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| The Rev. Phyllis Taylor |
When I was a child we had a dog named Trigger. He wasn’t much to look at and he wasn’t terribly clever, but we loved him. He was our dog.
He was willing to play with us, and he would take on just about any role we assigned him. He would wear a baby bonnet and lie on his back in a doll stroller while my friends and I walked him around the block. He would allow my brother to strap a holster and six-shooter around his middle and he would mosey out with “the boys” to clear the neighborhood of outlaws. He was a good sport.
He was a great support. He would walk alongside me while I delivered the newspapers on my paper route. In the winter, it was dark and cold and often snowing (it was Canada, after all) but Trigger still kept me company, block after block. He was a faithful friend.
He was a good listener and dear comforter. He always knew when we needed a cuddle. Many a time his fur was soaked with tears as we poured out our childhood troubles to him. He accepted everything we had to tell him without judgment.
Our dog taught me a lot about God.
Years after Trigger had gone to Doggie Heaven, I took my first confirmation class on a retreat to the convent the Sisters of Saint Margaret had in Germantown. Some of the children were shy. Some were a bit leery about staying overnight in a convent with nuns. Some were less than enthusiastic about a “retreat” with all that religious stuff.
When we rang the doorbell, however, it was answered by a nun and a dog. A big, soft, smiley, retriever sort of dog. He wagged his tail in greeting. He followed the children around, joined them for a movie, mooched a few snacks during their discussion. When it was time for each of the chapel services, the dog came too. He flopped down near the altar and listened to the prayers and the readings and the singing. It seemed perfectly appropriate.
That convent dog taught the children a lot about God.
I’m glad that this Sunday the people of St. Martin’s are bringing their beloved pets to be blessed. Their animals bless them every day. It’s time to stand together, human and animal, and thank God for all the blessings we are to one another.
In the words of St. Francis, “All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voices, let us sing: Alleluia, alleluia!”
Blessings,
The Rev. Phyllis Taylor
Interim Rector
