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| Otis Redding - Miracle Dog |
Sittin on the Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding - Performed by Various artists)
https://youtu.be/Es3Vsfzdr14
“ We Sanctify all we are grateful for”
- Anthony De Mello SJ
"Because of the dog's joyfulness, our own is increased.It is no small gift.It is not the reason why we should honor as well love the dog of our own life, and the dog down the street, and all the dogs not yet born. What would the world be like without music or rivers or the green tender grass? What would the world be like without dogs?"
- Mary Oliver, Dog Songs
"And it is exceedingly short , his galloping life. Dogs die so soon. I have my stories of that grief, no doubt many of you do also. It is almost failure of will, a failure of love, to let them grow old- or so it feels. We would do anything to keep them with us, and to keep them young. The one gift we cannot give."
- Mary Oliver, Dog Songs
For Otis Our Miracle
They say you got your name Otis Redding as a pup
Because you sat on the water’s edge
Just watching the water seeing no need to go in.
A little different for a Yellow Lab don’t you think?
Our eyes connected in a flash at Mary’s Place
(a farm for homeless canines out in the middle of nowhere New Jersey)
I felt guilty as I thought “ who would want to take a dog from this paradise?”;
Wide open spaces, all the the room to run and chase everything and a pond if
You ever got the inclination to change your mind and jump in.
Mary said “ I can’t keep them all and need room for more coming in weekly.”
You joined our band of pilgrims and the next leg of the journey commenced.
We blinked our eyes and almost 12 months passed just like that
And the fun and frolicking came to dramatic skidding halt
With the words “ Otis has cancer and we can maybe give him 6 months of life
With regular doses of chemo.”
But then prayers have a peculiar way of being answered.
A former colleague told me of a mystic holistic vet up in horse country.
Ginny was suspicious of what she considers voodoo but added
“ We have nothing to lose.”
Dr. Sheila, a certified vet had specific training in holistic medicine and healing
For animals of all sizes but she was not taking any more patients.
That same colleague who referred us to her gave up her next appointment just to get you in and our world changed again.
You seem to fall in love with Dr. Sheila immediately as the diet changed
To human food - pork loin, salmon, boiled chicken, bananas, sweet potatoes and on and on but you missed the carbs didn’t you?
Your cancer didn’t depart but something
ceased in its gnawing away at your inside and the death talk was postponed.
Dr Sheila called you her “miracle dog.”
All was right and well with the world again.
You loved everyone you met especially our girls and their families
and everyone loved you.
You found a best buddy in Chase , Lindsay and Joe’s , new Golden Retriever.
Just like The Lone Range and Tonto, Lennon and McCartney, Abbott and Costello….you two were a real energetic hoot.
It was almost and annual event when you would give us a brief scare.
But you were a fighter and bounced back better than before.
You loved sitting near Ginny who would sneak you pieces of cheese and yogurt. I think you thought you loved posing for an Andrew Wyeth painting by resting on our queen size bed, just the perfect size for you right?
Nothing will ever replace our serene morning walks together.
I had to laugh when you would find the rain annoying and put your head down when you walked. Everyone we met on our walks would stop and say hello and you would delight in meeting them. You even seemed to say “hello” to birds and squirrels in the neigborhood . Every living creature was created for you to play with or befriend.
You didn’t like the sound of gunfire…I think we humans need to learn from that unique intuitive sense. Actually we need to learn a lot from you and your canine companions.I believe that you are all angels in disguise trying to teach these aimless wandering humans through your living the example of unconditional love. Upon my imperfect moments you were always quick to forgive and forget.” Don’t worry , we’re done with that. I love you and let’s move on” your eyes would say. I heard a poet once discuss how all living creatures are spirits with souls but just with different bodies, capabilities and gifts. We humans really need to learn to be truly authentic and live with the desire to give love and compassion, be merciful , be selfless and be present to the world and don’t be afraid to chase a ball or two if someone throws it.
The former Poet Laureate Billy Collins said “ Dogs are really good to read your poetry to.” Whenever I would read what I had written or sang a song I had composed you were patient and kind and would wait until I was out of the room before you would make a face which I really don’t think you did.
How is it that the day we dreaded and did not discuss crept upon us without warning? I felt impotent and inept as your condition deteriorated . All that love you gave so freely and my love was all I had and it would not be enough to heal or stave of the that dark scythe bearing spirit from stealing your light .
I was and am continually reminded that you had six years that no one expected. I know you were a gift to us and one of the many surprising condolences we received recalled how in we were a gift to you. Yet, I am still humbled and grateful…grateful for your presence in our lives , grateful for Dr. Sheila and the doctors and caregivers who helped us all through your final moments. As you were a living example of love you were a living proof that miracles do happen.
As I drove off from the veterinary hospital I heard a song and all I remember was the chorus….
“Take me away from the beating drums
Let the great world go by
Wash me down
Wash me down
And when you go
I will never forget”
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Wash Me Down - Jim Cuddy
amdg
“One day I will find the right words and they will be simple”
- Jack Kerouac
“The only truth is music”
- Jack Kerouac
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