Sweet Little Paxton

by Karla M. Alvarado
(Alhambra, CA, USA)

Paxton is my 15-year old Pomeranian. He's struggling with advanced arthritis and pinched nerves. Every time I think he's done living because he has trouble walking or getting up from his bed, he finds the energy to run about the apartment or shreds tissues from the wastebasket. It's as if he's making it a point to remind me he's still very much alive. His sweet, sensitive disposition and quirky personality are unlike anything I've experienced from a dog. But then, how biased can I be?

Several months ago I quit a job that wrecked my health. During my time at home with Paxton he's helped me to develop an abundance of patience, which was considered a liability when I worked in film production. He has taught me a brand of loving kindness that no guru du jour could hope to explain. And, he has helped *me* to heal.

I cherish and am grateful for each moment with Paxton, for as long as he may be here. It gives me peace to know that he'll delight more beings in his next life, and will get never-ending cuddles in Heaven. For now, there are still a few more romps in the park, more tissues to shred, and lots of cuddles from me.