The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
Thirteen years ago, we welcomed Yaya, a black and white pug and terrier mix rescue, to our family. Yaya’s first week adjusting to a new home went well. He quickly bonded with us and became very protective, making the back of the couch his favorite hangout so he could look out the window and bark at cars. The highlight of his day was if we had A home delivery. No need for a text notification of the delivery, Yaya had a different bark for Amazon, UPS and pizza. After three weeks, my wife and my daughter prepared a Yaya to-do list for the weekend. They were going out of town and were not leaving Yaya’s care to chance based on my previous track record. Just a few of my greatest “home alone” disasters include trying to DIY a rotten fascia board, resulting in my wife calling a professional contractor when she returned to replace the entire patio roof; and acid-washing the pool without protective gear or a clue, resulting in another call to urgent care and a pool company.
Friday morning, list in hand, fed Yaya the correct mix of wet and dry, filled water dish with bottled water (tap is OK for me but not Yaya), and let him out to do his business. Although we do not have squirrels in our yard to distract Yaya, I do have my home office squirrel, so right after I let him out, I sat down with my laptop and started answering emails.
Two hours later, I realized I needed to let Yaya back in. I looked around, no Yaya. It is now light enough that I noticed that I had left the back gate open, and Yaya had gotten out. I went into full panic mode. The desert behind my house is not small and pet friendly. I quickly returned to the house and put my hiking boots on and decided to start my search on the road. I opened the front door and Yaya struts in with a grin, and dove feathers ringing his grin. At that moment,I told Yaya that anything he wanted for the rest of his life, he would get, because he was safe,and I did not have to make the dreaded “I lost Yaya because I forgot to close the gate” call. I did not realize it at the time, but Yaya’s demonstration of strong loyalty in spite of my mistake was the beginning of many & “new tricks” lessons Yaya taught me throughout his life.
Yaya loved taking walks. Early on, I would jog with him, but he was just too curious and wanted to stop often and smell the smells and leave some smells. I eventually gave in. Again, Yaya was wise beyond his dog years, taking time to stop and as a friend once told me “savor the trail” was a new trick. I began to appreciate the early morning moon, talking to other dog walkers and observing all the different “squirrels” living on the trail.
Last February, I began to notice Yaya having some trouble walking. As his condition progressed, it was obvious he was in pain, yet the pain never affected his attitude and desire to go on walks. Dr. Whiting at Mesquite Veterinary Hospital; who had been providing expert care for ¥aya all his life, began to treat his hip dysplasia. Yaya did initially respond to treatment but eventually we knew that we needed to make the decision to put him to sleep because of his pain and quality of life. I said goodbye to Yaya sitting in the car as my daughter and her husband took Yaya into Dr. Whiting. I just could not go in. He had that same grin without the dove feathers.
Yaya had one more “trick” life lesson up his paw. Dr Whiting came out to my car and told me that Yaya went peacefully, and I asked her if my running with Yaya contributed to his condition. She said absolutely not, and that Yaya got immense joy from walking and jogging. Thank you, Yaya, for turning my tears into a grin.
Nicholas Clement is an NAU
Education Leadership Professor
and retired superintendent of
Flowing Wells School District.
