, he knew that this was a special trip. I returned home with tears in my eyes as I knew, this would be the only farm call we would ever make together. As we drove home, he laid his head on my lap as I convulsed, tears freely flowing down my cheeks. He was my first euthanasia as a veterinarian the next day as cancer took his life.
It takes nothing more than seeing this dog in the cab of this pickup truck to remind me of my best friend I had so long ago. If you are blessed with a dog, horse, or even a human who is your best friend, go hug them right now and learn to live in the moment with them. Because living in the moment is all we have and makes us incredible horsemen, leaders, parents and friends. As Albert Einstein proved a century ago, there is no time before or after other than in our minds. There is only now and dogs know this better than anyone.
And so it’s very true. In the moment and every one should be a good as it can get. Reaching for a hug sound happen at least once a day. Your words and shared thoughts are a welcomed and comforting experience. Thank you Doc T.
Living in the moment is So true! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for the good story and the good words of wisdom!
Love the pictures and the story!!
Excellent thank you very much.
This was an important reminder here about living in the moment. Something I forget to do all the time with all my worries. Soon I will have to be having to have my dog put down. He is 13 years and has been with me through out the hardest time of my life since my divorce. It will be so hard to lose him because I can’t get another dog until my horse is ready to die. Financial circumstances prevent me having another pet because of the expense of the horse. She is 24 now and I’ve had her since she was ! year old. I won’t abandon her now.
Great photos and sage advice!š
Enjoyed the pictures!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story and reminder that living in the present is a true gift. The pictures are awesome as well. So many animal friends to love and learn from!
This is beautiful, Doc T. Yes, live in the moment. Cherish every minute of every day, because it can change in a hearbeat! I have had some great sorrow this year, and this story truly made me reflect on life…it is so very precious, and there are no guarantees of a tomorrow. That is why it is called “the present”, because it truly is a gift! Thank you for sharing!
Great story! Got me crying over memories of my angel horse Boo…