Alpha Angels
Three this week. Two the week before. Friends who have lost their companions. Somehow, we are linked together as a private society of current and former pet owners. It is evidenced by the outpouring of love with relatable compassion, as Facebook friends almost seem to mourn in unison. Yet, words cannot adequately describe this unique type of grief.
Nonetheless, there is a term frequently used that has never personally set well - ‘the Rainbow Bridge.’ Life is harsh and death is real. The insinuation that anything which has actively partaken in a living relationship, can dance off into a frivolous existence diminishes the substance of their absence. Truthfully, I have always struggled with perception of eternity for the human soul versus what happens to an animal companion.
Grief has been present with the loss of each of the dogs in my lifetime, but none so much as losing my Carrie this last January. She was chosen as a puppy because of her territorial nature to assist with my husband Frank during his illness, but she ended up as so much more. My constant companion during the most transformative years, she carried me through the loss of my mother, my husband and stood steadfast as I learned that the only way to cope with loss and change, was through a complete surrender to God’s will.
Carrie’s life was full. Just shy of fourteen years, she honored my last request of her to make it through Christmas after her diagnosis of cancer in July. I still call her my Alpha angel because even though she gave me space, she never seemed to take her protective eyes off of me.
Despite all the grave disappointments endured in the last decade, I am almost embarrassed to share the depth of personal grief experienced by her loss. In typical nature, I seek reason in the ‘why’ that baffles so many of us.
Through their eyes we are drawn into an incomparable form of communication. They are loving and loyal in spite of our faults. Our imperfections and mistakes? Forgiven, as if they didn’t exist. Maybe, in a world of uncertainty and upheaval, our special friends are giving us something we can no longer readily find.
Several years ago, a sister from a local religious order did a presentation on angels. Aside from archangels and guardian angels, the mere thought stirs childhood images of mystical bodies with wings, floating around doing good. Thankfully, she explained. Angels are not human and humans cannot become angels, though angels can assume any physical form when necessary. They are sent to intervene, assist and teach. One of the examples she shared stuck with me.
An older woman who lived within walking distance of her church, left there, late at night headed for home. As she walked, three young thugs surrounded her, prepared for assault. Maybe her purse was the motive or possibly much worse. Suddenly, a German Shepherd type dog came running at full speed. Appearing out of nowhere, with eyes of fire and fangs fully exposed, the dog forced the assailants to flee in fear. Ironically, when the coast was clear, the dog did not disappear. He or she accompanied the woman home, but refused to come any closer than her porch.
Grateful, the woman searched for an owner of her phantom rescuer, but none was found. No one in the neighborhood even knew of anyone that owned a shepherd type dog.
The story caused me to ponder – just how long do angels remain in our presence? If angels are sent to intervene, assist and teach, could it be possible these bundles of unconditional love, indeed have an alpha purpose? Are these relationships we have with beings that seem so vulnerable to us, ascribed to make us more receptive to attachment?
God did not make us to be alone and isolated, yet our personal demands of each other as human beings, inherently create a barrier. The insult to injury of loneliness is magnified more in our society than ever before. We cannot have what we do not know. God wants us to recognize relationships and trust. Unfortunately, we shut it out because the world tries to tell us, we cannot love our neighbor if he thinks and does differently than we do. However, it could be plausible that receiving and giving with these beings who are void of judgment, provide a glimpse of how to love.
Attractions are as varied and complex as to number the species and breeds. The fascination rests on timing and beckoning of the heart. Whether the draw is toward puppies, rescues or rehabs, I have to believe the calling fulfills a spiritual need. Therapy animals teach human partners how to trust and focus on something outside of themselves.
Author Sean Dietrich is a prime example. He found his space happened unintentionally with a rescued blind coon hound. If you read his writing, you can begin to understand how his relationship with his dog has partially contributed to healing his past and helping others in his present.
Our companions evoke complicity of the unexpected, even though we are inclined to place value in many other situations and relationships, according to an agreeable level of convenience and reciprocity. We feed our buddies and try to make them comfortable. We adjust our schedules, asking nothing in return other than their existence. Honestly, I think it is an opportunity to learn how to give without quantified expectation. Maybe, they are teaching us the art of being unconditional.
When we lose them, many acknowledge we have lost a member of our family, though their membership can be described as primary. They can calm the anxious child, soothe the despondent teenager, comfort an exhausted mother and anchor a stressed father. It is proven that owning a pet provides health benefits.
When life is running smoothly, none of us like change. The shortened life spans of our pets is the hardest thing to accept. To me, the ‘rainbow bridge’ indicates a crossing away from us. Angels simply change forms. Love and angels never go away. It is a sign of life, eternally here and in heaven. These four-legged gifts are our Alpha Angels. If we accept each one that comes to us has a different purpose, they can complete their mission.
Despite the work, the chaos and unfortunately the brevity, I am preparing to welcome yet another in the next few months. At first, I thought it was a good idea to bring in a partner for Carrie’s younger brother. As I write this, I realize it is I who is not finished learning and loving.
Someday, when my soul is exposed to full clarity, I am sure there will be multiple paw prints, forever permeated all over me. I also am confident that they will glisten, reflecting great love from above.
Janie Carney
July 2, 2024
