In the fall of 2009, our daughters, Sheri and Sandra, suggested we adopt a dog. Linda had just been diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia and they assumed that a four-legged companion would be therapy for both of us, especially for Linda. So, they set out to identify the right companion.
At a local animal shelter, my son-in-law, Kyle, met a shy little Millie! She had been found wandering the street in the rain by a young boy and his mother. They were not permitted to keep a dog in their apartment, so they brought her to the shelter with the stipulation that she not be euthanized. She was estimated to be about eight or nine months old. They had already named her “Millie.”
In response to my question “What kind of dog is she?” the veterinarian replied as he surveyed her characteristics, “I see Chihuahua, Yorkie, terrier, and….Let’s just say she has a rich heritage!”
Though never weighing more than ten pounds, she was the alpha dog in every encounter with other canines and the “princess” when with family. She was reserved in the presence of strangers but feisty and fierce in defense of her space and family.
Millie quickly became a member of the family and Linda’s constant companion. Linda trained her, cared for her, loved her. Millie faithfully and persistently returned the love. They became almost inseparable. The bond of mutual love grew stronger as Linda’s disease progressed.
Early in the disease process, Linda and Millie took walks together and interacted in multiple ways. Millie seemed to sense the changes in Linda and always adjusted with empathy and added affection. She sensed when she was upset and frustrated and maintained her “non-anxious” presence in the most tumultuous times.
In the last stages of Linda’s disease, she lost the ability to respond to Millie. Yet, Millie remained faithful. She often positioned herself under Linda’s bed, especially when visitors came. She assumed the protector’s role, keeping her eyes fixed on the movements of the visitors.
Millie seemed to sense when Linda’s death was approaching. I don’t know how. Maybe she picked up on our feelings, or perhaps animals have a special sense at such times. After Linda’s death, she didn’t eat for three days. She frequently went to the door to her room and walked away with sadness in her eyes and her little tail tucked low. She was grieving!
We leaned on one another for comfort, support, and companionship. She had been part of Linda’s story for a decade. Now, her presence helped me feel Linda’s nearness. Maybe I did the same for her.
Millie gradually lost her hearing. Her vision diminished. Her dependency on me intensified. She followed my every move. When I returned to the house from errands or walks, she was waiting at the door.
In recent weeks, Millie’s declining health accelerated dramatically. In the early morning hours of September 16, she slowly drew her last breath. I quietly thanked God for her companionship with both Linda and me and for her bearing God’s own unconditional love and faithfulness.
Richard Rohr in his book, The Universal Christ, shares that he saw in his dog, Venus, the presence of Christ, the incarnation of the universal power of life and love. Some may want to quarrel with Rohr’s theology; but I’ll leave the quarrel to others. I just know that Linda and I experienced the power of unconditional love and gentle presence in Millie.
All creation originates in and is sustained by God’s love, and the divine presence permeates all life. The Psalmist declares in a prayer to God, “You save humans and animals alike” (36:6) and Jesus reminds us that God notes with compassion a sparrow’s fall (Matthew 10:29).
I know from my experience, especially in times of suffering and grief, nothing heals and comforts like gentle, loving, loyal presence. Sam Wells suggests that with is the most significant word in the Christian faith. It speaks of incarnation, the Word becoming flesh, Immanuel, “God with us.”
To the very end, Millie was simply with us in gentleness, loyalty, and empathy. I am ever thankful for the gift of Millie. Yes, she was an intimation of divine presence and love from which nothing in life or death can separate us.
.
Shifting Margins 
Oh, Dear! I am sorry yo read the news of Millie’s passing. What a beloved companion she was to Linda and you. Pets are one of God’s best ideas.
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The loss of a beloved animal companion is so painful. May God’s comfort be with you. Thank you for sharing the story of little Millie with us.
