5 Life Lessons Learned from a MOG| A Dash of Adorable

Greetings Glitter Crew,

Heaven has welcomed Chaco, our amazing MOG, aka Man-Dog!

My boys and I said our final farewells Monday as we sent him on his journey to the Rainbow Bridge.

He is our oldest child, 16.5 years and has been the best fur big brother to our two kiddos.

Today we’re celebrating his life because he brought endless joy to the family. We called him our MOG because he had so many human tendencies that we’re certain in his former being he was a man. From opening Christmas presents, to barking Happy Birthday, and literally speaking “no,” he never ceased to amaze us! In honor of Chaco, here are five life lessons learned from a MOG.

Lesson 1: Run Wild and Smile

The question we always got, “Is that dog airborne?” Whenever Chaco was unleashed, he got the biggest smile. He would take off with all legs flying. He knew how to soar, to feel the wind in his ears, and not let anything stop him. Our favorite photo is him on Cannon Beach, OR. Once we released him he took off running on the hard sand with the biggest doggy grin. The best part is he would run circles and then come back to check that his humans were still keeping up with him.

What this taught us, don’t let life hold you back. Sometimes you just need to unleash yourself from whatever is pulling you down, just run wild and smile!

Lesson 2: Multiple Solutions to One Problem

Have you ever heard of a KONG toy? It’s a red rubber toy with a hallow center made to fill with peanut butter. Normally it keeps dogs entertained for hours as they try their hardest to lick all the peanut butter out of the center. Not Chaco, he was “above” normal dog habits. Instead, he would pick up the toy and chuck it at the ground, over and over, until the peanut butter fell out onto the floor. Then he would eat it. He somehow knew how to solve problems in minutes “outside the puppy box.”

Watching him always taught us that no matter the rules, you can always find a different solution to a problem. And often, that solution can lead to alternative and more rewarding results!

Lesson 3: Evolve with Change

The first day we brought home a newborn, Chaco’s world was rocked. This loud, smelly thing took over his place in the bed. It would pull his ears and mama and papa always gave it first attention. What’s a dog to do? Prior to our first son coming home, Chaco never let us hold him on his back. As the alpha dog this type of embarrassment was above him, or was it? Chaco learned that day, if he wanted the same attention, he needed to evolve himself. Going forward, Chaco has always allowed us to hold him cradled in our arms just like a baby.

He taught us, the only way to survive change is to evolve yourself into uncomfortable situations. That’s how you can embrace what you can’t control and move forward.

Lesson 4: Small but Mighty

For a little dog, he knew how to be big. Size didn’t matter when a four foot towering kitchen counter was in your way. Instead he would jump up over and over again with his little ears flopping in the air until he could grab the food from the top.

Chain link fences never held him back either, all he needed to do was spread four paws sideways and shimmy up each hole.

Despite his tiny stature, he knew how to make kids smile. Waiting at school, all the children walking out would giggle and call him Chaco Taco. He would lovingly let everyone pet him because he knew it brought joy to their day.

Chaco always taught us to never let size limit our abilities. With the right determination, you can do anything!

Lesson 5: Fight for What You Love

In July 2020, Chaco fell so ill he couldn’t stand up. We thought back then it was goodbye. We took final family photos, gave him hugs and brought him to the ER. Two days later after an IV drip to overcome stomach ulcers, he survived. The vets said “He is a fighter!” We believe through prayers and his endless love for his humans he got more time here on earth. The last year was tough, between multiple vet visits, bloodwork and another ER appointment, he still kept fighting. Even down to his last breath, he cuddled with us giving one last glance at the family.

Chaco taught us unconditional love. We believe his love is what bought him “bonus days” to have extra moments to uplift the hearts of our family and others. Despite his hearing loss, blindness, and tumors…he still stayed by our sides.

From Chaco’s example, we learned each of us gets a bonus day. Today, not yesterday or tomorrow, is your bonus day. Despite whatever illness [mental or physical] is overwhelming you, the question to ask is “What can you do today to share love to others?” What can you do today to make a difference with the extra time you have here on earth? How do you follow your dreams now that you have a bonus day?

We believe fur babies were placed in our universe on purpose. Anyone who has had their heart lifted by a four legged friend can agree, they hold a special place in our lives. We believe sharing stories is part of the healing process. If you’re missing one of your furry friends, please share in the comments below a beloved memory. We can heal these holes in our hearts together!

We’re so excited Chaco is waiting for us in heaven and we can’t wait till we meet again!