Ayla, My Comfort

In this and the next three blog posts I will be sharing the poems that I wrote for each of the dogs pictured in the image above. These four dogs are the main characters in my upcoming book, Tails of Grace and Mercy: Ayla, Grace, Sadie and Joy. Each of these dogs represents a characteristic of God and the lessons learned during the time they walked beside me in my healing journey.

For Ayla

Noble of Character, gentle and kind, From the giveaway column, a priceless find. Blond hair and blue eyes the classified read, A Golden Retriever and Husky crossbred.

You came into my life, got under my skin, not ‘just a dog,’ my girl, like kin. When young you’d chase the neighbor’s bovine. Their droppings became your cologne, ‘Oh divine.’ Unruly, untrained, just wanting to play. After hours of practice, learned to heal, sit and stay.

You showed me your love in a very strange way. You’d dump over the hamper when we were away. You’d sort through the clothes and pull from the rest, my nighties and panties and make them your nest. You’d bury my shoes when I left them outside. I’d be angry but secretly touched down inside.

You roamed forest trails and swam icy rivers, then laid in the sun to ward off the shivers. You ran on the seashore, chasing the surf, and swam after sticks for all you were worth.

We started to jog in 84′ I was good for a mile, you for much more. You’d pull on your leash, so strong and alive. It didn’t take long ’til we worked up to five. Over the years we worked up to eight. I reached my prime while you slowed your gait. The neighborhood park became our best place. We both ran the track and set our own pace.

‘Twer times through the years filled with sorrow and pain, when your comforting presence helped ease my pain. I’d nuzzle my face in your warm and soft fur, then cry out my misery in your unjudging ear. I loved how you’d put your paw on my thigh and look up at me with those strange soulful eyes.

You helped fill a void in my young tender heart. And I seek the Lord’s presence now that we’re apart. Now I look toward the day when on Heaven’s seashore, we’ll run and chase sticks, together once more.

The Lessons Learned and the Gifts Given

That poem pretty much sums up the lessons learned and the gifts I was given during the 11 years Ayla and I had together. It was during those seasons expressed in the above poetic stanzas that God began to grab my attention and draw me to him. In the book Tails of Grace and Mercy I ended each of the four parts, (one part for each of the four dogs) with a prayer of thanks for what I learned and gained during their time with me. Here’s for Ayla …

 Dear Lord, Thank you for the sweet gift of my girl, Ayla. Her presence invariably helped guide me fully into Your arms. You are the greatest Comforter, Teacher, and Healer, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For that ‘service’, I am eternally grateful.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3

Please Share your Thoughts in the Comments

Take a moment to think about your journey and then share with me, and my readers (in the comments section below) about what lessons you have learned or gifts you have received during a challenging season of your life, with either a human friend or a trusted canine at your side. Or leave a comment about your take on what I’ve shared. I really l0ok forward to hearing from you! May God bless you richly! Thank you for reading and sharing. Mary A. Mills