Well, one night about a month ago at the kids' weekly meeting, she brought a baby goat that she was bottle-feeding. The baby had been rejected by it's mother and wouldn't have survived without her intervention. There is nothing that can break the ice between two people like an adorable baby animal. Through the course of our conversations over the baby as he romped and played, I and my family were invited to her home for dinner. We accepted.
When we arrived, we discovered that they not only had goats, but they had chickens, 3 rescue dogs, 4 rabbits, and three cats. Each and every animal was well cared for and loved. As she showed me her animals, her face was shining. I was really moved when she told me the stories of how each animal came to live with her.
Even with all of that, what struck me the most was one area on her living room wall that had photographs of her late dog, Kunu. His collar was hung over the edge of one of the frames. She told me how he had come to be hers and how loved he had been. She told me that after he had died, she had deeply grieved over him. I thought about all the friends I have made over the years who have a similar story and a stong bond with their dog. The love is the same, but the bond is unique to each person/ each family. I think people who form these kinds of bonds with their animals are truly special. Linda is truly special. She thanked me for coming to her home and allowing her to show her true self. I was the one who was blessed.
(This was posted by my daughter, Karen)
