This is my little puppy Annie. I keep saying she’s 15. But I’ve been saying that for at least 4 years. She’s limited in her sight by cataracts and she has selective hearing. But she can still bark. Like constantly until you find what she wants. It looks like she takes a deep breath, jumps up and bark. One bark. One jump. Her vocabulary is limited. But then she is 15…uh older. The little red dog in front of there is Holiday Drooper. This dog has been around for more like 40 years. My kids had her when they were little. (She came from my cousin Martha Schaafsma). Holiday Drooper is widely traveled. She’s lived in 6 states. She’s still doing well. (Grin)
It is amazing how we become attached to animals—Both real and Unreal. I am an only child and these unreal ones were my buddies. (I’ll have to write a whole musing on Flossie).
I have a friend whose dog recently, Crossed the Rainbow Bridge, as we are want to say. Its hard to lose a friend. I don’t know if I would get another dog right now when Annie takes her leave. It’s a lot of responsibility. (Ask me about that when I have to take her out at 4:20 am).
But her companionship is good. Maybe I’ll just get me another Holiday Drooper.
John, my co-pastor husband, wanted to help one of his congregations turn an unused piece of property which was a cemetery 100 years ago, into a Pet Cemetery. It had no human remains in it anymore. There was lots of support from people in the communiTY who lived in rental property and didn’t have anywhere to bury a pet. Word got out in town that this might be happening, and even people from an adjoining state were asking about it. The other pet ‘cemeteries” were expensive, required maintenance fees, etc.
Why wouldn’t a church help people find a place that brought them peace. The land was theirs, the city was fine with it but there were those around the church community and in higher ranking who completely dismissed it. They spoke with loud voices and little imagination and empathy. Deep Sigh.
But that is what pets do best isn’t it. They not only nurture us but they teach us how to be nurturing and forgiving and enthusiastic to see you coming. My Annie used to get as excited when I left for three hours and returned as when I took the garbage out. She protected me in my first floor apt. When someone came to deliver a package or knocked on my door uninvited she would “Sing the song of her People”, and I felt protected.
May you have the opportunity some time in your life to love and be loved by a pet. May you recognize your limits in caring for the pet. May your memories tide you over…until you meet again.
God abides
Bobbie Giltz McGarey
@2023, Easton PA
The Spirit Will Tell You 