Furry friendship

We live in a friendly neighbourhood where everyone knows you – by your dog’s name.  It took us more years than we are willing to admit to learn Cooper and Gracie’s owner’s name (Steve), and we talk with Jersey’s owners (names not yet known) through the fence often. For over nine years, we were Luna’s people. Neighbours walking past with their dogs would offer a friendly hello to our golden doodle named Luna – and, if necessary, to us.

Farewell

Last December, our dear Luna became suddenly ill. Though we consulted with a vet, it was made painfully clear that there wasn’t anything we could do to help Luna live. We gently ended her life at the clinic and buried her in the pouring rain at the family farm. As Molly’s owner said from the sidewalk the other day, “Even after 14 dogs, the loss of each pet stings remarkably.”

A new friend

In early January, we welcomed a small dog to our home. Our hearts hold room for Luna, and our arms are now full of a lovable puppy, Fridley. He’s a mix of miniature poodle and cocker spaniel. He doesn’t shed his fur, and he’s smart enough to know not to chew on the girls’ feeding tubes and medical equipment. As soon as he starts his day, he runs to the girls’ beds and begs to snuggle. When the girls come home from school, he is just as eager in the afternoon to snuggle on the couch. Rachel lays her arms on him, and he’s figured out how to approach the mischievous Janneke cautiously. 

Friendship can be defined in many ways. A child who lives with a sensory processing challenge such as autism spectrum disorder might be overwhelmed with humans as friends. In the neurodiverse community, some friends are invisible, existing in the active and creative imagination. Service animals can also be amazing companions. I am reminded of one special dog right now that is an incredible support to his young human friend who is neurodiverse and living with cancer. With our non-speaking children, Rachel and Janneke, we’ve wondered about their definition of friendship. They are loved by their classmates, but those interactions are often limited to the school day. We watch Fridley get comfortable alongside the girls, oblivious to their limitations with communication and activity, and we are grateful for this new friend at home.

Known and seen

Two days after bringing little Fridley home, I was in our side yard, watching him explore his new surroundings. Within a few minutes, neighbours sauntered over. I couldn’t have planned the meet-up if I had tried, but in no time, we had a community gathering to recognize the loss of Luna and welcome little Fridley. Later, I walked into the house with a puppy eager to get back to his friends and a sense of gratitude for the way God continues to show up in the neighbourhood.