April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
PASTOR'S PUP
Oliver, a gift from God
She asked me if I liked dogs. I told her that, growing up, my family always had a dog - usually my mother's preferred breed, the Boston terrier - and how it was funny she should ask me about that, because I was thinking of getting a dog. It was lonely down there and I thought a dog would be great company.
She happened to have Jack Russell terriers, and the mother was due to deliver a new litter any minute. I wished her well and off she went.
A few hours later, I was in the office doing paperwork and the phone rang. It was Arlene. She said, "Father, there are seven puppies in the litter, and there's only one male - a runt. He's yours if you want him."
I was stunned! I enthusiastically replied, "Yes!" and thanked her profusely.
Just before Ash Wednesday of 2005, Arlene said it was time to get the puppy. I had alerted my family and friends that I would have the pitter-patter of little puppy feet in the rectory; I had been considering good dog names.
The best name turned out to be Oliver: like the character in the musical, my Oliver always wants more food. (I also learned that there is a St. Oliver Plunkett!)
Oliver became my constant companion. My family was smitten with him, as well. Then, in 2005, I was reassigned to St. Ambrose parish in Latham.
At first, there were some reservations as to how he'd adjust to living in a different rectory, with another priest, more staff and a bigger location. I knew things would be fine the minute I saw a red fire hydrant outside the rectory door, which the pastor had as a decoration.
At our new parish, Oliver flourished. There was a grade school and the principal and secretary quickly became Oliver's daily first stop for treats and adjulation. He was named the parish "Mass-cot" by popular acclaim.
I was named pastor of St. Michael the Archangel parish in South Glens Falls in 2009. Oliver quickly came to love this new home, too, especially since he's got a huge backyard to run around in and lots of squirrels to chase.
Oliver is a great pet and, even more, he's a wonderful friend. He's helped to make some tough times and long days more bearable and given me glimpses of God's all-encompassing, unconditional love through a dog's eyes.
Oliver's had his own ups and downs. A few years ago, an accident nearly left him paralyzed, but he's back to his old self, running and jumping and always letting me know when the doorbell rings. He loves to tear up his squeaky toys and never refuses a belly rub or scratch behind the ears.
Moreover, he's always at the ready with endless kisses and unbounded joy. Having such a dog has been a great gift for me. I thank God for this precious friend.[[In-content Ad]]
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