Going to the Dogs!
by Mary Wakefield Buxton
Urbanna, Va.— A famous writer once said if you want to see God, look into the eyes of a dog.
Well, maybe the lady wasn’t a famous writer, but it’s sure she was a great lover of dogs. And I believe she was absolutely right too, because every time I gaze into my dogs’ eyes, I absolutely see God. Try it, you’ll see.
Or maybe it’s love that I see… pure, unconditional love, as I believe God asks us to love our fellow man, and loyalty too, and steadfastness, the spark of life, a glimpse of eternity and a whole lot of other traits I imagine that comes to mind with the idea of God.
Before I continue I might add I am not exactly an orthodox Christian (in case anyone still doubts that after 27 years of reading my column), but I am a member of Christ Church, a tolerant and beautiful, colonial church with deep English roots and it uses in its service the Book of Common Prayer, which has some of the most inspirational prose ever written in the English language.
There’s nothing in the Book of Common Prayer about “furry angels,” or what I call dogs, but just the same, I do believe in them. My furry angels come with halos too. You could even throw in some harps. I’ve never actually admitted my belief in furry angels to my priest but I have a feeling if I did, he would agree with me that dogs, indeed, are very much furry angels.
Father Paul Andersen is a dog lover too. In fact every month in our church bulletin there’s a column about his dogs. And like my “Lord” and “Lady,” his dogs talk too. (If your dog doesn’t talk, you’re just not listening hard enough.)
His dogs discuss theology too which is fine with me. A dog should know about theology and share all they know. His column also includes a picture of his dogs and it’s a very popular column.
What Father Paul might not agree with me about is that I also believe furry angels have been sent down to earth by God to care for us. Their great task is to attach themselves to people and take care of as many as possible. What a fine job they do in spite of all the hideous things that humanity does to dogs—lock them in pens, kick them, shout at them, chase them off property, chain them, leave them outside in the cold and rain, desert them, arrest them if they’re not on a leash, and otherwise abuse these lovely creatures.
I suppose there may be some who would say my belief in furry angels is silly. From those I beg tolerance! After all, most religious beliefs are silly. But that doesn’t mean we still don’t treasure them. I would further add my belief is harmless, it actually benefits dogs and, most important, I don’t try to force anyone else to practice my brand of religion.
Every year in October the Episcopal Church has a “Blessing of the Animals,” my favorite Episcopalian rite. The tradition came down from St. Francis of Assisi who befriended animals of every sort and taught Christians that loving and caring for animals is essential to God’s work.
We have been attending the Blessing of the Animals at Christ Church for many years but this year, since the weather was unusually cold and rainy, the animals were invited inside the church. Hurrah! The dogs finally made it! If you live long enough, all barriers come down!.
We saw some cats too, but the dogs were very much in command of the day. Father Paul does not discriminate amongst animals but blesses all beloved pets individually, calling each by name. Each pet dutifully bowed his or her head before gobbling down the treat—all in all, a very religious group.
“Lady” lay beside me on the floor beside the kneeling pads, which was proper for an Episcopal Church, but “Lord” was antsy and hopped up on the pew to have a good look at two little girls sitting right behind him. Bonanza! We could not get him to lie down on the floor with Lady so we settled for him “sitting” in the pew just like a regular worshiper. I couldn’t get over how much he looked like the rest of us and he never took his eyes off the priest (and the treat basket), which proves his great religious devotion.
“Would Father Paul be kind enough to bless the two little girls’ teddy bears?” a mother asked. Yes, the Romans or even the Baptists might not have approved, but Episcopalians definitely bless teddies (and doll babies too!). There can’t be too much tolerance in this world!.
It was a happy day at Christ Church. Taking our dogs to church is the best idea since the Reformation. I say we do more of it for when I am in the arms of my dogs I feel in the presence of God.
This is what “Lord” told me after we left church . . . “In the old days, Mom, we met outside for our blessings. In later years we met the priest at the churchyard front gate. Now, we’ve taken the sanctuary! Next year we’ll try to worm our furry bodies all the way to the altar! How long before we run for the Vestry? Woof! Woof and alleluia!”
He added, “Praise be to God!”
