Monday, March 2, 2026

Travis

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

He had just turned 12 the previous week. Travis and I only walked about a half block when he stopped to look up at me – his eyes telling me that we had gone far enough. So we turned and headed back home, stopping frequently. But these stops were different. Travis wasn’t stopping to smell the scents of all the other dogs that had been this way recently. He was stopping to look up at me. He was letting me know this would be our last walk together. Letting me know that it was time.

One of Travis’s back legs was useless and he just dragged it along, while his other back leg was unsteady at best. He could barely walk anymore. The next morning Travis was happy, but he saw us looking really sad as we gathered him into our car to take him on a trip. Travis loved taking trips! On this day, he had the whole back section to himself.

Soon after we arrived, the veterinarian gave us some time with Travis alone in the exam room. Travis was so relaxed being there with us despite our tears and sobs. We gave him his favorite treat, some chocolate pudding, two Hershey kisses, and a lot of hugs. As Travis’s head slowly descended into my hands one last time, we knew his pain was now gone, replaced by searing sadness in our hearts. We will never hear the rhythmic patter of his paws in our hallways, the sloppy gulps of water and food in our kitchen, or the swishing of his expressive tail by our sides ever again. As a rescue dog, Travis overcame a lot, which made saying goodbye so difficult because of how good a dog he had become. We called him “The People’s Mayor” because everyone who met him ended up admiring him.

We were given some material that suggested our reunion with Travis in Heaven will be glorious some day. While there are differing opinions about whether or not dogs go to Heaven, I trust God and thank God for the joy, companionship, and love Travis gave to us here on Earth.

Love shouldn’t be complicated, but sometimes we make it appear so between each other. We can learn from our dogs. They love us and hope we will love them. No strings attached. All-in all the time. That’s called unconditional love. So show love and help others get through their bad days, be grateful for all your good days, and provide steady, unconditional love to the people around you. That is what Travis did for us every single day of his wonderful life.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for giving people the opportunity to share their lives with dogs and other animals. Through them, you give us insights about ourselves, and allow us to experience unconditional love and companionship. Please bless the people who care for their pets, the caregivers who work in animal shelters and veterinary clinics, and all the animals in our world. Amen

Kurt Fish