Cordelia is my dog. She is a Cardigan Corgie, which means she’s black, white and tan, with a tail that curves like a sideways U above her back. Being a Corgie, her little legs are not long, perhaps four inches if she stretches, and her body is like a wiener dog but heavier, as if she’s pretending to be a big dog though she’s so low to the ground it’s a bit of a joke. A friend remarked that she looked as if she had been made out of spare parts since her ears and nose seem too long for her small head. Yes, my spare parts dog who has been bred low for the cows she’s supposed to herd – so if they kick, they can’t hit her head.

Cordie’s eyes are her most salient feature. They are golden brown and bright with alertness. She makes eye contact when she’s looking at you – demands it – staring right at you until you look back at her. This gives you a feeling that she’s present with you, sharing the moment, whatever that might be. As if she’s saying, “We’re in this together,” whether “this” means walking, sitting, or even sleeping. For that, she would prefer to be snuggled right up next to you, but is willing to sleep on the floor next to the bed or in her kennel, which is also in the bedroom.

I had another dog, Winifred, for 16 years. A miniature white schnauzer who I loved. She was such a wonderful companion, full of energy and love and devotion. I was nervous that I couldn’t love another dog as much as Winnie, or that a new dog would make me miss Winnie even more than I still do. But, Cordelia has risen to the challenge. I think she’s felt my hesitation to love her. My husband and youngest daughter had accepted her with open hearts even before she arrived. But I have been a little more reluctant, wanting instead to build this relationship slowly and make sure that this dog was not just a substitution for my sweet old schnauzer. Cordelia has honored my pacing. Not too pushy and yet staring at me from across the room to let me know that she’s with me.

The Franciscan Monastic Order has a philosophy based on simply being “with” other people, whether they are suffering or simply eating and laughing. I know one Third-Order Franciscan (meaning someone who lives in the world instead of in a monastery) who has perfected that philosophy. He is right there when talking to him – not pushy or full of his own agenda – just present and engaged in the moment. This best describes Cordelia.

Perhaps she has returned to life after being a Franciscan nun or monk along the way. Maybe Buddhist since that religion officially believes in reincarnation. Whatever the case, she definitely epitomizes the “Be Here Now” philosophy.

I believe in gifts. I believe in events or people or even pets popping up in one’s life appearing coincidental, but then later fulfilling a needed purpose. Perhaps Cordelia has come to teach me what she knows about being present. I know that’s a gift I could share with others and, of course, with this sweet dog who is winning my heart.