I was earning a rather reasonably average income by nationwide standards, and but was classified as under the poverty level when it came to housing. Cost of living was rising much faster than income, even in non-housing expenses, too. I was facing becoming steadily poorer in real life terms, even if my salary went up by a bit every year. Because I wanted and needed a hearing dog, I had begun freelancing, more out of desperation than vanity, and gained enough money to afford the dog coming home today, nine years ago.
In 2004, we were also fresh from two instance of local terrorism within the last three years. Because of nightmares, I had stopped watching the daily news, preferring to get my news from the newspaper or online. Less gore, less blaring of how scary the world was, every night before bed. I recommend this exercise if you feel the world is an unsafe place. It will be better for your mental health and creativity in the long run. The point is not that we will all die. All life ends. The point is, simply, how we will live. Nine years ago, my new pup was, simply, my way of saying yes to life again. To try something new, to feel safer at home and out and about. To say yes to making life worth living.
That year, I painted "Blue Horses," in blue ink and brush, to hang on my wall. I had never expected it to be as good as it turned out. Neither did I expect as much from Kajal as he gave me. Life has changed.
Kajal watched me paint this; he wasn't impressed. He occasionally looked at it, particularly after we first visited the horses at the zoo. He was obsessed with horses: the Przewlaski's horse, zebra, and giraffes were his favorite animals at the National zoo. Horses, he just couldn't calm down around, he tended to assume they were big friendly dogs.
I am very glad that on September 11, 2013, we were totally away from any media for the day, busy at Teddy Roosevelt National Park, and looking at wild horses. He enjoyed that although I would not allow him out of the car, the window was open for me to take pictures.
Saying yes to life is saying yes to adventure, new skills, and growth. And that's one thing I'll always thank Kajal for; the opportunity to learn so much about dog training and do so much more with life again.
I had hoped we would celebrate this anniversary together. That was not to be. But adventures will continue, large or small.