Perfect Peace

I'm still feeling sick from the flu. My favorite student has a warrant out for his arrest. His mother is in jail for obstructing justice and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. My pastor resigned from our little church and we have so few members and so little money we may be facing extinction. Though today's weather was in the low '60's, tonight the cold front has come back in with a vengeance along with rain -- and soon now snow. I'm feeling low-down, out of sorts, uninspired, depressed.

After church and Sunday lunch, my head was pounding and my heart was sad. Thinking a nap might help, I climbed into bed and pulled the covers over my head. Hubby was watching TV and reading a book simultaneously, and ignoring my small miserable whimpers.

Gus, though, heard me. Gus has weak back legs and is often lame but he dashed to the bed, pawing the quilt to be lifted up to join me. He was ignored. I buried my head into my pillow, pulling the quilt up to my chin. Summoning all his little strength, Gus managed a jump that landed half on and half off the bed, but he scrambled with all his might and finally got enough purchase to crawl his way over to me.

He burrowed his little warm body next to mine, his head and beard nestled on my breast, his little warm breath on my cheek. His paws rested next to my lips; his beating heart matchrf my own. Soon I found peace. The comfort of a little body with a heart so big brought me an ease I had not felt in over a month. I fell into an easy sleep -- and my boy never moved. We rested for upwards of an hour and when I awoke, I felt refreshed, quieter in my soul.

The love of a good dog simply cannot be over-valued in today's world. How fortunate I am to have such a dear, unselfish fur-child in my life. The love he gives me far out-strips any shelter or food I provide him.

My beautiful, gentle Gus. Thank you.