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A perfect, loving reflection of God’s Love in Millie and Linda. I agree with your thoughts on how dogs are a presence of Christ for us. Your reflections of Linda are so lovely and helpful as I try to help my mom and mother-in-law, who both have Alzheimer’s. May you be comforted in your loss. And Millie’s sweet photo in the chair looks just like God watching us. 🐶Peace to you.
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Millie was a blessing to Linda and you just as you both were a blessing for her. Hold on to the love you shared as well as the good memories. Peace
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You have a beautiful gift of putting into words what you know and what you feel. I look forward to receiving Shifting Margins , whether a letter to your Senator or a tribute to a treasured companion.
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I am so sorry for your loss. After Ray passed, my kids thought that I needed a dog to keep me company. I now have Sadie who has grown into a great companion.
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A sacred companionship! Thank you for sharing your story!
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Thank you for sharing Millie with us. I remember my father’s hunting dog, Belle, who was part of my early childhood. For some reason, my preference in pets was cats rather than dogs. Over the years, I have been blessed with several cat friends, all much loved and very important in my life. Animals friends are truly one of God’s special blessings!
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A sacred companionship! Thank you for sharing your story!
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Thank you for sharing this story of a very special little dog. I am so sorry for your loss.
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Sooo sorry…they do become family! Take care…
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We will all miss dear little Millie…..
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One of my favorite authors, Anne Lamott, often says, “Dog is God spelled backwards.” Sometimes I feel like the only one in my household that loves me is my cat. Thank God for the blessings of our pets.
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Millie was a perfect gift to both you and Linda. Her unconditional love was profoundly comforting and joyful. I believe in doggy heaven, where Millie will be yet free to roam and love ❤️🐾❤️🐾
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DOG spelled backward is GOD. ..how fitting
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Lovely. I’m glad Linda had her, then that you had her, Ken.
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Millie has gone to be with Linda! She was Linda’s companion and protector. Now, she is with Linda again as her guardian angel! God bless you, Ken! We know what it is like to lose a faithful friend. We will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers!
Bob & Barbara Paulson,
CSUMC, Knoxville, TN
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I lost my husband on August 1st and was with him at the hospital in a town an hour away for 4 weeks. Our dog, Lacey, was being taken care of by neighbors and I would come home at least once a week. I came home after my husband passed and she was so happy to see me, but confused since I was alone. Don did all the walking with her and it’s been a struggle getting her to walk. She’s starting to be less stubborn and she’s eating at least a couple of times a day. The food she gets is supposed to be given 3 times a day, but she ignores at least one. I’m trying to deal with my grief as well as hers. Don had not been through a long illness, he had an aneurysm in his brain and didn’t wake up after the surgery. Having Lacey forces me to get up, get dressed, and leave the house at least twice a day. You’ll never convince me that something that loves that unconditionally doesn’t have a soul!!
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OH KEN! This is so beautiful. I get it . . . though we don’t currently have a canine companion. But we are looking at Canine Companions for Independence. I like that you discovered Millie at a shelter! But Ray needs a “trained” companion for “profound hearing loss.” Our daughter Sharon was a trainer Seeing Eye Dogs years ago,. She’s helping us with info and encouragement.
WE always told the children we weren’t ready, because we continue to travel, etc. BUT now . . . who goes anywhere? (We have not seen our children/grands since February.) Ray says that as long as he has me, his “hearing” companion . . . and amazing technology in his aids, that we really don’t “need” a companion dog. But . . . we’re on our way . . . SO! . . . stay tuned!
I meant to write you a long time ago about your presentation (that we had hoped to “attend” in person at Wake Forest. We appreciate Gary and TC so much, and they like us, are in love with you!
Peace . . . martha (chamberlain)
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Sorry I didn’t see this earlier! Thank you for your kind remarks about the blog. Yes, Ray needs an additional companion! Little Millie was great for both Linda and me. I am at Junaluska for a few days. Saturday will mark a year since Linda’s death. I continue to adjust to life without her. Please know how very much I value your friendship and love!
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