Good morning, digital neighbors! Well, Friday is here—congratulations on making it through another work week! For most people that marks the end of the work week, but Fridays are still great for me. They’ve lost some of their magic compared to the days before ordination, though. I still enjoy them, but they feel more like any other day of the week.

Pets are great; losing them and having to say goodbye is not. Few things are harder than letting go of a beloved animal at the time of their death. I have buried hundreds of people—some of them dear friends—in the parishes where I’ve served. I pray for many of them every day at Mass. Losing Jackson, however, was among the hardest of all the friends I’ve lost. He was my dog and was there every single day. I still miss him. Rylee is great, so much joy and energy, and I love the cats Holly and Ivy, but I miss my boy. I suspect I always will. A few photos of Jackson to follow. The final one was of his last day among us, he had such a difficult time being in my recliner. He loved that chair. He was such a good boy.

I don’t live in that sorrow, and it doesn’t affect me much day-to-day, but from time to time powerful memories stir and it becomes fresh again. I’m okay with that. Those little visits from the past are a blessing to me—they keep me from forgetting. I remember how blessed I was to share time with him. Prayers for all of you who have loved your pets and have had to say goodbye.

THE LOVE THEY GIVE US

Not only is there always another good animal in need of a good home, but we must remember to be thankful for the time and love our animals give us while they are here. Take time to enjoy them and learn from them. As painful as it is to lose them, they teach us to love unselfishly, to live each day to the fullest, to grow old gracefully, and to die with dignity. We do them a disservice if we focus only on the sorrow of their death when they have given us so much joy through their lives. If we truly wish to honor them, let’s take all the love they gave us and give it back to another animal in need.  – Kent C. Greenough

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

As we lay our hands upon you
Before your final rest,
Our hearts surround to love you,
And thank you for your best.
Our home you watched and treasured,
Our lives you truly blessed.
Lessening now your burdens,
We tend your tired bones.
Let us be your pillow,
Then wings to take you home.
Listen for God’s calling,
Sweet promises of peace.
Old friend, leap to Heaven—
Suffering released!

– Annie Dougherty