True Companion

In these days of difficult news I feel called to write about something that brings us life. Or at least a breath of fresh air.

Recently I have been in the presence of two astonishing creatures - Chandler and Echo, who manifest a serenity that resists all chaos, fear and anger's noise.

At a recent Legion Convention I sat near Chandler, a six year old Service Dog trained for PTSD and Dave, a veteran living with PTSD. Amid the noisy chaos at the Convention Centre, I watched in awe as Chandler snuggled up to Dave. They are always touching. (See picture)

Dave explained that when Chandler senses Dave’s anxiety, Chandler pushes up against Dave, letting Dave know that he is there. When Dave feels the PTSD anxiety he reaches out and touches Chandler. While Dave prefers to stay in the security of his home, Chandler gets Dave outside among people… just the place he needs to be.

Then there is Echo - a seven year old black Labrador retriever Seeing Eye dog I met at a recent workshop.

Led by her owner Sharon, who is totally blind, Echo calmly entered the room where about 100 people chatted and moved about. Sharon explained, “When Echo’s harness is on she’s working.”

Echo is a mystery. The epitome of calm. Lying on the floor beside Sharon, Echo seems to be highly aware of everything that is unfolding in the room and at the same time appears as if she is dozing in the warm sun. 

Sharon explained that Echo’s role is to use her eyes and her training in partnership with Sharon. Sharon writes that “Traffic safety is especially important. If I were to misjudge an intersection, for example, because I had no way of knowing that a silent electrical car is present, the guide dog is trained to disobey my command in order to keep us safe.’ 

 

“We have a very blessed relationship.” Sharon writes. 

In different and similar ways they reflect my dog Periwinkle. A Havanese dog, Periwinkle was highly sensitive to emotions. She was not street smart like Echo. She could not safely run beside a tractor like the farm collies I’ve know. However Periwinkle knew when I was afraid. She knew when I was happy and when I was sad. 

Periwinkle would also pray. As a clergy person, church committees often met in my home, (the manse), with Periwinkle curled up on the floor in the middle of the room.  At the close of the meeting we prayed. And routinely as prayer began, Periwinkle joined in, with a quiet earthy murmur.

Such was the case on a pastoral visit. 

It was a warm July afternoon. Periwinkle was with me. I decided to make a quick stop to visit a senior woman living in long term care. As it was to be a quick hello, I left Periwinkle in the car. 

When I arrived in Beatrice’s room it was obvious Beatrice was dying. It was a holy moment. For it was with my hands on her forehead, while I offered a blessing, “May God bless you and keep you… “ that Beatrice's Spirit took flight.  

Family gathered. Staff came and went to say their goodbyes. Then I remembered Periwinkle was in the car!!! 

With staff permission, I quickly brought Periwinkle into Beatrice’s room while we waited for other family to arrive to say their final goodbyes. 

I placed Periwinkle against the wall on the far side of Beatrice’s bed so as not to be a distraction. Consequently those who entered the room did not know Periwinkle was in the room.

Finally all the family arrived. While they gathered around Beatrice’s bed I offered a prayer. 

And you can imagine the surprise… as from below the bed came this quiet earthy murmur. Once again Periwinkle joined in prayer! 

Perhaps you have such a true companion to grace your life.