For the past few years, the way I would describe Riley is that he was just happy to be alive. If you would like to know his secret, this is what Riley would suggest for each day:
In the morning, go outside, find a good spot and just be. Watch the birds, breath in the morning air and enjoy a little sunshine.
Play a little – you don’t have to play until your tongue hangs out, but just enough so that you feel like you have accomplished something.
In the evening, gather your family together and walk around your neighborhood. Be sure to stop and smell the roses (or whatever grabs your attention), chat with your neighbors and make sure everything is in order.
After dinner, enjoy a little snack and then stare at your bestie until she comes to snuggle with you.
And finally, at the end of the day, go outside one more time, breath in the evening air and bark at the moon.
Riley loved his routine and made sure we kept on task throughout the day. And even with the arthritis and his occasional seizures, Riley found a way to smile and find joy in each day’s events – no matter how small. I think Riley had things figured out a long time ago. We all miss him very much.
NOTE: This was written about a month after Riley’s seizures got the best of him. However, even with his struggles, he kept us all on track with his all important daily schedule.
Leave a Reply