Masonry Magazine December 2015 Page. 48
By ''Coach'' Gary Micheloni
Gift of the Christmas Dog
The first time I met Kingsley, he was standing just inside my front door on Christmas morning 2009. Mykids knew we were thinking about getting a second dog-a big dog-to be a com�panion for our golden retriever, Olivia, so they brought one to us! A Great Pyrenees, Kingsley definitely met the definition ofa big dog-our Christmas Dog! He instantly became a part ofour family, and we gave him his forever home.
In his too-short life, Kingsley's ac�tions spoke volumes to me, and I think they will for you. He and I once did a public service video onYouTube, which you can still watch ifyou search "Kings�ley the Marketing Dog:'We urged people who have horses or any kind ofpets to take responsibility for them, to provide the care they deserve. Too many so�called, pet owners simply abandon them when things get difficult. Kingsley was a very big dog that came into our lives from someone who no longer wanted him. He didn't come to our family from a "rescue" organization, but traveled the long road ofneglect. We guessed his age then to be about 3 or4.
In a way, he's the perfect model for a contractor: independent, but caring. He had the sweetest personality imag�inable, but was fiercely protective of his home. His huge front paws could quickly dig through hard dirt, making it fluffy and comfy for him to nap on. He loved his role as protector, but he also fancied himself as a lap dog -all 100+ pounds of him -and he wasn't shy about invading your space. King�sley demonstrated unconditional love for his family and took seriously his job as guardian. Butthat wasn't all.
He loved to go outside with me. When I'd put on my "Coach Gary" hat, he'd jump up and check to see if he was invited. And, if I showed him his leash or just said, "Want to go for a walk:' he got excited. His two favorite activities outside were going for a ride in my car or for a walk. In fact, during our walks, he would often pull roe over to the left rear door ofmy car and wait for us to go somewhere.
As he grew older and suffered from arthritis, it became more difficult for him to get to his feet. Sometimes, when I called to him, he didn't get up -except for when he saw me get my hat and hold up his leash. That just inspired him to not give up, but our walks became shorter and shorter.
Our last outdoor walk was on a Sunday night in late-August. He had hardly moved that day, and I wanted to encourage him to eat, drink or move around a bit. All to no avail as he just continued to lie outside. So I tried one last idea as dusk settled in. 1 put on my hat and showed him his leash. True to his heritage, he struggled to his feet, walked inside our house and waited at the front door for me to attach his leash. We went outside for our shortest walk ever -only a couple of hundred feet -and then he needed to lie down, right where he was. I had to phone .my wife to come and help me bring him back inside. Karen and I knew his end was near but, even as worn out as he was, he stillhad that big, beautiful grin on his face.
Kingsley left us on Tuesday morn�ing, about 6 a.m. I found him mo�ments after, lying down near our front door, exactly where I first saw him six
years ago this Christmas. He was still warm.
Sounds crazy, but that dog inspired me. His presence always encouraged me. The healing effect from loving an animal is amazing, so our plan is to adopt another dog and, perhaps, also provide foster care for one. We think it's a way to honor Kingsley. There are rescue organizations and shel�ters everywhere. Thousands of pets are counting on you, so don't quit on them. Kingsley never did.
My wish for you and your family is that you find real meaning this holiday season. May a very special gift and blessing enter your home, and -just maybe-\Valkoninto your heart. lMAS
Copyright 2015 Gary Micheloni
COACH GARY'S CORNER:
Gary Micheloni is a dog lover, construction company marketer, speaker, author, consultant and coach. Write him at FullContactTeam@gmail.com.
46 I MASONRY � December 2015 � www.masoncontractors.org The Voice of the Masonry Industry
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