A Love Letter to My Dog Lewie

Have you ever had a moment when life changed for the better? You may not have known it at the time, but that moment would change the trajectory of your life.

Mine came in May 2009. A small Goldendoodle, only eight weeks old, showed up in my life as a puppy named Lewie, and I did not expect what came next.

Lewie, the Goldendoodle, as a puppy

I learned to care for and teach a little pup who was exploring the world. First, how to navigate our home, how to be potty trained, and how to socialize with the world.

Eventually Lewie grew to his full stature at 80 lbs. Together we explored by shopping, eating out, hiking, playing ball, and simply hanging out.

I cared for him like he was my whole world, and he was. It was a joy to make his meals, give him a loving bath, let him pick his own toys at the store, take him to the farmers market, and walk around my community.

As they say, hindsight is 20/20. All the while I thought I was caring for him, Lewie was teaching me to love myself and others.

Like many people, I was always looking outside to find happiness. Looking inside is hard. You might find shame, the sense that you are less than, or a piece or two that feels broken deep inside.

When Lewie passed in 2020, life changed again. It was shattering.

I had built my life around this beautiful soul. When he was gone, I started to meditate and look within, hoping to connect with him in the afterlife. Maybe I could still talk with him or see his face.

Then I began to change in a different way. Looking within, I could see that Lewie was the ultimate teacher, not me.

• He helped me learn how to cope with every phase of life, including the last stage.

• He showed me how to be present and smell the flowers.

• He laid his head on me when I was down.

• He greeted me with joy when I came home.

• He helped me see that small moments are big and worth cherishing.

• He protected me when I did not know I needed it.

  
  

It has been five years since Lewie passed. I still talk to him and about him every day. Something special grew from this. I created a cookbook for dogs to give back to the world, which became a nonprofit called Lew Dog Gives.

I give all the credit to Lewie. They say grief is love with nowhere to go. I know what to do with this love now.

Sometimes an animal or a person shows up in your life and gives you wisdom beyond what you thought possible. Take the lessons. It might be the most fulfilling journey you will ever experience.

I would be honored if you walked with me on this road. Please share the lessons you have learned. We all need more wisdom to grow and to spread kindness and love in the world.

With love,

Holly

If this touched your heart, learn more about our mission, and see the cookbook at LewDogGives.org/dog-cookbook.