Nava and Moose—A Death and Life Reflection

​A week ago a year ago Nava died and Moose was born.
 
If Nava is my soul dog–and she is, even now when she is of this life no longer—Moose is my heart opener as he sits squarely on my funny bone.
 
This dog makes me laugh. All the time.
 
He has this amazing Poodle prance that Poodles do. This deet deet deet rhythm when he is playing with me and comes towards me with his toy. Fast forward and then those last few steps become the Poodle prance to land in my lap in the game that we play.
 
And he has this beautiful and so expressive face. And this lovely Poodle body.
 
He zooms around the house—true nervous system regulation—making these puppy now one years old sounds of activation. Prance and puppy pounce and then is at it again. Until he’s not and it’s time for a rest as he plops down, rolls to his side, and sleeps.
 
He jumps on our table—as I have shared here before—and which makes me laugh every time. 
 
He eats very gently from my fork. Pineapple and watermelon. And peanut butter. Peanut butter is both of our favorite food and we eat it together. We share.
 
He sleeps deeply on our bed at night. At the foot, or stretched in-between, and at some point, each night, above my head on my pillow for just a short time. 
 
When the coyotes are out he will sit up, alert, at the end of the bed looking out to the darkness through the closed shades. Guarding our selves.
 
He loves to show his love and excitement by licking us. Not my most favorite of Moose activities. Good morning licks. I just got home licks. I walked out of the room for a nano second licks.
 
He is his own self.
 
He is smart. God is he smart. And quite discerning. Friendly and playful and quite the alpha with most of his friends. And quick to decide a dog is not for him.  
 
Same with people.
 
Don’t just go to him and get in his face. He’s a Poodle. He’ll consider you and decide if he wants to engage. 
 
I love this dog.
 
Where Nava, my soul dog who I miss every day, nurtured and protected me by creating this container of safety and stability, Moose, my heart opener, funny bone prancing Poodle, walks forward with me in this joyful way. The light shines very brightly on this Poodle dog of mine.
 
Rest in peace, Nava Doberman—January 20, 2015 to February 22, 2023.  Happy Birthday Moose—February 24, 2023.
 
You light up my days.