Meet Bunker
Like every other year in recorded history, 2022 has been a whirlwind. We’ve high-fived in joy and we’ve huddled in heartache. We’ve accomplished and we’ve failed. We’ve loved and we’ve lost. These days, I tend to get lost in my head reflecting on experiences that have left their mark on my heart. The navigation of being human is our common denominator, but recently my perspective on big life was expanded by happenstance not with another person, but with a very tenacious and warm-hearted three-legged messenger of goodness.
My husband and I opened the door to the flooring showroom. We were there to decide on new flooring; wood vs. tile, dark vs. light. In an instant, I was derailed by a friendly and engaging pup that met me at my knees. The presence of this cute dog seemed a bit unusual until I noticed the dog bed in the adjacent office of the sales representative that greeted us. This dog must be important, I thought. My guess was this dog and his owner were inseparable. I immediately bent down to meet the gentle canine whose ambassador-like, tail wagging presence totally pulled me into engagement.
We came to learn his name. Bunker. Part Bulldog, part Beagle, Bunker’s warm eyes exuded perpetual compassion. His sweetness lingered as I rubbed beneath his sagging jowls. I stood to move towards the floor samples, and then noticed Bunker was missing a leg. His hobble was slow but he managed to move with confidence. My furrowed eyes met his owner and I wondered aloud.
Just weeks before, 9-year-old Bunker’s leg was amputated due to an inoperable leg tumor. His incision site still looked fresh and tenuous amidst the ongoing healing process. I felt myself drawn even more into this dog’s story. Losing a leg is pretty significant. I tried to imagine Bunker’s life since surgery. How much pain did he feel? What was it like the first time he stood on three legs having always known four? How long did he struggle with the need to rebalance?
We all know our furry friends provide simple answers to life’s most complicated questions. Best-selling books and heart-warming movies bring us all to tears when simple truths are illuminated by the pure essence of our 4-legged companions. Animals have a wisdom and understanding to life that is so easily accessed. I remember crying uncontrollably after reading “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” by Garth Stein. Hugging my grand puppies, quite simply, makes me feel happier. And let’s not even talk about how blind-sighting grief can be after the loss of a beloved pet. You know what I mean. Our dogs and even cats touch a sacred place in the human heart.
Since meeting Bunker, I’ve been thinking about his grace and poise in the immediate aftermath of losing a leg. His owner glowed when describing the loveable essence of his dog. Their mutual love was obvious. Bunker’s charm seemed to be enhanced by his recent handicap. Love flows purely and sweetly despite his recent struggle. Bunker attracts a reciprocal response that mirror his same kindness and affection. We two-legged people have a tendency to complicate life with overthought or narrowed perspective. Given our inclination, I am so grateful we have friends like Bunker who remind us not to get too hijacked by being human.
My husband and I still need to decide on flooring, but I’ve already bought into the lessons of Bunker. I fully intend to bring his warmth of spirit with me as I turn the calendar to 2023. With best friends like Bunker, the new year is guaranteed to keep you smiling.