Good morning, digital neighbors! Blessed Sabbath and Happy Saturday to all. While I strive to love the Divine with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength, and my neighbor as myself, animals hold a fond place in my heart. I have always had animals in my life, except for a few years in the priesthood when I had no fish.

It wasn’t until I was assigned to the country that cats and dogs returned to my life. Holly-cat has been with me for 14 years and through two assignments and is my oldest kitters. Jackson, my lab-mix, came into my life in 2013 and was such a good boy. He passed in 2022 and was greatly missed. Rylee-girl came into my life later that year, and she is still going strong. Rylee tests my patience. Her coonhound spirit is very independent, and her temperament is a bit different from that of all the labs I grew up with — and even from Jackson’s more cooperative nature. But she is an exemplary church dog and loves all of her church friends. She brings joy to many who no longer have dogs in their lives. Ivy-kit was adopted in July of 2024 and was the first kitten I have had since childhood. She is a bundle of energy and playfulness. My life is blessed by their presence. Have a blessed and joyful day, my dear neighbors.

Peace Keeper

As I lie in the state between
Sleep and consciousness,
I feel the nudge of your head,
More insistent the second time,
Until my hand rises and you gently glide under.
Your whiskers tickle my wrist,
My hand enjoys the cool silkiness of your fur,
As you saunter past
To settle against the curve of my legs,
Then ever so quietly, methodically, you begin to purr.
“Sweet dreams,” I breathe …
To the keeper of my peace and contentment
As we both … finally,
Drift off to sleep.

• Mary Maude Daniels