A LAST LETTER TO LEO

By John Santosuosso

"Ain't but three things in this world that's worth a solitary dime

But old dogs and children and watermelon wine,

Old dogs care about you even when you make mistakes,

God bless little children while they're still too young to hate."

          Song written and performed by Tom T. Hall

" The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with

the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a

little child shall lead them."

          Isaiah 11:6

      Dear Leo, someone once said God made dogs without wings so humans would not know there were angels in their midst. I do not know if you were an angel or not, but I am sure you would do just about anything for me. You have been gone only a few weeks, but there is an ache in my heart that remains since you crossed over that Rainbow Bridge. However, you taught me about trust. You always trusted us to do what we believed was best for you. With your help and wisdom I am learning to trust God. It is a very difficult lesson, but I sensed you always knew that even in that Valley of the  Shadow of Death God is by our side and leading the way to safety (Psalm 23).

      You taught me about faithfulness, that faith still holds us in love even when we may not be very lovable. (Luke 15:1-7) Everywhere I would go you would go with me, if you possibly could. And when you could not, you still looked for me in hope we would soon be reunited.

      You taught me to never give up on the world, that it is God's creation.

(Genesis 1:31) On a simple walk or going "bye-bye" in the car, ears perked, eyes wide open, and nose working overtime you showed your love of that creation, and in your own way declared it was good, despite human efforts to make a mess of it

      You taught me that we are stronger when we take our journey with others. (Matthew 18:20). You greeted everyone with enthusiasm, both human and four-footed. Perhaps you understood Jesus joins us at such times.

      Before you venture further on your journey through eternity I wanted you to know how much you meant to me and to thank you for the many gifts you left me. Like Jacob, I have been battered by an encounter with the divine, but I have also been deeply blessed. (Genesis 32:22-32)  Vaya con Dios, my little friend. Go with God. I am in no hurry to leave, but when God says it is time I will meet you at the Rainbow Bridge.

Note: I understand not everyone has had good experiences with dogs or other animals. I also realize that some people feel we waste resources that are badly needed by people on pets. I accept your feelings and do not doubt your sincerity despite our differences. In the words I have written above I simply wanted to express one of the ways that I believe God reached out to me. There are many ways God can touch our lives. My prayer is that you will soon experience at least one of these if you have not done so already.