Samson

Today I am referring to my dog, not the Biblical character. Samson has been my companion for nearly thirteen years; however, when Dale and I were married seven years ago -Dale won Samson's heart as quickly as he won mine. When Dale is here, he tends to Samson's every need - which has been growing steadily over the past couple of years. As Samson has joined the senior ranks, his age is showing. His hearing is all but gone. His eyesight is obviously strained. His assortment of meds have become an important daily ritual. He barks more and more .. we wonder if it is because he can't hear himself!

When I have a day at home, it rarely passes without my taking a quick "refresher" nap. It used to be that Samson could anticipate my napping; he would race in front of me, and leap up on our bed to join me. Sometimes, if he wasn't paying attention, I would say, "Samson, come on! It's our favorite time of the day!" It has been nearly a year since he has been able to leap up on our bed, and so his interest in our "favorite time of the day" seems to have been waning.

This past weekend our home was unusually quiet; it was just Samson and me. I found myself paying more attention to his barking, and to the needs that were behind it. For several days in a row Samson started barking each time I laid down. This was after our walk. And after getting a treat, or two. Tired and ready to sleep, I was frustrated. We got up to go out again. There was more barking. I gave him yet another treat. There was more barking. Finally, it dawned on me: Samson wanted up on the bed! With a gentle scoop, I placed Samson on the end of the bed and he was perfectly content. The gentle scoop has become our new nighttime ritual.

I keep thinking about how often we must pacify those around us with "treats" because we fail to understand someones real need and desire. As humans, we have the advantage of speech but we often resort to our own forms of barking - irritability, unnecessary comments, withdrawal. Samson has inspired me to try to listen more closely to those who seem to be barking, and to try to articulate my needs more clearly to those I love.

Loving One Another into Wholeness

A couple of people had suggested we consider having an Animal Blessing Service. I had heard about these services but had never attended one nor could I really imagine what to expect, but I was glad to try to create a service that would honor and bless our animal companions. Nearly 100 people, with their animal companions, came to the Animal Blessing held in Schiller Park on Saturday, October 17th. Some people came with their cats in crates or their dogs on leashes. Others brought photos from home, or some hair from the tail of a horse to receive a blessing. One by one, I had the privilege of blessing these creatures and I left that evening feeling as though I was the one who received the blessing. Never before have I had such intimate contact with so many animals. Never before had I experienced the wide array of personalities in animals! I heard stories of animals who had been abused or abandoned and then welcomed into a home. I heard stories of companionship. I heard stories of animals who were struggling with cancer, bone decay, or diabetes. I witnessed people who are loving their animal companions into wholeness and animals who are loving their human companions into wholeness. A blessing indeed!

I am thankful to everyone who helped create such a wonderful experience. Brenda Burris and Susan Olson passed out lots of flyers in German Village. Karen Corcoran designed a poster we used for publicity. The choir, as always, provided leadership through song. Laura Kuntz accompanied the choir on All Things Bright and Beautiful with her guitar, and lots of people played bells to All Creatures of Our God and King. Earl Wurdlow provided us with a sound system. Ralph Quellhorst, Walt Adams, Mike and Diana Rangel helped with the set up, greeting, and refreshments. Drew Klamar made tasty homemade dog and cats treats in the shape of crosses for the animals. Sara Cosgill, Walt Adams, Meredith Reece, and Earl Wurdlow all served as readers. Bonnie Vallette created the wonderful program and certificates. Diana Rangel even arrived with complimentary “poop kits” for those who might have forgotten to bring along supplies!

“All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all”