Death is Only Fair
As much as I don’t want to lose my best friend, I know that the way I talk to myself about what’s happening not only reaches out to touch Jak’s final moments, but it reaches out into our future wellbeing for better or for worse. This isn’t the time to abandon training the right perspective and mindset. These moments, which can make or break you, are what the mission is for. So I’m going to talk to myself about it now in the best way I can muster.
Torin, have you ever met a dog who experienced more than Jak? Life is only worth the experiences it holds. What more could you have done for Jak? He has seen and lived in nearly every kind of land for some period of time—desert, mountains, ocean, plains. He has made hundreds of friends—both human and canine. You fed him a diet fit for the fittest, and exercised him every day—moderating his indulgences, while not denying him the exploration of flavors. You didn’t do everything perfectly, but you did quite well. Even if you hadn’t, it’s time to let go of such concerns because his condition is not something within your control. If you cling to this thing which is outside of your control, you are being foolish and committing yourself to more suffering than is necessary.
What do you do if you need to let go of your desire for control? Bring your awareness to those things of utility—that which is within your control and the present moment. It is within your control to provide Jak a comfortable space, your company, and love. So focus on that without saying everything else to yourself. Your inner dialogue that’s pestering you about what you wish and what you don’t wish is the primary source of your sadness and frustration, so be here now. Be here now with Jak, for Jak. That’s where he’s always wanted you. Not somewhere in mind—Here. Now.
Realize that death isn’t just a part of life, but necessary for every being. How many lives has Jak taken? How many salmon, chickens, pigs, turkeys, and cows has Jak consumed throughout the course of his life? And is it fair that he should go on living forever while so many die to feed him? Every life comes at the cost of others, and the balance to this is that we must all make room through our own end so that new lives may form and other lives may go on living. As much as you might want to curse the universe, exclaiming that it isn’t fair, it is only fair.
We acclimate to everything, and you will acclimate to his absence, made more whole by the memories, made better by his companionship. It all rests on you. You can use this to become more loving through the appreciation of your relationships that the reality of death instills. You can use this as a reminder to make the most of every moment. You can use this to better empathize with those dealing with death. You can use this to become a stronger rock for others to lean on. The results are the making of your own perspective and the work of your own mind.
Above all, supplement despair with gratitude. Many will never experience such a relationship with such a soul. Be nothing but thankful that you had the privilege of a 15 year long companionship with such an amazing being.
