The Assignment

Dear Addie,

I often wonder if he knew he was destined for something different. Kind of like you, he never quite fit into what others would call the "behavioral norms." He carried some unmistakable beagle traits of course, but there was always something more about him.

He came into our lives so innocent and eager, and it didn't take long for him to settle into the life our beloved Ruby had built. Ruby was fiercely protective of our family, but she always held a little extra place in her heart for you. From morning until night, she was never more than a few feet away from your side…even if you didn’t want her there. In time, Finn would quietly take on that same role.

When we moved to the woods and Ruby began to slow down, Finn naturally stepped forward. He would lead the way through the yard and on our walks, making sure no dangerous copperheads were in Ruby's path.

When Ruby passed away, Finn sat outside for hours, quietly staring into the woods. Maybe he was waiting for her to come back, or maybe, deep in his heart, he already knew she wouldn't.

Even as he was coming to terms with losing Ruby, as we all were, something seemed to shift in him. It was as if he understood that it was now his turn to watch over you, just as she had always watched over all of us. From that day forward, he carried her devotion with the same quiet loyalty, never straying far from your side and loving you with the same steadfast heart she had.

Finn, a beagle who will still get into the trash if given the chance, yet won't hesitate to chase coyotes off the property, alert us to dangerous snakes, and never seems to need a leash because he always knows exactly where he belongs.

Two dogs who were never trained as therapy dogs, yet somehow understood the assignment better than anyone could have taught them.

How lucky are we to be & have been loved by them.

Love,

Mom