Cordelia is my dog and we’ve been together now for twelve years. She’s 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 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 me – demands it – staring right at me until I look back at her. This gives me a feeling that she’s present with me, 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 me or Ray but is willing to sleep on the floor next to the bed if necessary.

The Franciscan Monastic Order has a philosophy based on simply being “with” other people, whether they are suffering or simply eating and laughing. I knew one Third-Order Franciscan (meaning someone who lives in the world instead of in a monastery) who had perfected that philosophy. He was 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 came 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 lives in my heart.

Cordelia snuggled up with Hazel, Rachael’s dog.