Dogs and Popes
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Dogs and Popes
Today I entered Calvin in a photo contest for your pet. Why? Why not? He’s the cutest and coolest dog in history. His face deserves recognition. He could be famous lol. The only annoying thing Calvin does these days is wake me up at the witching hour every single night, 3 A.M. Aside from that, he is my leading man and has been for the last ten years. So when I signed on to my computer this morning and opened this entry in my Daily Writing Journal, I had to share it. Now, mind you, I am not a religious person; I am more of a spiritual person, but this story touched me, and I thought it important to share. It is more spiritual than religious, which, to me, adds a touch of humanness to these men who are such important world figures.
Thursday, May 8, 2025
I woke up to the sweetest story this morning. I always wake up and check my email and Facebook, and this morning, there was an article about Pope Francis, who just passed away. Pope Francis was a kind and humble man and reached out to the poor and marginalized people around the world. His humility and love for all were his most special qualities. This story told of how he rescued a stray dog, which became his companion in the Vatican. Near the end of his life, he called for the dog. The article said the dog’s name was Estoban, but when I googled it, I found that the dog’s name was Mateo. The dog sat quietly with him, resting his head on Pope Francis’s bed. How fitting for a Pope named after Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
This simple request for comfort from his trusted friend touched me deeply. You see, I understand what it is like to suffer from a life-threatening illness and be all alone, save my dogs. While I was in the depths of chemo for my breast cancer, Brian was still here, but not here. My illness repulsed him and frightened him, so I spent many agonizing hours by myself with only Polly, Calvin, and Angel to comfort me. And comfort they did with their steady, calm love and reassurance. I don’t know if I would have made it without them. So I understand this simple, but important request, and it brought tears from me, Tears for the man, tears for us for losing him, and tears that another good human is now gone, leaving us more alone with all of the evil in the world. I hope that the next pope elected in the conclave will be as inspirational as Pope Francis.
Friday, May 9, 2025
I finally made some headway on my website today. I got my landing page picture inserted. It is fun playing around with photo editing. I’m not very good at it, but maybe now I will find the inspiration to make a really cool website. I must be patient. It takes time, and when you don’t know what you’re doing, it takes longer lol. I got my website and domain, not that I totally understand yet, but I’m learning. For a little over $200.00, I am now the proud owner of my own website. I’m not sure where it will lead me at this point, but for now, it’s a start. I have so much to say and share, and I would love a way to connect and share my experiences, perhaps helping or at least soothing some people. You see, while I was suffering and struggling, sick and scared, I was pretty much alone. Not to say that I didn’t have friends and my brother, if I needed someone or something, but not every day. I spent many an afternoon lying in my bed, so miserable and scared, with no one but my dogs. I would have given anything for some connection. I hope to give that to someone like me, who needs a hand, or some advice, or to know you are not alone.
I am also thinking about some work I can do when I retire. I will need to make some money, so I have to start thinking about it now. I have stated throughout my journal how I would like to be a copywriter or some kind of writer. I can do it at home on my own time. I’m hoping that when I get my website up and running, I will find more inspiration. So today was really positive forward movement.
On another note, the world now has a new pope, and he is an American, a first in papal history. Robert Prevost from Chicago and Peru. Pope Leo XIV. This comes at a time when losing a pope like Francis, as before Leo, would be a blow to all humanity. In these times of negativity and hatred, when people are angry and scared, it is so important to have religious leaders who seek peace, love, inclusion, and dialogue. Pope Francis was humble, loving, and a real inspiration, not only to Catholics but to people of all faiths. We need this now more than ever, and you can bet your bottom dollar that Pope Leo loves dogs.