I had a dog.
His name was Charly.
When I adopted him, he was two years old.
He stayed with me for twelve years.
We were together until the end.
Living with a dog changes you — quietly.
It’s not about what they do, but about how they are.
Even though I am not a morning person, I never resisted our walks.
Sometimes at 5 a.m.
Sometimes at minus twenty degrees.
Those walks were never just about movement.
They were moments of presence.
Checking where I was walking.
Checking on him.
And, without trying to, counting my blessings.
Charly was pure love.
Pure joy.
As he grew older, he slept more.
But the joy remained.
So did the love.
Caring for a dog asks for patience, attention, and consistency.
But what you receive in return is immeasurable.
No conditions.
No expectations.
Just presence.
Charly taught me that love doesn’t need to prove itself.
It simply shows up.
And once you’ve known that kind of love,
it stays with you — quietly — long after.
Have I told you?
Thank you for reading this. I wrote it for you.
If you’re curious about living in harmony with the seven colours of love —
Welcoming, Trust, Forgiveness, Freedom, Respect, Generosity, and Awareness —
feel free to reach out.
📩 You can email me at: Etienne@OUTandHappy.com
Virtual hugs and true love attached,
Etienne
(Pronounced: A-T-N — like an ATM but replace the M with an N… and money with wisdom.)
