Annie

     Sometimes my breath is taken away in a  moment of connection between an animal and myself.  Often the animal's connection to God goes unnoticed by us humans.   This Thanksgiving, I want to especially give thanks for the gifts that were showered on me from the moment that Annie entered into our lives. 

     Almost 12 years ago I came home from work to hear a message on the answering machine from our beloved veterinarian about a sweet little dog that he had down at his office.  You see, 8 months before our sweet Harmony had died.  We knew we wanted another dog, primarily for David (then 12) but I didn't think we were ready.  Eight days earlier this little dog was brought into Eric's ofice to be put down as she had parvo.  Eric thought he could save her and save her he did.

     When David came home from school we went to the clinic to meet 7 week-old Annie.  This tiny brown and black, scrawny, shaved legged animal captured our hearts.  She looked as if she had a mask on so we thought maybe she had some Husky in her.  Whatever line her blood originated from, this survivor was already gifting us with kisses.  She survived and had much to give.

     Four weeks ago Annie let go of this life that she had survived to be in.  She had been with us for almost 12 years.  We found out the night before she died that she was a “walking time bonb.”  Annie had tumors that could rupture at any moment.  After many tears with Eric, Annie and I came home to wait for David.  It was difficult to let this news sink in that night as Annie felt so good.  She greeted David, her closest buddy, as always.  Unbeknownst to her or to us, she had only a few hours to live.  She begged for food, licked us profusely, and laid her beautiful heavy head on  my lap as usual.  It was a good evening even though David and I were tentative.

     A call came in to me from David the next day during staff meeting.  As soon as I got out I returned it.  Unable to clearly understand the words that he was saying, I did clearly understand that the bomb had been detonated.  I left and went to  David's place.  Things had changed drastically.  We sat and talked with her as we cried.  We thanked her for loving us through so many hard times in our lives.  We thanked her for loving us even though we were often unlovable.  We thanked her for wanting to be with us.  We thanked her for how she would sometimes slow us down.  We thanked her for persisting in drawing out the best in us.

     When I had left the office several people had offered to come if we wanted.  David thought this would be good.  After we got down to the clinic, the dean met us there after we knew that Annie's eyes were closing for good.  We spent a long time coming her hair, loving her and telling Annie stories.  Carol said some prayers with all of us and we sat together with our tears as she died in that God soaked room.  This was truly a holy time.   Annie had been sent to us for a season with some important gifts.  She left those gifts with us and departed.

     So Annie, this Thanksgiving I especially give thanks for you.  I thank you for your deep wisdom that slowed us down to remind us that we were human and to not miss this great life.  I will do  my best.  Thank you for teaching us how to welcome people.  You were always excited about anyone coming to the door – may I take that gift to heart.  Thanks for teaching us how to deeply love some often very unlovable people.  I will try.  Thank you for being by our sides in some very hard times.

     Pay attention to animals (even a bird coming to the window.)  God speaks through them.  Slow down, listen deeply and give thanks.  God has just shown up.