Life has a way of placing souls together at just the right moment. When Mikey was eight years old, his owner passed away and he needed a new home. At that very time, I welcomed him into my life. Since then, he has become more than a pet—he has been my constant companion, loyal beyond measure, a presence as steady as the seasons.
Mikey joins me on my walks along the wooded paths near my home, padding quietly beside me as leaves shift with the wind and the seasons unfold their colors. He is also with me in the early morning stillness, riding on the pontoon as I set out in search of wildlife to photograph. In those moments—when the lake is wrapped in mist and the call of a loon echoes across the water—I see in him a reflection of my own longing to be fully present to life’s beauty. Together, we share silence, awe, and gratitude.
Mikey has become one of my greatest teachers. His loyalty reminds me that love is not conditional; his patience reminds me that peace comes when we release urgency; and his joy in simple things—the crunch of leaves underfoot or the gentle lapping of the lake against the boat—reminds me that wonder is always available if our eyes and hearts are open.
“Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone—we find it with another.” — Thomas Merton
So I share Mikey with you not only as my beloved dog, but as a spiritual companion. He has taught me that presence is a form of prayer, that companionship is sacred, and that joy is found in simply walking together or watching the sun rise across the water. In his quiet way, he shows that love itself is the path, and being present is the destination.