When someone we love dies it is easy to focus on our loss and dwell in sadness, but my Corgi was such an inspiration that I find I have to focus on love instead. He saw my daughter through loving eyes and understood her long before we did. He loved all of us even when we failed to understand him and initially labeled him as a problem puppy. He loved the animal behaviorist who helped us to understand him better too. He also loved the dog groomer who was so gentle with him, the pet sitters who forgave him when he nipped one of them, and his veterinarian who helped ease his pain as his body began to fail him. He smiled through his pain and it was only when he thought no one was looking or when someone touched his backside that his pain truly showed. He had more dignity and grace than most people and we’ll never stop loving him and remembering his love for us.

I’m grateful for the eleven years and nine months of his life that he shared with us.

This week Cheri Lucus Rowlands’ photo challenge is inspired by Matthew George’s post on focus for Photography 101.