It's a Dog's Life!

Whenever we leave the house, Maddy assumes her favorite position: Propped up on the back of the sofa, paws and snout rooting for a clear spot in the living room curtains. Judging from the state of our curtains, she generally has to root around for a while before she gets a clean spot of glass.

Judging from the number of images I googled (see left), it appears to be a common problem. Most people, it turns out, shorten the curtains.

Me, I'd like to shorten the dog. No, not really -- most of the time, she's a delightful companion. But why is it, pray tell, that the goals of beautiful home and happy family so often seem to be at odds with one another?

I know. One day I will look around at my picture-perfect domicile and long for the days of nose smudges and markered walls and carpet spots. Or so I'm told.

One day ... but for now, I guess I'll just shorten the curtains -- and take a deep breath!

Love is in the Air ... Gnawing on our Digits!

Tonight I received word that Michael Dubruiel (Amy Wellborn's husband) died suddenly today. It's a horrific loss for the whole family, and they need our prayers at this time.

At times like this, I tend to take stock of my own family situation a little more closely. Suddenly the ordinary distractions -- the bickering kids, the work-related stress, and little daily annoyances -- seem much less important, and I am challenged to consider the truly important things. Near the top of that list ... my own marriage.

I share this reflection with you knowing that, for some, it will strike you as a little "TMI." But for me, it seemed especially appropriate today.

Almost from the beginning, Chris and Sarah had diametrically opposed reactions when Craig and I expressed affection in front of them. Nothing serious, mind you ... He grabs me by the waist, I throw my arms around his neck, and we give each other a gentle peck on the lips that lasts -- oh, let's say 4-5 seconds. Possibly a little "Mmmm" thrown in for effect.

Christopher claps his hands and dances around. "Do it again! Do it again!"

Sarah, on the other hand, wedges her little body between us and pushes, Samson-style, until one or both of us loses our balance. "No! That's gross!"

Christopher, of course, eggs us on to gross out his little sister. Sarah, however, clearly believes that her Daddy has eyes for no one but her. (And judging from the fact that he routinely falls asleep next to her during their tuck-in session at night, she has a good case.)

Tonight, we found that Maddy also has a strong opinion on the subject. Shortly after we put the kids to bed and settled on the couch, I leaned over to give Craig a "proper kiss" ... and was promptly pounced on. Maddy shimmied up my back with all the agility of a mountain goat. She started gnawing on my hair. I pushed her down, but it didn't stop her for long.

"Ouch!" Craig winced.

"What's the matter?"

"She's BITING me!" I looked over my shoulder, and sure enough, "Trouble" had given up on my tresses and started gnawing on Craig's extremities, interlocked around my waist.

Apparently our Australian shepherd puppy has also formed a strong opinion about the propriety of our public (to her) displays of affection. One more reason for her to sleep in her CRATE, wouldn't you say?

Romance is hard enough to sustain in marriage. With all the stresses and demands of regular family life, energies wane and sustaining the "magic" takes a little extra effort sometimes.

But when the little interlopers start gnawing on our digits, it's time to draw the line, right?

When a Pet Dies: Letter from Heaven

My mother-in-law passed this on to me today. I warn you ... it's a tear-jerker. So go grab a tissue and a cup of tea, and settle in. This information might come in handy one day! (If anyone can help me with the original source, I'd be happy to post it.)

Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month.The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:

Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her. You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her. Love, Meredith.

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven.

That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith , 'in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had w ritten to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:

Dear Meredith,

Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away.

Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.

Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.

By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love. Love,God