Although thought to be simple when compared to complex human life, animals hold a fundamental truth that many fail to truly appreciate. We as beings exist to persist, to thrive, and to continue onward. The instincts of a hound keep them from being stuck in the past, indecisive, and cowardly from perseverance. Yet we, the complex thinkers, fall into these intellectual holes everyday, fasted to what could have been, where to go now, and how to do so. To explain this notion, I’ll use one of my two current dogs, Korbin, as an example. He, like the other current fur ball we have (Fancy), and past puppies (Rocky and Princess), have all been rescued. About five years ago, my family had lost Rocky to Parvovirus and had given Princess up to keep the same fate from her. This event was devastating, as it always is, and not being able to do anything for such innocent puppies was certainly jarring. However, we worked over the next few years to cleanse our house and the area of the diseases in hopes of filling that void hanging over our heads. Around 4 years ago was the time we finally rescued two more dogs and welcomed them into a now clean, and safe home. However, as there’s always a catch, the youngest of the pair, Korbin, was granted to us afflicted with the very same Parvovirus. This was obviously scary, as immediately losing another friend to the same disease would simply be ruinous. But we were ready, as a complete family, to deal with this affliction. His vaccinations were quickly done to their fullest extent and we had kept the closest eye possible on him with the vets on a standby call. At no point did we think he wasn’t going to get through such a thing because every morning was begun with the two dogs happily jumping and tapping my hand at the side of my bed ready to start the day’s fun. At no point did the happy spark, the energy of life, and willingness to continue, fade from him, even on an observation table with scared faces surrounding him. To carry on, no matter the obstacle, in such bliss is such a grand inspiration that is too rarely unnoticed in our close by furry companions. And seeing such perseverance in one of my most cherished friends in the world has certainly stricken my heart and mind for the rest of my time.