It is one of my favorite Garth Brooks songs. I heard him speaking about it the other day, and he agrees that the song is special to him too. The music behind it just adds to the alluring thoughts and feelings that touch your whole body and soul.

Several years ago a friend lost her daughter in a car accident. The girl left behind a four year old son, and two older children. My friend was devastated. At the wake a friend of her daughters played “The Dance” on a guitar and sang the words. It was very touching and everyone cried.

Before the funeral, I would hear the words of that song and think of all the beloved animals I had lost. Horses, cats, and especially my dogs. The pain of losing our animals is real. Really real. I guess it’s more so when they are taken suddenly at a young age.

I think I cry more for my animals, who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, than for some of my family. They touch our hearts and almost become a part of our own self. The pain runs deep. More so if you’ve raised them from babies. They are your babies. They are your heart, and going on without them seems impossible.

That’s where “The Dance” comes into play. “Our lives are better left to chance, I could have missed the pain, but I’d of had to miss The Dance.” Yes we could all do without the horrible pain that even takes the breath out of our bodies, but I’d have missed all the laughs, companionship, learning experiences, and mostly the love and connection they gave us. Not to mention that we gave them.

Thinking back over the time spent with each animal, I would never trade it for anything. If you don’t feel pain, you have never felt the love. The more love you felt for each one, the more pain you will go through. It’s just how it works.

So enjoy the love and good times while they are with you. The pain will come, but the “Dance” is so worth it.