The Special Bond with Your Dog: A Thanksgiving Reflection on Love and Gratitude
With Thanksgiving on the horizon, it feels natural to pause and reflect on who fills our hearts with gratitude. For me, my heart will always hold a special place for my beloved Annie girl, the inspiration for Gunnel Pups and the first pup I was responsible for loving and training. She taught me more about love, resilience, and living in the moment than I ever imagined.
Annie has been on my mind more than ever lately, especially as my love for my puppy Bowen grows. I often find myself comparing their behaviors at this age—maybe a bit unfair to Bowen, but it’s something I can’t help doing. I still miss her and that’s never going to change.
During this season of gratitude and giving back, I find myself reflecting on the connection with my family, friends, and Annie and Bowen. What follows is a tribute to Annie’s legacy, the lessons she taught me, and the joy I’ve found in sharing life’s adventures with Bowen, my newest love and adorable (and huge!) puppy.
The Inspiration Behind Gunnel Pups: Annie’s Legacy
I never knew what a “heart” dog was before I met Annie. But no word could describe her more accurately. She lives in my heart every day. Even though her time was unfairly short, it was incredibly meaningful.
From the moment she came into our lives, she brought our family an unquantifiable amount of joy, loyalty, and quiet strength despite her health struggles.
Annie’s sassy spirit and lovable nature reminded me of the importance of living in the moment, even on challenging days. Her love for adventure, especially by the water with her sister Bridie, calmed me and brought me much happiness. Watching them play, swim, and embrace life despite their medical challenges was a bittersweet reminder of how fleeting time is.
Annie inspired me to create something that would honor her legacy—a dog collar crafted to solve a unique challenge: delivering long-lasting dog collars designed for water adventures.
The Importance of Gratitude in the Face of Loss
Anyone who has lost a pet knows the depth of that heartbreak. It’s gutting and you can’t function at times. It’s not “just losing a dog” it’s losing a part of your heart, a source of endless love and comfort. Yet, even in the sadness, there was gratitude. Annie’s legacy has taught me to appreciate life’s beautiful moments, even as I hold space for its sorrows.
Finding Joy and Gratitude Again: Welcoming Bowen
After we lost Annie, I initially thought I could never love another dog again. But life was so incredibly painful and empty without her. I remember trying to convince my husband it was time for a puppy about two months after she passed. I know that sounds terrible to some, but it hurt so much without her. The house was too quiet. There was no snuggling, no barking, no pouncing on toys. I had nothing to focus on but myself and that was unsettling.
That spring, we welcomed Bowen into our family—a new chapter, a completely different puppy, and with it a new kind of love. I felt a mixture of emotions —happiness, guilt, and gratitude—all rolled into one unsettling feeling. But Bowen barreled into our lives, almost willing me out of sadness, reminding me it was okay to love another pup again.
Bowen has taught me that the bond with your dog can take on new dimensions, reminding me of the freedom of living and loving in the moment without constant worry. Annie taught me to embrace the good with the bad even when it was difficult. For both of them, I am grateful.
Lessons in Gratitude and Life
I wish I could tell you that Annie and Bowen imparted some profound life wisdom, but that’s not the case. What I’ve realized is that our pets have this way of teaching us life’s biggest lessons in the simplest way – just by living fully and trying to cherish what we have and who we get to share our lives with. Pets don’t worry about tomorrow or dwell on yesterday—they simply enjoy the now.
As I think back on the journey that led me here, I’m deeply grateful. Annie’s life may have been short, but her impact on me was immeasurable. She inspired Gunnel Pups, and with Bowen, I’m continuing the adventure, carrying forward Annie’s legacy of love, joy, and resilience.
So, this Thanksgiving, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for and to celebrate the love you have for your family, friends, and loyal four-legged companions. For life is short and you must live it as fully as you can.
