One of my favorite books I have read is, "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein, and it was in the reflection phase of Cookies' life that one of the quotes really spoke out to me.
“He died that day because his body had served its purpose. His soul had done what it came to do, learned what it came to learn, and then was free to leave.”
If you need a good book to read, I would highly recommend. We can learn more from a dog than one might originally think.
I can rest assured knowing Cookies served her purpose, and this will not go in vain though the lessons I have learned.
Lesson 1: Sometimes life is going to bury you. Embrace it. Look for the positives.
Cookies was never a fan of the beach, not by any means. The beach is cold, dirty and lacks blankets and couches to nap on. But when she was buried by sand and other worries, she embraced the warmth the sand provided... and believe it or not, she ended up enjoying this. Or so we think... :)
Lesson 2: Life can be exhausting. Never be afraid to yawn away and take a "cat nap", even if you're a dog... or a human.
Cookies lived a "tough" life. I mean it can't be easy being queen of the house, barking at all the knocks on the door and at the tractors in the field behind us. Oh and it's not easy controlling a bulldog and a boxer which are much, much bigger than you. But that's okay, because with a big yawn and a little nap you'll be rested for the rest of life's responsibilities.
Lesson 3: When you need some comfort, make your friend comfort you. That's kinda-sorta what they're there for, right? ;)
We all joke that there will be a lot more productivity in the Alanis house with less of Cookies "requiring" us to nap with her, but hey, when life gives you the opportunity to take a breather, you don't pass that up.
Lesson 4: There are going to be times when you just need your cuddle buddy.
And if that happens to be Simba from The Lion King, all is going to be okay. Hakuna Matata! It means no worries, and we can all use that reassurance and reminder every now and again.
Lesson 5: If you do something bad, clean up your mess. And if you didn't do something bad, don't get caught next to the bad stuff... you might get blamed.
Cookies was definitely not the culprit of killing our Frosty the Snowman Christmas Tree (it was in fact, the bulldog), but at first glance you cannot help but blame Cookies, especially with her big pile of blankets right by the mess. Have you started to notice that Cookies liked to sleep a lot?
Lesson 6: Even when the situation is absolutely, positively terrible, accessorize it!
Poor Cookies had to endure quite the adventures in her lifetime, but she hardly ever complained. If you can't accessorize it, be the accessory.
Lesson 7: Gifts come in all shapes and sizes, and each one should be treasured just as much as the next.
Cookies loved Christmas time, and she was actually a Christmas present herself, hence her name, for Christmas Cookies. Her favorite gift during the holiday's were not the presents, but instead the leftover crumbs from the cookies Santa didn't eat and the ability to drink the "fresh" water that was used to keep the Christmas tree alive. Crumbs and water... can't beat those gifts!
Lesson 8: No matter how strong you are, we can all use a shoulder to lean on.
Nobody ever said life was easy, but it gets a whole lot easier when you have someone to hold you up when the goings get tough.
Lesson 9: Happiness can be found in the most bizarre ways... like in bungee chairs and pajamas.
Although this may not be a couch with lots of fluffy blankets, Cookies could not hide her happiness when she was invited onto the bungee chair. I mean, can it really get much cooler than that?
Lesson 10: You never know when it will be the last time you see someone. Treasure every moment with the people (and furry friends) which you love.
This was the last time I was able to see and hug Cookies when I was heading off to my sophomore year at K-State, and although neither of us were truly a fan of this selfie, I could not possibly be more happy that I have this picture now.
Cookies shared more with me than I ever could have hoped, and these life lessons and photos hold more than a special place in my heart.
Living a life of purple, passion, progress and purpose,
Kaitlyn Alanis
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