The Cosmology of DOG
27 Jun 2011

The Cosmology of DOG

6 Comments Relationships, Self Development and Transformation

In my experience, most things on this planet come with an ending.

I find that there is often some resistance within myself to prevent natural completions, terminations or transitions even though I am conscious that everything and everyone has an end, at least in this physical manifestation.

Sometimes it is holding on to a job simply because I don’t want to accept it is over or deal with the fact that I’m no longer stimulated or challenged by it.

Sometimes it is gripping hard to a relationship that has long served its purpose and only exists because I, or we, keep pumping life into it in fear of the alternatives or in laziness based on what is comfortable and familiar.

Then, there is the obvious and biggest example of this. Death. Yes, death. The big one. The end of ends. The Grand Farewell.

In my work and in my own experience, I find that our anxiety with regard to our own physical termination has a great deal to do with many of our often times silly obsessions, patterns and hang-ups. What is most notable, however, is that our anxiety about death tends to be largely unconscious as most of us simply do not wish to think about it let alone discuss it with others, lest we make it ever more real.

So, what are we so worried about? There are of course the obvious questions such as will it hurt… will we be scared when the plug is pulled… will our loved ones miss us…will we be judged for things we messed up while alive?

For some, adherence to particular spiritual or religious doctrines helps place death within the specific context of our belief system. Our cosmology, the map we create and nest in that explains our universe and extrapolates for us beyond the flat line, seems easier for those who believe in a clearly defined religion as most theologies inherently answer the matter of life and death as one of the foundational purposes.

Which brings me to my dog.

Chaco is now 15 ½ years old. He wobbles and hobbles, pees and poops wherever it moves him, eats when he feels like it and only that which appeals to him at the moment. We have to hide his incontinence pills in balls of Wonder Bread and cream cheese, otherwise, no go.

He stares at himself in the mirror for long periods of time as if lost in the picture of who he has become. He spends several hours in a day standing at my side, staring into my eyes, panting.

He is, by all intents and purposes, nearing the end of his dog life.

Some folks would have “put him down” by now, claiming it is just “humane.” Others discuss the notion of “quality of life,” asking questions about his ability to run and play, making assertions that a dog that can not catch a Frisbee any longer may not be in possession of a good enough quality of life.

However, Chaco lives.

I’m not sure if he enjoys a particular cosmology, if he is conscious of a life after death or if he believes he will just “STOP” when the ride ends.

I do know, that he melts when we pet him. I know that he loves some good wet food and tuna fish makes his heart sing. I know that there is still a gentle skip in his gait when we get to the dog park, even though he stumbles around and makes his mark by sometimes lifting the wrong leg. I know that my best friend for over 15 years, though mostly deaf, always knows when I am leaving for work and makes his way to the front door to peer his sweet head around and wish me a good day.

I know that Chaco is not finished with this life. I am basing this belief on the sense that he will let me know when it is no longer worth it. I am basing this on 15 years of history together that has proven that my dog communicates his needs pretty darn well.

And, I suppose, I’m basing this on my own cosmology. The way I perceive life and death is the way I move through my existence, making decisions and choosing paths along the journey. I believe that Chaco contracted with me long ago to walk this walk together, to enjoy the journey for as long as we decided it was working for us both. It’s a relationship, after all.

And relationships are a two way street.

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Educated at Harvard, Trained by the Jung Institute, Perfected in the Kitchen. Changing the World one Relationship at a Time.
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6 Responses to “The Cosmology of DOG”

  1. Reply Peter says:

    What an inspiring partnership and one we can all learn from. The leash is not a tool to control nor lead but rather an umbilical cord of sorts feeding each other what we need in life. It’s an energetic connection that is birthing are next adventure, a new story, a new vision of who we are becoming.
    Chaco looks great! My kids are sooooo connected to him. Bodhi talks about him(he thinks Chaco is a wolf or coyote mix) and Lily, who has never met Chaco repeats the story of Chaco.
    I’m beginning to get that every relationship we have is a love affair that births the ideas and possibilities that is necessary to awaken humanity. Every one. That is why it is so important to align ourselves with our greatest joy and passions. Out of alignment just doesn’t work anymore….

    • Reply Jeffrey Sumber says:

      Thanks for your comment, Peter. Chaco loved spending time with you and your family! I totally agree- it comes down to partnership and co-creation. The leash is a connection not an instrument of control, unless a car is coming! Lots of love to you. Jeffrey

  2. Reply Cheri says:

    As I watch a loved one battle for his life against a silent and horrible illness, I have come to believe that much of the fear of dying isn’t what’s ahead or not, but instead it’s grief for the things one has planned and will now not do. A person near death sees the people integral to their life going through a painfull process too that will go on for at least a while after they are gone. Now whether the ill person has a faith born from theology or has just consciously observed it in the past, it really doesn’t matter so long as it gives them a measure of comfort by eliminating at least one of variables causing distress.

  3. Reply Joker_SATX says:

    My Dad always said to me…”God made a lot of wonderful things. However, when it got to old age he really screwed the pooch!”

    He takes care of my mom who has Alzheimers. He himself is up there in age. And he does not understand why God would allow stuff like this to happen.

    I have my days where I don’t really understand either. But what I do understand is that hope is found in those small moments where communication and understand exist between two beings. Especially two that are well aware of their own mortality.

    Kudos to you for being there for Chaco. The way I see it, is you are just repaying him for all the times he was there for you!

    Laugh at Joker

  4. Reply Jenni says:

    Aww, Jeff, this is so sweet. Chaco is so fortunate to have you as his best friend. It makes me think about my relationship with Tupelo. The very thought of losing her turns me into a blubbering mess. She may go before me; I may go before her. Who knows? I can only hope that when and if the time comes, I can embody the strength, grace, and dignity that you have shown Chaco. Love to you both <3

  5. Reply wolf says:

    “Nothing is ever born – nothing will ever die” – Vedas

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