KT Merry

I have to pause for a moment to acknowledge the outpouring of love and support from my last post about the loss of our dear Axl. The direct messages, comments and emails... many full of personal stories and heartfelt condolences, each one has meant so much and eased the hurt of the last few days. Thank you. It was remarkable how many people he touched with his swims and gray beard and how many saw he was so much more than ‘just a dog’, a line I’d love for people to never use again when talking about animals. Relationships with animals can sometimes be even deeper as they are so pure, so uncomplicated. My love with Axl was unlike any other love I have ever experienced, in fact, he taught me what love really is. Animals have always been my dearest friends, confidants and teachers and Axl was certainly the pinnacle of this - a wisdom guide, a best friend, an unexpected gift. The last few days have shaken me to my core with grief, left a hole in my heart and also showed me so much about what is really important to me. Family and love comes in many forms and for many of us, it looks different than someone else’s. Axl was @chadkeffer and my love of a lifetime and there is a piece of us that left with him. It’s a mixed bag of gratitude and sorrow, one I’m happy to carry. I’ve let myself get lost in old photographs, videos and memories, wishing for more while acknowledging there could simply never be enough. For now, this shot by our friend @tedhartshorn1 sums it up perfectly. Thank you for all your love.... remember not to worry about the things that aren’t important, stop telling yourself they are. Give a little extra time to those you love. Be present, and take a deep breath. xoxo - #axl #dontshopadopt #grief #foreverourboy #gratitude