DJ came into my life like a whirlwind of joy and quirkiness. From the very beginning, he was more than just a pet; he was family.

When my children came into this world, DJ was there, unwavering in his loyalty and love. He had a remarkable sense of when he was needed most. I remember the nights he would curl up beside their cribs, a gentle guardian watching over them with a quiet, comforting presence. It was as if he understood the importance of his role in their lives, always there to offer a reassuring nuzzle or a warm, furry presence that seemed to say, “Everything is going to be okay.”

Tiny Dog - Big Heart

DJ was always a source of amusement and wonder, a little dog with a big personality that seemed to brighten every corner of life. One of the most memorable examples of his cleverness was the day he managed to escape from the car. We were on a routine trip, and I had left the window cracked while running an errand. Little did I know, DJ had been observing how the car door latch worked. With a mix of determination and his uncanny problem-solving skills, he nosed and pawed his way to freedom.

I’ll never forget the moment I turned around in the store to see a streak of wiry fur darting between shelves. DJ had somehow opened the door, leapt out, and was now gleefully weaving through aisles, his tail wagging furiously as if he were on a grand adventure. Shoppers gasped and chuckled as he zipped past them, sniffing everything in sight and looking for me. When he finally spotted me, he bounded over with such joy, his ears flopping like little wings, completely unaware of the minor chaos he had caused.

Even now, I can picture his triumphant expression that day in the store—the sheer pride on his face as if to say, “Look what I did!” It was impossible to stay mad at him, especially when his antics were so endearing. That clever escape became one of those stories you tell over and over, a perfect encapsulation of who DJ was: clever, fearless, and endlessly entertaining.

A Fly-Fishing Guide

Our fly-fishing trips were another testament to DJ’s adventurous nature and uncontainable spirit. As soon as he spotted the fishing gear being loaded into the car, his excitement would bubble over—tail wagging furiously, eyes bright with anticipation, and an eager bark that seemed to say, “Let’s go already!” He loved the water as much as I did, and every trip was an adventure waiting to happen.

The moment we arrived at the river, DJ would leap out of the car like a rocket, his wiry frame a blur of energy as he bounded toward the water. He never hesitated, plunging straight in with a splash that scattered fish in every direction. It didn’t matter to him that this might disrupt the day’s catch—he was in his element, paddling happily or trotting up and down the bank with his nose to the ground, searching for hidden treasures.

One of DJ’s favorite antics was claiming the small, rocky islands that dotted the river. He would wade out, sometimes swimming against the current with surprising determination, until he reached his chosen spot. Once there, he would stand tall, chest puffed out, surveying his “kingdom” like a tiny, triumphant explorer. If anyone dared to come near—whether it was another angler, a passing bird, or even the wind rustling the trees—DJ would bark with the authority of a much larger dog, as if to say, “This is ours! Keep out!”

But his fierceness was all in good fun. When he wasn’t patrolling his domain, he was right by my side, watching intently as I cast out my line. He would tilt his head as if trying to understand the art of fly-fishing, his eyes following the delicate loop of the line in the air. Sometimes, he would even “help” by grabbing a loose piece of gear or nudging the tackle box closer with his nose, a little assistant who didn’t quite grasp the finer points of fishing but was enthusiastic nonetheless.

DJ’s boundless energy and sheer joy turned every trip into a celebration. The tranquility of the river was amplified by his presence—his splashing, barking, and playful antics reminding me to appreciate the beauty of the moment. Even when the fish weren’t biting, DJ made sure the day was never wasted. Watching him revel in the freedom of the outdoors, his fur drying in the sun as he dozed on the riverbank, made those trips more than just fishing—they became cherished memories of time spent with a companion who loved every moment as much as I did.

Operation Kindness

It all began that day at Operation Kindness fifteen years ago. I had gone there with the vague notion of adopting a dog, not knowing exactly what I was looking for. The air was filled with the sounds of barking and the soft murmurs of people meeting potential new companions. I strolled through the rows of kennels, my eyes scanning the faces of dogs big and small, each one hoping for a second chance.

