[First posted on Facebook.]
My dog Lambie died yesterday, after a struggle with cancer and pancreatitis. He was a talented licker, a loving friend, an energetic companion, and a source of light for our family.
If you met me for any period of time (sometimes even just a night!), you probably at least heard about Lambie. He was somebody I truly admired for so many reasons, but perhaps the biggest was the way he licked.
When Lambie licked you, it was selfless, caring, and free of judgment. He was boundlessly enthusiastic, in a way that felt youthful up to the end of his life. He was sensitive, knowing just how to bring you up when you were sad and how to celebrate when you were happy. And most of all he was caring in a tremendously pure way. He licked you to show that he cared about you, because he thought you were wonderful and he just wanted you to feel it. He licked you because he wanted you to feel good.
I think we can all learn something from Lambie. We can be more caring and compassionate friends, we can wear our affection on our sleeves, we can help our friends feel understood, we can emit love into the world like we have an unlimited supply - because we do.
Missing you, Lambie.
❤
