When the vet told Lauren that Gizelle had terminal bone cancer with only a few months left to live, she was devastated. She could not imagine a life without the English Mastiff as her best friend. So Lauren made a plan: she and her 160-pound dog would go on an adventure—their last one.
Times Shared Together
In her article, Lauren shares each moment of their unforgettable trip with photographs. Lauren proved that limits did not exist when choosing a best friend. Lauren was able to do everything with Gizelle that she would want to do with anyone that had a restricted amount of time to fulfill memories.
For example, Lauren explains how she and Gizelle loved to watch The Little Mermaid together. The two decided to set out in a canoe and play out their favorite scene from the film.
Although Lauren was not originally from New York, Lauren acquired a dislike for the busy and chaotic Times Square. But, Lauren still made the tourist attraction part of Gizelle’s bucket list because it was a site to see. She made sure she that she had a strategy in mind: they went early in the morning and were able to enjoy Times Square at its quietest.
In the last few months, Gizelle took a road trip through New England, ate ice cream on a peaceful dock, and even went to a party where she mingled with other dogs! The vet predicted Gizelle would not live past Christmas. However, she lived past the holidays; she wanted to finish out the adventure her best friend began for her.
Dogs Are More than Just a Pet
As you look through the many photographs of their adventure, the love between Lauren and her dog is clear. This amazing trip was a way for the two friends to say goodbye to each other. “I knew she would live on through my experiences,” Lauren writes, “and that I gave her the best life I could. And that to me was infinitely healing.”
Lauren and Gizelle show us that we seldom express how we feel to our loved ones. Lauren refers to Gizelle when she states, “She helped teach me that love is the most wonderful gift I can receive, and it is the best thing I have to give.”
Lauren’s actions also make us question whether we are doing enough for our short-lived animal companions. We live with our pets every day but we may not appreciate all that they do for us. At the start of their adventure, Lauren declared they would not “stress about details like sand in the car.” We should follow Lauren’s lead and ignore those petty worries. Remember, dogs are only a part of our life. But to them, we are the only life that they will remember.
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