One last big walk

 This day last year Harvey really wanted to go out. It was a Friday and he knew that that a weekend for puppies and daddies was upon us. Harvey was 4 months post lung cancer diagnosis. Our walks had become short and slow - but every bit as important as any other walk we had ever taken. Walks were about connection and time and being with my boy. We went to Red Collar for a drink and snacks and a rest and so he could see his friends there. When we left he took me on a different way home. He wanted to go a way we hadn't been in a long time. 

As we walked we ran into a guy named Larry. Larry had been living in a transition house and was battling mental illness. He loved Harvey and Harvey loved getting ear scratches from Larry. We hadn't seen him in a long time and I was worried that he was not okay. We talked for a bit and Larry gave Harvey some scratches and we went our seperate ways. 

We then bumped into our friend Jaz. Jaz and her dog Jindy lived a block away from us. Jaz had lost Jindy 6 months prior and Harvey was able to say goodbye to her on her final walk through the neighborhood. She was a sweet dog. 

We went on and Harvey led me to a trail along a stream on the way home. He always loved that trail and stream. It was dark and quiet and I followed my boy as he led me on that familiar path. We got to the end and there was a man and his dog. Both dogs were off leash and I always worried as Harvey was a reactive soul - plus the dog was a Shepherd. But this time he greeted the dog and tails were wagging and they were sniffing each other. The dog's name was Jack which was the first name of my previous dog - Jack Kerouac. 

We walked on saying goodnight and started up the hill. We then came accross another of Harvey's dog friends- Geoff and his dad. We would walk past their house all the time and the two boys would greet each other excitedly every time. This time was no different. Tails were wagging as the boys said hello.

We continued up the hill to the high school field that Harvey always liked to sit in the middle of. He would sit and observe the world. This night was no different. He sat in the snow and looked around. Funny thing is, my boy Kerouac always did the same exact thing. Same spot, same field, same observing of the world. I'm not sure how that all came about. Harvey's knee was sore from the long walk and he sat awkwardly in the snowy grass. Resting and sore but smiling. He slowly got up with some help, and we walked the 4 blocks home for some dinner and a big sleep. I checked my watch, and we had walked 9 1/2 km on that walk. That would have been a good day for him in his prime. Now it was extrodanary. But, I knew there was a reason behind him wanting to do this. He knew he didn't have much time left I know he wanted to say goodbye to the places and people that he loved.

I beleive we were able to see and do all the things we did that day due to some sort of cosmic design. I believe in destiny and fate and I think everything came together so that my boy could have the day he wanted and needed. He had had planned this day and the universe joined in to make it perfect for him. I lost my Harvey 8 days later.

I still walk on the trail by the stream when I need to feel close to my boy. I can see him walking ahead of me, looking back over his shoulder to make sure I am following and living the life a poorly street dog from Kuwait deserved. The best life possible. I am proud of the life I was able to provide for him, and proud of the milestones we achieved together. He will always be my best friend, my brother, my son!!