April 15, 2013
How does one express the love of an animal? I have been the most fortunate person to have had the joy of living with a caring animal for the last 13 years.
On Thursday my faithful Nala passed away from cancer. I have thought long and hard how her death and life has affected me and how she has been my greatest teacher.
I ask your indulgence to use this newsletter to pass on her belief in life.
From a very young age, it was clear to me that Nala was a special gift. If you have ever seen the movie "Marley and Me", you know my Nala. She failed obedience school. She destroyed many things as a pup. She would not be controlled. She beat to her own drum.
By my perceived failures in her obedience, I was learning how to be a great dad. I was learning how to let her shine in her way, not my way.
As with most dogs she loved first and asked questions second, but for her it meant more. She was the first person to greet every guest with a snif, lean and hug. She knew the power of loving first.
Every overnight guest had the joy of Nala sleeping in their bedroom at night. My wife and I always wondered why Nala would abandon us for strangers and repeat guests alike. At her passing, we received so many calls and letters that we realized that what she was doing in her lifetime was touching others to give them a longing feeling of love when she wasn't in their lives in person.
She lived free, chased squirrels and swam in the lake with abandon.
We have all read the books on what dogs can teach us. I think that as I reflect on Nala's life, I would like to pass on these words:
Teach your children to love first and touch lives as much as possible. Don't try to control them too much. Always lead by example or get lucky like I did and have a Nala to teach for you! You never know how many people will be helped by your actions.
With great sadness but even more admiration,
Nala Magryta 9/7/00-4/11/13