Nancy May's Blog - Posts Tagged "dogs-don-t-talk"
Dog Imperfect
Spring is usually the time to think about new life. But this spring brought my family the loss of our sweet dog Petey. He was the inspiration for Marty in Dogs Don't Talk.
Having to say goodbye to our beloved dog was something I always envisioned for the distant future. I heard others speak of the grief of losing a dog and could never really grasp their depth of grief. Yes, I had a bit of the "it's just a dog" attitude. After all, that's a rational way of thinking about the death of a creature. But that attitude didn't inoculate me from the pain that can only be understood once having gone through it. Now the question I always thought a little silly - "Is there a dog heaven?"- becomes an important theological question.
In his death, Petey has taught me that loss is an inevitable and painful part of life. Having lost a parent I already knew this and yet it is a lesson that must be learned over and over again.
This has also been a time for reflection as well. Was I a good dog owner? Did I spoil him too much? To be sure, he wasn't a perfect dog: Counter surfing, more than a few accidents in the house and boy, despite training, I never got the Dog Whisperer role completely down as we went on our daily walks.
But his big black eyes always had the "little pup lost" expression that melted away my anger after discovering a half-eaten sandwich. I took his pulling on the leash because he detected a smell along side our path as unabashed enthusiasm, not the uncontrolled animalistic urges I should have addressed better.
Loss brings reflections and lessons on how we can go on living more fully and effectively. Thornton Wilder expressed it so eloquently in the character of Emily in his play, Our Town:
"Let's really look at one another!...It goes so fast. We don't have time to look at one another...Oh, earth, you are too wonderful for anybody to realize you."
So I can only imagine how much better heaven is! And there, God's creatures are at peace and full of joy. See you soon, Petey.
Having to say goodbye to our beloved dog was something I always envisioned for the distant future. I heard others speak of the grief of losing a dog and could never really grasp their depth of grief. Yes, I had a bit of the "it's just a dog" attitude. After all, that's a rational way of thinking about the death of a creature. But that attitude didn't inoculate me from the pain that can only be understood once having gone through it. Now the question I always thought a little silly - "Is there a dog heaven?"- becomes an important theological question.
In his death, Petey has taught me that loss is an inevitable and painful part of life. Having lost a parent I already knew this and yet it is a lesson that must be learned over and over again.
This has also been a time for reflection as well. Was I a good dog owner? Did I spoil him too much? To be sure, he wasn't a perfect dog: Counter surfing, more than a few accidents in the house and boy, despite training, I never got the Dog Whisperer role completely down as we went on our daily walks.
But his big black eyes always had the "little pup lost" expression that melted away my anger after discovering a half-eaten sandwich. I took his pulling on the leash because he detected a smell along side our path as unabashed enthusiasm, not the uncontrolled animalistic urges I should have addressed better.
Loss brings reflections and lessons on how we can go on living more fully and effectively. Thornton Wilder expressed it so eloquently in the character of Emily in his play, Our Town:
"Let's really look at one another!...It goes so fast. We don't have time to look at one another...Oh, earth, you are too wonderful for anybody to realize you."
So I can only imagine how much better heaven is! And there, God's creatures are at peace and full of joy. See you soon, Petey.
Diamonds in the Indie Rough
One recent Goodreads poll asked readers how they selected books to read. I'm one of those readers who goes from a classic, to a YA, to a bestseller to a book that just catches my fancy. Peni Jo Renner's Letters to Kezia is one such book.
Letters to Kezia is from "The Puritan Chronicles" series and takes place in Hereford Connecticut right after the infamous Salem Witch Trials (which is covered in the first book of the series, Puritan Witch, the Redemption of Rebecca Eames). While the novels are based on actual characters and events, Renner weaves fictional aspects into the story that are so believable, it is like peeking into their diaries.
Kezia is the "baseborn" daughter of Mary Case, spinster daughter of a Puritan minister. After discovering letters her mother had kept hidden, Kezia discovers who her real father is.
Letters to Kezia is a very satisfying read on so many levels. Renner's imagery and tone has an economy and craftsmanship that her Puritan ancestors would applaud (if Puritans ever applauded!). The story line has the twists and turns of a mystery and the sweetness of a romance.
What is most satisfying about both books is how they portray the Puritans in an evenhanded way instead of the indictments given in Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter and Miller's The Crucible, making them more enjoyable to read. English and History teachers should consider adding "The Puritan Chronicles" as resource books.
Love to hear from readers who have their own diamonds in the rough!
Letters to Kezia is from "The Puritan Chronicles" series and takes place in Hereford Connecticut right after the infamous Salem Witch Trials (which is covered in the first book of the series, Puritan Witch, the Redemption of Rebecca Eames). While the novels are based on actual characters and events, Renner weaves fictional aspects into the story that are so believable, it is like peeking into their diaries.
Kezia is the "baseborn" daughter of Mary Case, spinster daughter of a Puritan minister. After discovering letters her mother had kept hidden, Kezia discovers who her real father is.
Letters to Kezia is a very satisfying read on so many levels. Renner's imagery and tone has an economy and craftsmanship that her Puritan ancestors would applaud (if Puritans ever applauded!). The story line has the twists and turns of a mystery and the sweetness of a romance.
What is most satisfying about both books is how they portray the Puritans in an evenhanded way instead of the indictments given in Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter and Miller's The Crucible, making them more enjoyable to read. English and History teachers should consider adding "The Puritan Chronicles" as resource books.
Love to hear from readers who have their own diamonds in the rough!
