Written by ~liz Sorensen Wessel

 In the quiet of the pre-dawn morning, my thoughts are with an old friend. Through the years, he wove his being into the fabric of our family and became a beloved member of our clan.  Our world intercepted by seeming happenstance. Yet, I’ve heard it said that everything is by intention; that nothing happens by accident or in a mindless random fashion. This is a concept I am uncertain about but I must admit our friend showed up at an earth-shattering time in our lives. Vividly etched in my mind are memories of that era.

 It was spring in 1999, my dear father-in-law was succumbing to the ravages of cancer and our family was grieving. Our boys, Lee age 13 and John age 9, had experienced the tremendous loss of their beloved grandma who died the year before.  It was nearing the end of the school year and our sons were anxious to show off their accomplishments at Open House that night.

 When we met our friend to be, it was love at first sight. There was an instant recognition an intuitive knowing mixed with nervous excitement upon greeting him. My stomach was all butterflies and I could feel my heart racing. His large brown eyes and gorgeous auburn hair were an irresistible combination but it was the warmth of his greeting that captured my heart. He had imprinted his soul upon mine. That was the beginning of our true and lasting friendship. As it turned out, he was in need of a place to stay and on a surprisingly unusual impulse; we welcomed him into our home.

 Although he disarmed us with his charm, it was also a time of great adjustment for our family as we became better acquainted.  He assumed almost a regal stance and expected the utmost respect when one approached him. We soon learned that this fellow had strict boundaries that demanded attention. He never tolerated playful roughhousing or spontaneous physical embraces by the kids. His reaction was so unexpectedly harsh that you were afraid he might bite your head off. Yet, what he lacked in social graces he made up for in unconditional love for each one of us.

 Over time, it became apparent that we meant the world to him. He was very protective of us and had many idiosyncrasies that were so endearing. For instance, he would not go to bed at night if someone was still up, no matter how late that might be. He had to make sure that everyone was tucked-in-tight before he could take his rest. Often he walked the perimeter of our property hourly as if on guard to ensure our safety. His heightened concern for our well-being created a magnetic field of safety for our family and our home.

 Ah, but his unconditional love was what astounded us all. Never a day passed that he was not overjoyed to greet us upon our return home. Ours was a relationship that went beyond mere words for he lived the language of Love. Judgments never entered into our relationship. Those human characteristics that eventually become irksome when living under the same roof, never bothered him.  No matter, if we harbored a sullen temperament, felt ornery, were unbecoming in appearance, held unpopular political views, or had differing religious preferences, he adored us. He loved us without bias, cause, or reason.  That love grew daily until all that was left was love and our gratitude.

His name was Pudge, our beloved friend and family member.

April 6^, 1999 – December 15, 2011.

Above drawing by~liz

“My goal is to be as good a person as my dog thinks I am.” ~Harvey Mackay