This summer, fourteen years ago a litter of Pembroke Welsh Corgis was born. I know that because our two, Dixie and Bailie were in that litter. Molly was also in that litter. Molly was beautiful! Molly was special. Molly was nearly blind. As a human being, she would have required a red and white walking cane. But happily, fortune smiled on Molly. She adopted her humans the Wiederholts, and no one could have loved Molly better than did Lydia.
My granddaughter, Katie and Lydia were on the same Soccer team. We saw Molly or heard about her at practice or games, usually getting updates on Molly; how she was navigating her yard, the house, and essentials of living. I always enjoyed hearing about the antics the little furball displayed. It was uncanny how she navigated her world sightlessly. It seemed that nothing held Molly back. So you can imagine my, and the Wiederholts’ sadness when Molly crossed the Rainbow Bridge recently. She had lived a good, long, life leaving many happy memories.
Some people insist that dogs will go to heaven. We think of heaven as perfect; would heaven be perfect without dogs? I do not have an answer to the heaven question. But I do know that life on earth would have a huge hole of sadness without our canine friends—many would add feline friends as well. I cannot argue the point.
It may be a stretch to imply that St. Francis of Assisi believed our furry friends would be in heaven. But, a focus of his ministry was a the natural environment, and animals that inhabit it. St. Francis started the first “Live Nativity,” offered by many churches today during the Christmas season. The “Blessing of the Animals,” is held on feast day of 4 October. Some churches still carry forward the “Blessing of the Animals.” Also, St. Francis also wrote the hymn, All Creatures of our God and King.
Some cultures deify certain of God’s creatures, birds, elephants, and while not deified, the snake was a symbol of healing in the Book of Numbers. During the Israelites’ forty-year march, many began dying. God designated the Snake for healing. Moses was directed to forge a large bronze snake, and put it high on a pole; those who gazed upon it would be healed. The caduceus, the ubiquitous medical symbol, displays a snake coiled around a staff; although some think it derives from the biblical episode with Moses; actually, it does not. It is derived from Greek mythology; a serpent-entwined rod wielded by the Greek god Asclepius.
When Noah was given instructions from God, to build the Ark–so he and his family would be saved from the great flood—the instructions were to save the animals To ensure that each species would be saved, he was to include a male and female of each. So, it can be easily reasoned that God cared greatly for the animals as well as for humanity.
I am not attempting to proof-text animals into Heaven. I’m simply recognizing the fullness our furry friends bring to our lives. Beyond that joy is an astonishing array of assistance they bring. Service animals are widely used in a multitude of needs; such as Seeing-eye Dogs, Emotional Support animals, and Companion animals, to name a few. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) opened not only doors for, but also awareness to, the multitude of opportunities for animals to become vital assistance for the health and mobility of human beings.
Any loss tends to wound; loss of a pet leaves a hole in your heart. However, that hole can be transformed into a memento of memory from your happy times together, You cherish the loyalty and love that was returned—-a wonderful legacy lingers. Rest In Peace, dear Molly, you brought much happiness to us humans.
©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2022
I remember all of my cats and dogs and one parakete and enjoy the birds now.