The Sacred Bond

It has been a sad week for us.  My parents' dog, Tucker, died on Tuesday.  He was only ten, but had a very pervasive cancer and we now think that he had been in pain for some time.  He was a very special dog in all our lives.  I remember my parents' hesitancy about getting a new puppy when they were 80 years old.  We were all so glad that they took the leap of faith and energy to be committed to a special dog at a time when most people would not be up to the challenge.  He was the joy of their eighth decade.  He is the only dog that my youngest four have known during their visits with their grandparents and he was central in their bonding with one another.

We were all close to our Tucker and will so miss his sense of fun and long walks with him.  He was a unique dog; a beautiful Sheltie with strong markings of dark and caramel brown thick fur.  Independent, ever watchful, and discerning in his attachments, he was extremely faithful, always staying close to those he loved.  Younger and more energetic than our Golden Retriever, Daisy, he teased her and kept her active whenever they were together.  Yesterday our Daisy seemed subdued and sad.  Somehow I think she sensed that her playmate and cousin had died.

I believe that animals are vitally important in our lives; they help us to be fully human.  In their loving dependence they bring a important grounding and deepen our understanding and bond with God, the loving Creator of all creatures. These days I have been pondering our walk as human beings, people of body, mind and spirit.  I have been reflecting on Saint Francis, loving guardian of all creatures.  Often as we seek to grow as people of spirit in God, we look first to lofty places of service and involvement.  I am realizing that God is not only in those heavenward and outwardly spiritual places, but our growth in Him must also involve looking downward and being fixed to the creaturely reality of the earth.  Our relationships with the animals in our lives helps us to be connected with the intrinsic value of our own earthly selves.  In his very being, Tucker had an important place in our lives.  We too are important in our very beings and we are more than enough just as we are, created lovingly by God to be our unique selves.

As we relate with those animals and beings around us, we connect more deeply with ourselves and with God.    Our bond with animals is part of the sacred in our lives.  Thank you, dear Tucker, for helping us all to grow and bond.  We love you.  Rest in peace our friend.