Companion: Life Lessons from My Beloved Travel Companion

As I wake up from the first week without my best friend, emptiness fills my home. I keep thinking Tux is sleeping in the closet or bathroom floor and isn’t ready to start his day. For the last 10 years, I had a faithful companion glued to my side. Leaving him for international trips was always challenging, and I would always tell him, “Mommy always comes back.” If it was a state-side trip, he was beside me 9 times out of 10. I was a little scared when the chance came to adopt a small Shih Tzu. How could I do it with my work schedule? Would he behave on set and not bark? Would he be okay in hotel rooms?

On March 8, 2014, American Airlines delivered to Nashville, TN, the most beautiful fur baby I have ever seen. Two weeks after he became my son and mastered potty training, all doubts vanished. From that day on, he went everywhere with me. 10 out of 10 decisions about life, fun, where to eat, and travel revolved around Tux. Could I bring him? Who do I trust to watch him? In the past 90 days, as I posted about his last days on Earth, it became apparent how many lives he touched. My friends liked him more than me. Many championed for him to get better; trust me, we tried everything. I have lost many loved ones over the years, but this loss takes an extra blow to my soul. I made many career decisions over the last 10 years based on providing a great life for my pup. We moved for more adventures a few times, lost a home in a tornado, and ultimately spent the last few years exploring the western mountains. Tux came alive again in those last few years. But today, as he is no longer here, and I held him in my arms for his last breaths, I regret choosing career advancement over more memories with him. He didn’t know fancy, yet he did know first class. He never cared what bag I had or the car I drove. He only wanted my attention and an adventure.

As I ponder my love for him and how this translates to life advice, no show, no title, no raise, is worth losing an extra day of memories with those loyal companions in your life.

Lessons I Learned from Tux:

#1 Live in the Present

Dogs don’t care about yesterday or tomorrow. Dogs only care about the present moment. Tux was the best example of this. He enjoyed every car ride, walk, and PetSmart run, savoring each moment.

#2 Let Go and Move On

Because of Tux’s ability to live in the present, he cannot feel resentment. Tux would forget and move on. Although the only form of training him was a time-out, he would feel bad if he hurt me. He would wait in the bathroom and immediately come out and say sorry.

#3 Squirrel

Tux had a love-hate relationship with the squirrels in Tennessee. He wanted to be their friend, but they bopped him on the nose when he got close. This taught Tux to only chase what looks like fun sometimes. Don’t let the squirrel in your life distract you.

#4 Put Your Phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’ more often

Like clockwork, since he was 2 months old, at 5:30 pm, Tux knew work was wrapping up. That meant it was Tux’s time. He would talk to you (yes he would talk), jump in your lap. It was time to run, play, and walk. This was an excellent reminder to take yourself and him out for a walk. But you could not be on your phone. It was his quality time. Make more of those moments happen in your life with loved ones and put the world on “Do Not Disturb.”

#5 Love People. All People.

Tux could turn a frown upside down. Everyone has something to offer, and Tux has something to offer everyone. Whether it’s cuddles, belly rubs, a simple HI, or a friendly lick on the face, Tux’s energy is infectious—so treat people the way you would want to be treated! You never know when a new opportunity can arise from something unexpected.

#6 Sniff Out Opportunities

Energy and good nature are magnetic. Tux’s desire to learn and explore could inspire anyone around him. He did not like walking the same route twice. He would catch a whiff of something worth exploring, and I would let him lead. It’s time to learn to follow that urge. Don’t let your fear lead you; let the adrenaline push you forward!

“Walk the path of life with purpose”

I spent 3,724 unforgettable days with my companion, Tux, capturing over 30,000 images of our adventures together. I thought I would show him the world—its beauty, excitement, and wonder—but Tux truly opened my eyes. From him, I learned to be fearless, to explore with enthusiasm, and to walk the path of life with purpose. As I navigate my journey without him, I carry his spirit, determined to honor the lessons he taught me. Tux’s legacy lives on every adventure, reminding me to cherish the present, embrace new opportunities, and love wholeheartedly.

In Honor of Tux: My Final Poem
3,724 days we journeyed, side by side, 
Through countless adventures, with you as my guide. 
From mountains to beaches, and cities so grand, 
You showed me the world, paw in hand.

Your fearless spirit, your zest for the now, 
Taught me to live fully, to cherish and how. 
In moments of joy, in times we felt blue, 
Your presence was magic, your love always true.

You let go of grudges, you moved on with grace, 
Teaching me lessons, no sorrow to trace. 
With squirrels, you danced, in playful delight, 
Chasing the fun, embracing the light.

As work would wrap up, you'd remind me to play, 
"Put the phone down," you'd bark, "Let’s end the day." 
Your love for all people, so pure and so bright, 
Turned strangers to friends, made every wrong right.

You sniffed out the paths, where new dreams begin,
Guiding my steps, through thick and through thin. 
With you, I learned courage, to leap without fear, 
Your spirit, a compass, forever so near.

Though now you're a star in the night sky above, 
Your lessons stay with me, your legacy of love. 
In every adventure, in all that I do, 
I honor your memory, my heart beats for you.