A Spoken Silence
Reflections & contemplations on the spiritual life
My spiritual director was my dog
Posted by on August 1, 2011
“A dog is better than I am, for he has love and he does not judge.” – Abba Xanthias, from The Sayings of the Desert Fathers
Shadow teaching me about obediene and self-restraint
I buried the greatest spiritual teacher I ever had yesterday – my dog Shadow. It hurt. But, as I look back over our 13 years together I realize how much I learned from him. When I was angry, he showed me what patience was. When I was selfish, he was selfless. When I was bitter and spiteful, he was kind. When I was unfaithful and ignored him he was faithful and loyal. When I was wounded in spirit, he offered me healing. When I needed silence he sat quietly next to me. When I needed fun he frolicked and played with me. He found no one undeserving of his affection. I find many people who are not worthy of my even saying hello. Above all else he showed me daily what true love is. He lived only to serve and to love (and to eat, sleep and occasionally catch a squirrel).
I will miss you Shadow. But, I will try earnestly to take what you have taught me to heart.
Eιρἡνη πἁσι
4 Responses to My spiritual director was my dog
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JM, so sorry to hear of Shadow’s passing. We will miss him, too. I recall the day he found you in the park when he was just a pup and gave you clear instructions to take him home with you. A good dog. A great spiritual teacher. Rest well, Shadow.
Your description of your faithful friend Shadow matches my experience with our dog who died after 18 wonderful years with our family. It’s hard to let them go, and yes, they do teach us about uncomplicated love and devotion. I’m sorry. You have given Shadow a wonderful tribute. I know you will miss him.
Jon I feel for you with the loss of Shadow. Not a pain easily conveyed but you have done it well and honoured you friend well . . . sadly missed but never forgotten, and his legacy lives on.
Our black lab-ridgeback mix Shadrach, whom we were blessed to have for 12 years, was also my spiritual director for the same rasons you outline. In addition, during our walks he would often pause on a grassy spot and just relax there quietly, almost as if he were meditating. If he was, he was much better at it than I am.