Thanking Alex

“Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding is Alex’s song. I find myself humming the song when I realize I am missing Alex. Holidays seem to do that to you. Thinking of those that have gone before and feeling the need to bring them in close.


Alex was given to us by a friend of my husband’s. It was during a period of my life when I didn’t know if I was ready to have another dog. My husband knew the dog well and always spoke of what an amazing dog Alex was. I had met Alex once, right after we got married, never knowing he would end up being ours someday.

My husband was right. Alex was an amazing dog. His beautiful flowing Collie fur and deep thoughtful eyes that had a wolf‘s edge made him stand out. He had a mouth that wouldn’t quit and for some reason the word “cow,” would send him into a barking frenzy. How quiet the house was when he was gone.

We used to live on an open hay field where we could watch the Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights. During these beautiful dances of light, we would both sit in silent awe as the energy pulsed through the sky. Our spirits connected with each other and the spirit of life around us. We seemed to be able to interpret each other thoughts and senses as we united within the universe.

Alex and I bonded over many special moments together. Seeming to know what the other was thinking. Understanding that primal need to be part of nature and the Earth. During these days of gratitude, I give thanks for Alex teaching me the ways of a canine spirit.