by Jeffrey Todd

Created on: February 09, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

I dedicate this first entry to my dog that has left, after bringing much joy and friendship to me. Every time I go to the park, beach or trail, I think of him and the time we had together. I was always amazed how a trip to the same place, a place visited numerous times, still brought out that excited anticipation of new discoveries as we arrived. A small, restrained yelp, a tail in high gear, signified a thank you that was not needed, but given anyway. Chasing after flying objects, chewing on a piece of driftwood, or making sure the seagulls stayed in line, was all in a good days work. Every outing lifted my outlook and spirit. I'm sure others will agree, dogs provide wonderful, therapeutic outings, leaving them refreshed and feeling better of themselves, as a good friend should. Any bad day can be washed clean with a run on the beach, your friend pacing you, not willing to lag behind and courteous enough not to go far ahead. A Sunday, dedicated to exploring new fern draped trails amongst the moss covered cedars, watching your dog treating things we take for granted as the neatest thing on earth, is a day not marked by time. But occasionally, my spirit is lowered a bit as I wonder about the future of these beautiful places. God's design has given all of us a friend that lives and loves for today. But we must think farther ahead than our friend. For me my dog was a constant reminder of our great place set before us, and a symbol of our responsibilities to keep it great. We must look upon the smallest fern or the largest tree as the neatest thing on earth. My dog Oly, is looking down at me, with a still, anticipating posture, waiting for the signal that it is time to play and explore again. When, in some far off time, that signal is given, I want to reward him, for all the things he has given me, with a clean and wondrous area to play and explore in.

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