Remembering Leo: Lessons in Love, Joy, and Living Fully

Yesterday, we said goodbye to our beautiful and loyal dog, Leo. He was 14 years old, and he filled every one of those years with health, play, and boundless love. Even in his final days, Leo was a picture of vitality, reminding me daily of the gift of presence and joy.

Saying goodbye to him has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Yet, as I sit with the grief, I feel called to celebrate the wisdom Leo shared with me—wisdom that will continue to guide me long after his paws have left the earth.

He Lived in the Moment

Every morning he walked into our bedroom and stuck his nose in my face, I wondered if he was checking to make sure I was still breathing. Leo never worried about tomorrow or dwelled on yesterday. His joy was always found in the now: waiting patiently for our walks around the neighbourhood. Or taking a nap in his favourite chair, even the simple act of sitting together. He reminded me that happiness doesn’t live in the future—it’s here, in the small daily moments, we often take for granted.

Show Up With Love, Always

No matter what kind of day I was having, Leo greeted me with the same enthusiasm. His love was constant, unconditional, and without expectation. He taught me that showing up for the people we love—consistently and wholeheartedly—is one of the greatest gifts we can give. These last few month's I'd come home for lunch each day, make food and sit with him (many times sharing my lunch with him). It became a cherished routine. No matter when I came home he greeted me every time like it was the best part of his day, and he did this for everyone who walked through the front door! He showed up with love.

Movement Is Medicine

Leo was active until the very end. Walks, play, and stretching in the sun weren’t just habits—they were part of his joyful way of life. He taught me that movement isn’t just about health; it’s about vitality, energy, and celebrating what our bodies can do. In his early year he was my running partner, and boy could he run. Sometimes we let him out of the car, close to home, and he'd race us home. Looking like a grey hound chasing a rabbit, he was incredibly fast. But even though he slowed down with age, walking was his daily medicine and it became part of the family functions. Our walks in the forest will be cherished. I had to move my body after we said goodbye, it not only helped me process it released my stuck energy.

Rest Is Sacred

For every burst of play, Leo knew the value of rest. Whether sprawled across the rug or curled at my feet, he reminded me that slowing down is just as important as showing up. Rest is not a weakness—it’s a way to restore strength. This past Thanksgiving weekend was all about resting and connecting inward and it left me feeling restored, as if knowing the amount of emotional energy I'd need to prepare to let him go. Cuddles and rest with Leo always refreshed my soul.

Love Leaves a Legacy

Though Leo is no longer physically here, his love has left an imprint that will never fade. His loyalty, his joy, and his gentle spirit live on in the way I move through the world, and in the memories we will carry forward with gratitude. My children's memories of him, photos and videos brought me so much love, I felt as though my heart would burst. Love heals all, and my Love for Leo will only grow deeper. I'm so happy for the friends that shared with me, what the process of losing a dog would look like. You gave me the gift of your wisdom, by sharing your loving end of life experiences. Your love of pets helped me prepare myself for Leo's legacy of love!

Dying is a Part of Life

A friend recently lent me a book titled "Nothing to Fear" by Julie McFadden. The timing was quite ironic, as Leo was nearing the end of his life. Reading the book helped me become more accepting of this natural process and the cycle of life. I observed the changes in Leo—he had lost his hearing, moved more slowly, was often in pain, and slept much more. Yet, he always got up to greet everyone, regardless of how he felt. During his last few months, we ensured he was comfortable and gave him extra treats. Our walks became shorter but more frequent. Mostly, we spent more time with him, embracing his final days. I'm grateful for the life he lived and the gifts he gave, and I know I will feel sadness. I hope my friends and family can understand that. Having lost parents and friends over the years, I recognize that grieving is a part of life. It's important to feel the emotions and not suppress them.

Healing Through Remembering

While the grief is real and deep, so too is the gratitude. In honouring Leo’s life, I also honour the love we shared and the lessons he gave me. Grief, I’m learning, is just love with nowhere to go. So I will let it move through me, and I will let it guide me back to the joy of having had him as long as we did. Looking at Leo through the lense of my children, family and friends memories. Leo was Loved and his legacy keeps him alive in our hearts.

Thank you, Leo, for 14 years of devotion, laughter, companionship, and unconditional love. You will always be with me. 🐾❤️