August 21, 2003
For Maggie
Several
years ago a popular animated movie was made called, All Dogs Go To Heaven.
I never saw it, but I really hope so…
For the past eight years, part of my own spirituality has
included some private time each morning running our two dogs in the fields close to our
home. There have been a few times that I have
felt inconvenienced, but rain, snow, or shine, we loaded up into the car and took off for
our morning ritual. Although our small
miniature pinscher tagged along, it was really to exercise our German Shorthaired Pointer
(GSP) named Maggie.
Until today I had always thought I was taking care of her.
To feed, take to vet, cleanup after and of course exercise, were all part of my
responsibility. If you ever heard me talk
about Maggie you know that I was constantly in awe of her energy and how she looked when
she ran through the fields. It was a thing of
beauty.
Last night she was hit by a car in front of our home and died
instantly. As I picked up her lifeless body
and carried her to the grass in our yard, I felt a huge hole in my heart and in my soul.
My son and I wept as we held her and talked to her.
Janice joined us as we said goodbye to our beloved friend.
It was then that I realized I received so much more than the care I had given to
her.
Each morning I would let her loose in the field and marvel at
how perfect the day was regardless of the weather or time of day.
She would make me forget the challenges I was facing and I would begin to imagine
the blessings I had. Most days I would find
myself in open prayer and having a dialogue with God and the dogs while we walked.
Many of the inspirations for prior Awaken messages came through those wonderful
walks.
Many
people have written about the unconditional love of a dog, and I must echo those
sentiments. Her playfulness and enthusiasm
for life seemed to be a beacon during some of my worst moments.
She always had a greeting for me whenever I got home and seemed to miss me even
before I got out the door to leave. If God
did not bless us with the gift of pets, then God should take credit.
My connection to the Divine was enhanced through my relationship with Maggie.
Discovering spirituality each day, each moment, can be as easy
as becoming aware of things we take for granted sometimes.
It could be a garden, a tree, a deer, or even that pesky pet waiting for you each
day when you get home.
Do all dogs go to heaven? Mine has.
With respect, acceptance, and love,
Richard
© Richard D. Olson and Awaken The Soul, 2003