Member-only story
When Do I Get to Pet Your Dog Again?
A simple joy I’ve missed a lot during this pandemic
I joined my parents for the first in-person church service I’ve had in a long time. We sat down, and some distance that must have been at least 6 feet away, I saw a dog. She was cute and fluffy, and I wanted oh so desperately to pet her. And yet, I knew such actions were forbidden. Because, to come near her is to come near her person, and we must maintain social distancing. I resigned myself to my dog-less fate.
A few minutes later, we were listening to the scripture reading, when I felt something rubbing against my leg. It’s the dog! She’d come to me. Well, I could hardly turn her away now, could I? When a dog comes to visit you, it’s practically the law that you give her the attention she needs! Let it never be said that I am a lawbreaker. I gave her all the pats and strokes and head scratches my heart desired, and she leaned into the touch.
Regrettably, this moment could not last forever. I had to stand up for the hymn, and she dutifully trotted back to her owner. My small sliver…