Then I saw him—a scrappy little wire-haired terrier sitting quietly in his kennel, his head tilted slightly as if he was sizing me up. He wasn’t barking or jumping like some of the others, but his eyes were full of curiosity and a hint of mischief. As I stepped closer, he stood and reached out his paw through the bars, as if to say, “Hey, you. I’ve been waiting for you.”

In that instant, something clicked. It wasn’t just a dog looking for a home—it felt like he was choosing me, rescuing me. I knelt down, and he pressed his nose to the bars, his tail wagging ever so slightly as though he already knew this was the start of something special.

The staff told me that he had been saved from a difficult situation. They warned me that he might take time to adjust, but I didn’t care. There was a spark in him, a resilience that shone through despite his scruffy appearance and uncertain past. I signed the adoption papers that day, and from the moment I opened his kennel and he leapt into my arms, DJ was no longer just a dog. He was family.

The ride home was unforgettable. DJ sat in the passenger seat, his ears perked up, taking in every sound and movement. He looked at me often, as if to confirm, “This is real, right? You’re my person now?” And I’d smile back, silently assuring him that yes, this was real, and he was finally where he belonged.

From that first paw shake to the countless adventures we shared, DJ’s journey from a hopeful dog in a shelter to an irreplaceable part of our lives is a testament to the incredible bond we shared. He wasn’t just my dog; he was my companion, my confidant, and a reminder of how love and loyalty can transform even the most ordinary days into something extraordinary.

And through it all, he was there. For 15 incredible years, DJ was a constant presence in my life, steadfast and unwavering. He was there for all of it—the good and the bad, the moments of laughter and joy, and the times when life felt impossibly heavy. No matter what, he stayed by my side, offering a quiet kind of support that only he could give.

He was there to celebrate the triumphs, bounding around with boundless energy when life was sweet. He was there for the everyday moments, curling up beside me as if to say, “This is enough. We’re enough.” And when life brought its storms, DJ never wavered. He seemed to sense when I needed him most, his calm presence reminding me that even the darkest days would pass.

Fifteen years is a lifetime of memories, but it still feels far too short. I will forever miss my friend so deeply—the way he brought light to the mundane, the way his spirit filled every corner of our home, the way he could make me smile even on my hardest days. He wasn’t just a dog; he was family. He was my companion, my anchor, and my greatest reminder of what unconditional love looks like.

And though he’s gone, I know our journey isn’t over. I look forward to seeing him again someday, at the delta where our rivers run into the sea. There, in that eternal place of peace and reunion, I’ll call his name, and he’ll come running, tail wagging, just as he always did.

Peace and love to you as you start out this new year. Hold tight what you love most and meet others with grace and kindness.

I hope you have enjoyed these thoughts for your self-examination. See you next week.

-CT

PS. Check out the podcast if you like to listen.

Unrelated Stuff and Things

Below you will find groups, projects, organizations, programs, and cabins I am passionate about and involved in. I hope it doesn’t come off as shameless self-promotion. All the same, they are important to me so I thought I would share. Feel free to skip them if you like.

Feeling Generous?

Counseling for the Future Foundation and Grant Halliburton Foundation are two amazing non-profits doing some great work in the field of Mental Health. You can help make a difference by giving your time, empathy, and financial support. Learn more by clicking the logos below.

A few things related to mental health:

Check out our latest mental health post on the TCG blog, and learn more about the Empifany app, the Titus Check-In System, and our newly developed Independently Strong course.

The Independently Strong course is designed specifically for spouses or partners who have experienced trauma or abuse within relationships with individuals struggling with substance use disorder. Covering topics such as trauma bonds, identifying characteristics of healthy relationships, understanding the impacts of unhealthy dynamics, boosting self-esteem to align decisions with personal values, establishing boundaries, engaging in self-awareness exercises, and delving into various other crucial aspects, this comprehensive program offers essential guidance and support for healing and empowerment. Learn more about the course here.

Need a Break?

We love going to Broken Bow. It has been a special place for me for a long time and it has been a dream to share this beautiful place with my kids. If you are interested in treating yourself to some relaxing away time up in the pines of Broken Bow feel free to book one of our cabins. There is no greater retreat than the woods.

Okay! That’s all I got. Feel free to send me an email. Anything I can do for you?