Scout O'Rama Hein, 1993-2008

It began as an ordinary Saturday, fall, 1995, for DINKs like us - errands and chores. But then it wasn't. We walked into a local store and looked around. Not for anything special, but then, there she was,special. Sitting huddled and frightened. That day we said hello.

We asked about her. This was her last day before being put down at the dog pound. She was only two.

It was early and we had places to go. We said we'd come back at the end of the day and if she wasn't adopted we'd take her. Don't put her aside. Let others look at her.

People of our word, we went back. She was waiting for us. Home we went. And, with the exception of vet visits and a few, out-of-yard running episodes, including the infamous one two years ago that put Ed in a near-death hospital situation, home is where she stayed. Our vet and family cared for her. Our pet sitter fancied her. We loved her and learned about her.

Turns out she wasn't so frightened. She was an investigator and a commentator. Her feet came off the ground when she barked. She was unbending, just plain awkward, when she ran - more like a rocking horse than a Beagle. She was always a happy clown. She made everyone play and smile. She snored freely, as if it was the greatest pleasure that came with laying down. In recent years she was Precious' eyes and encouragement, a role someone else will take up undoubtedly.

It began as an ordinary Saturday, fall, 2008, for retired folks like us - up early for coffee and chores. But then it wasn;t. Today we said goodbye.

Scout is at peace. God has her in His lap.


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Today, I am told, is the feast day of St. Francis, the saint who acknowledged kinship with all creation, particularly animals and nature. Around the world there are "Blessings of Animals" ceremonies. Here is John Galsworthy's prayer for gentleness to all creatures:

To all the humble beasts there be,
To all the birds on land and sea,
Great Spirit! sweet protection give,
That free and happy they may live!

And to our hearts the rapture bring
Of love for every living thing;
Make of us all one kin, and bless
Our ways with Christ's own gentleness.

Puzzled

Life can be so confusing. Yes, it beats the alternative. But in the course of a week so much can happen and yet, so little be done. Perhaps my confusion now comes from a puzzling coincidental collision of the book EAT, PRAY, LOVE with our small group study of religions and cults of the world. We American (not a religion, not a cult, I know) have a great deal to learn and apply. Try has we do to think and believe in a very humble, very uncluttered way, it seems that every nook and cranny fights against us being able to do that. We are busy making things happen and externally it appears that means things are getting done. But at what cost, at what sacrifice, of what importance?

I used to think "that" was the most over-used word, and it may be. Then I thought "love" as the most mis-applied word, and it may be. Now I think "need" is the most exaggerated word. What do we really need? What do YOU crave?

EAT, PRAY, LOVE is far from a favorite book. I don't "get" why she's got the following she has. But parts are brilliantly constructed and there's space enough to read between the lines. She visits places where people have a terrific sense of living and of life. And, everywhere she goes there is nothing close to what we have in this country, not materially, not in freedoms. Yet, these countries' people (perhaps not their governmental authorities) appear justifiably happy, content, respectful, secure, faithful, blessed, appreciative, peaceful. At one point she comments that everyone appears to be working but each person has enough time to stop and greet her as she moves down the path. Shamefully, how many of us even think about doing that.

Her Indonesian buddy instructs, "Sit and smile" as a form of meditation. Look at that word - how close it is to medication! Hmmmm.

Start today. Sit and smile. Smile big. Smile till it touches the inside of you and the tickle you feel stays with you all day.

Gratitude Day

How blessed are you? No doubt you have some amazing friends. Be astonished at what they accomplish! It's not the stuff they have or you have. It's not the places any of you have visited. It's what resides in your heart and inspires you and your friends that keep you together, keep you appreciative.
There is much to question these days but stability should be recognized also. We are called upon to combine trips so we spend less on fuel. Going "Green" is getting its long overdue recognition. I'm not talking about extremes but simple, logical and practical measures. Good grief, this is where we live and we should take care of it. I digress.
Today, be grateful for your friends. Need inspiration about how to discover their wonders? Read on.
I've linked up with a previous business acquaintance, thanks to Animal Protective League. We've only done a couple of things that are related and really not worked together. However, in emailing, she has revealed to me a ministry she has created.
Boldly she states she is a Christian first and an animal-lover second. She declares she cares deeply about where people spend eternity. WOW. Now, here it comes - she is not very good talking to people about it. Who among us agrees so far? (me, for sure).
God has given her the grace she needs to bring it all together. She and volunteers are taking pets/animals to lost and lonely people for visits. During the time together they talk about God creating and caring for all critters. The benefits run deep. The animals have an outing that helps socialize them and keep them happy, the visited person has company, gets to cuddle a critter, hears the message, and the volunteer is blessed beyond belief.
You just never know what your friends are up to...and I mean that in terms of what they are doing and what they are capable of doing.
Go find out.

Random Points of Light

My friend Anne has a link on the right here. Go vote for the Easter egg(s) of your choice. What a hoot. She's a true inspiration. I think that at our house I will let the dogs have a contest, most creative "leave behind" in the yard. Obviously I've been spending too much time outside, WAITING for CONTRIBUTIONS. It does give one time to think about stuff.

Whiplash, topically, that is. We had a great sermon @ church again. Don't know about any of you but without worship the week just ain't done.

All right, it's movie recommendation time. This one will be tough to hunt down but do it. "After the Wedding". It's in Danish, and a few other languages, but it is beautifully filmed and the complexities of the plot actually are presented in a straightforward manner. If anyone likes the new James Bond actor one main character in this is cut from the same mold. The 40 something woman is gorgeous. I digress. The story, which is the reason for the film, is strikingly moving, touches your heart and eats at your soul as well as your conscience. The cinematic contribution is extraordinary in places, very intimate at times. It's a long film so make plenty of popcorn.

We had one of our foster dogs for spring break, while her family vacationed. Everyone welcomed her back gleefully. Never think dogs don't remember. It's just selective. She was picked up and taken home this afternoon so now no one is eating. They are bummed.

Speaking of dogs, we've had a run on runaways in this area. Plus, there seems to be more short tempers flaring in multiple dog homes. What's that about? Dogs always seem to know what is going on before we do so I hope this is fluke-ish rather than indicative of our future! Doomsday ready, I am not!!!

Maggie's Legacy

Maggie, 1999-2008

Maggie ruling the roost. Maggie and her two best friends. Maggie and her latest student, another neglected and abused dog.
She went by Maggie Switter Hein or Maggie-Pie or a hundred other nicknames we had for her. She walked along side of me without her leash after years of being on it, just happy to be a part of a stroll. She loved sunning on the deck. But she also led the others in the ways and rules of the house. She was fiercely loyal and protective and in this end those qualities turned on her.
Someone let a dog run loose. Maggie and our other dogs, equally as proud and driven to know their territory is secured, did not like that. They revolted. The trouble is they were not out in our fenced in yard where they could bark but inside where they could not run the fence line and be done with it. She got hurt, badly. I feel we sacrificed her because someone carelessly let their dog run wild and our dog paid for it with her life.
Yesterday Maggie went "over the rainbow" as some pet lovers say. I know she now waits in Heaven with our other critters. I believe they go there; what would Heaven be if we could not be with the purest loves of our lives? They give all without expectations. We learn so much from them, choosing to apply it is up to us.
We parted with Maggie sadly but temporarily. We love her forever. She was stalwart, soft-hearted, and stubborn. Her early pre-us years of being mis-treated had been traded for a loving home, companions, and good living. We know she appreciated every moment. And, as is so often the case when we provide for others, we got more than we could ever give.
Goodbye for now, Sweet Poocheroo. We will walk together again someday.