A Tail of Two Dogs

Charlie and Elijah are two dogs who claim me as their "master". What this means is that somehow I have become the very centerpiece of their lives. Charlie was my mom and dad's dog. My dad had gotten him as a gift as a small energetic puppy. He was too energetic for mom and dad. Charlie would jump on them and often cause cuts on their arms, so I took him to the Abbey to live. For over 4 years Charlie has been my faithful Black Lab. I love Charlie and he loves me. He expresses that love in some remarkable ways. The other week we had a great rainfall which led to the river below the Family Guest House overflowing its banks. The current roared over the low water bridge, which leads up the monastery on top of the hill. So Charlie and I were stranded for a few days. We would walk to the river a couple of times each day and when we got close to the raging current, Charlie would block me from going any further. I mean, he would get very frantic and desperate about it, not wanting me to drown. This is only one small way of expressing his loving care for me.

Elijah, who is mostly Chow, lives at the main monastery by choice. He gets special treats up there after each meal, bones and scrapings, as well as dog food. He waits for me at the bakery each morning as I show up for work. I found Elijah as a puppy down at the river. Someone had dropped him off there. So I am like a "dad" to him I believe. He is a full grown little "lion" presently. Elijah comes down each weekend typically and spends a couple of days at the Family Guest House. Charlie loves his company and they play together constantly. When the river was flooded, Elijah did not allow the raging current to prevent his coming to see me and Charlie on the weekend. He was swept at least a half mile downstream, but made it across to spend a few days with Charlie and I until the river went back down. I marvel at his loyalty and determination for having done this.

Charlie and Elijah are great dogs who love people and live a very free life on our 3400 acres of Ozark land. This freedom reveals itself in their degree of happiness. Everyone can see that Charlie and Elijah are two happy dogs. Dog's are great friends and marvelous gifts to us from the hand of Providence.