Do not fear, for I am with you…–Isaiah 41:10
This story goes back to the early 1940’s, when I was a toddler. My family was hosting a 50th wedding anniversary for my paternal grandparents. Apparently, we had a dog. Sometime during the evening, I was knocked down some stairs by the dog, opening up a chin wound requiring several stitches. This event began my fear of dogs.
Over the years this fear became worse. About twenty years ago, wonderful neighbors moved next door and eventually rescued a dog. It seems that their dog had a fear…of people! So we learned to tolerate each other. During 4 or 5 walks a week, there were no pats but plenty of dog treats, and her tail never popped up from under her stomach.
Soon thereafter, the 115 acres behind my house became 67 houses, with lots of children and MANY more dogs. If you can’t fight them, I thought, join them. The development became my walking area. The neighbors and dogs became my friends…especially during Covid. And I became known as the “dog whisperer.”
Fast forward to this past week. I went out walking on a beautiful day, and I happened to meet up with an unfamiliar woman and her dog. Well, she knew me for sure, and so did her dog Lola. I didn’t recall having met her. We talked about the weather and exchanged pleasantries. I told her I was taking a calming walk, having just submitted my taxes after working on them all week. I guess I said that when I returned home, I was going to veg out, do nothing, and make myself a “junk” omelet, wishing it was a steak, fries and onion rings.
An hour later, this woman was at my door, steak and fries in hand. I guess one should be careful what one wishes for! I have a new friend, and I finally learned her name. And I have yet another dog to call my friend!
Thank you, God, for good neighbors, good friends, and dog treats! Amen.
–Linda Telfer