By VERNA BROCK
Sometimes events work to remind us of all the things in life that are important. Lately I have become acutely aware of how deeply blessed my family, my friends, and I truly are. When the world is suffering so much pain and loss, I am moved to hold my loved ones, and my blessings, tight.
This weekend I had a fresh reminder of God’s grace and loving kindness as I wrestled with how best to care for one of my canine charges.
Any of you who know and love dogs know how indiscriminate their palates can be. As in, they pretty much will eat anything they find. Last Friday, all four hounds found and ate something monumentally disgusting. But the only dog who got sick was Sugar, my doxie.
By Sunday morning, he had lost interest in his kibble (which NEVER happens!), and was lethargic. After church, I decided he needed to see the Very Expensive Vets in Tallahassee (Capital Veterinary Specialists). I really wanted to get a decent night’s sleep (instead of worrying about my little sidekick all night long).
So off we drove to Tallahassee. By the time the vet techs and doctor examined him, he was getting back to his perky self. Some meds for an upset stomach, some cans of bland prescription food, and he was well on the way to feeling normal.
Bless his happy heart, he wasn’t dealt the best genetic lottery in life. Now nearly 8 years old, he was diagnosed with epilepsy at one year old. This past Spring, he completely lost his vision to a genetic retinal disorder. With all the testing for that, we discovered his thyroid isn’t functioning. It’s been one thing after another.
Most people would never guess Sugar is blind, his hearing and sense of smell are so acute. Thank heavens, all of his assorted health issues are manageable with medication! How deeply grateful I am for modern medicine, for humans and animals alike.
I realize not everyone is into pets, but those of us who are, really love them. I’m not above asking for prayers for my critters and am very happy to pray for your pets too.
Generally speaking, we know we will outlive these tiny souls when they enter our lives. Yet we embark on the journey knowing the joys will far outweigh the sorrow down the road. Perhaps our pets help us prepare for all the emotions, large and small, sweet and sad, we are destined to experience over the years.
I genuinely believe what C.S. Lewis wrote about animals. He believed our animals are ennobled by their proximity to humans, much as humans are ennobled by their proximity to the Divine.
I have benefited from loving so many cats, dogs, and even goats over my lifetime. They unerringly sense when I’m feeling puny, they know when to sidle up and hang out. If we’re fortunate, they’re in our lives for 10, 15 years. If not, we can only ease them into their final sleep.
One way or the other, they make a lasting impact on our hearts. Being able to care for them makes me very happy.
I also was able to participate in another Bob Ross painting class with Ms.Sue Scott. This was my first class at the Shell Point Fire House, and the facility was perfect. We painted a large sunflower on a black background, and all the paintings were gorgeous. Our artistic successes are a testament to Ms. Sue’s teaching talent, and classes are an absolute ball!
This coming Sunday, the Wakulla United Methodist Church will celebrate Communion at our 10 a.m. service, followed by a covered dish dinner at 11 in the social hall. Our District Superintendent, the Rev. Catherine Price, will visit with the congregation during the service and dinner. Everyone is invited to join us, and to welcome Rev. Price to Wakulla!