“One day, we will see our animals again in the eternity of Christ. Paradise is open to all of God’s creatures.” Pope Francis

Haley went to Heaven last night.

She was the beloved dog of two of our dearest friends. Her life was not an easy life in the beginning. Years and years of being bred again and again in a horrible puppy mill, Haley was sick and abused, patches of beautiful West Highland Terrier sweet hair missing and afraid of other dogs (especially male) and most people (especially female).

Found by our friends by caring folks who rescued Westies, Haley spent the last three years of her life being loved like nobody’s business.

Her hair grew back. As much as possible, her health returned. She started trusting people again. She went on long walks, had the best of love and care and lived in a beautiful and comfortable home.

She had great treats, good food and a safe and warm place to snuggle down each night. She went on many long walks and one day, she even wore a pink ballerina skirt and went dancing with aspiring stars.

Haley was a star as a matter of fact. As have been all of the dogs I have known and loved, Dolly, Kelly, Holly and right now, our sweet little Finlay.

I am not a Catholic, but I love the new Pope and I loved what he said recently about Paradise being open to all God’s creatures.

I think he is right about that. And I think, actually, if you have or have had a dog in your life, you have pretty much experienced Paradise on Earth.

Who could love you more? Trust you with their lives? (Don’t abuse this please). Who is  more completely unconditional about their love for you than a dog?

Haley got her halo last night and a well-deserved one at that. I am going to miss you, Haley, but as someone once said, death is a comma, not a period and I am so very happy that you found peace and joy in the later years of your life and that you are continuing that happiness today.