“Even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Mark 7.28

We are in the early days of the two weeks of having our grand dog Otto stay with Sam and us. Otto’s dad, our son Andrew, is visiting friends in Berlin, Germany.

Around 8, Otto is not old, old but is oldish (like me), as my grandparents would say, “sot in his ways”. Otto surely does not have much patience with his punkish 17-month-old nephew Sam. Picture Sam = Tigger; Otto = Eeyore.

With a poignant mix of a tear and a laugh, Dianne and I time travel for a moment when Otto was a nippy-yacky, punkish pup and our beloved Labradoodle Jack (2004-2018) held the oldish, mature dog position. In a firm, canine gentlemanly way, Jack would grumble-growl for Otto to back off.

I’ve mentioned before how no one – pet or person – takes anyone’s place. Yet by grace, we are created-constructed such that another 4- or 2-legged critter can make their own place in our lives and hearts.

Though Dianne and I often contrast Jack and Sam’s different traits, newcomer Sam often gets called Jack-Sam. If it bothers Sam, he doesn’t let on. The treats, hugs, and multiple soft beds seem to suffice.

Does this mean that little sigh-grief missing Jack moments don’t slip up on us? No. They do. Another thing I have shared along the way is the affirmation that the only way to grieve less is to love less. And so in the oddness of Godness, our love and gratitude for Jack expand our capacity to love Sam.

My hunch is that you can make the people connection with this. Unresolved grief – denied or obsessed – can stunt our living-loving-going on. Yet letting the grief do its healing work in us expands our love/gratitude/joy capacity.

Well, continuing with the adventures of Sam and Otto…

Just in these initial days together, they are adjusting. They have learned not to mess with the other’s food and water bowls. Perhaps they are somewhere between liking and putting up with each other – which also has many human relationship connections.

They get plenty of walks which dispels their energy and my stress. They are hilarious playing if not with, then near each other. Otto barks and paws at the squawky wacky ball. And Sam will retrieve the screechy purple hippopotamus ad infinitum. All of which is great nap prep.

You may have heard the saying “let sleeping dogs lie”. Dianne and I do our best to promote and let the boys get their naps in, as they are doing just now on the floor behind me in my study. If I make any sudden move one or both jump up “what-what-what?!”

We have slept pretty well at night so far. We are all together in our bedroom: Otto on his bed; Sam in his crate cave; Dianne and Bill on our bed. So far, it seems the usual sleep through the night dogs are collaborating to wake us for a 3 am potty fun run. Hence, why I said “pretty” well.

Some other time I will catch you up on our grand dogs by our other son Bailey and daughter-in-law Kelly. A while back they said goodbye to their beloved 14-year-old Riley. Now, they have brought onboard young, charming Ollie. They are also savoring the dwindling days of their aged Buddy - who is accepting Ollie in a grumbly way.

They like us continue the bittersweet blessings of the human-canine cycles of life.

Blessings to us all as we navigate the grief-grace-gratitude trifecta of our lives!