We began our daily walk and just a few houses down, she stopped. It was as if 
something halted her very steps, and believe me, Mabel is never halted! She paused, looked at the house, looked at me, and continued on. Yesterday, the same thing. I was a bit perplexed but I have learned to trust my dogs. We have a very close bond, and I have learned that they know. They just do.
On our walks as we pass each house, I pray. I pray for our neighbors, I pray for their homes and families. It was my New Year’s Resolution 2 years ago to get to know my neighbors and pray for them as I walked. That is one resolution I have kept, and some of those neighbors have become cherished friends.
Today, once again, we walked. Mabel halted in front of that same driveway, looked at the door, looked at me, and continued on. But for some reason we made it to the end of the street and she immediately halted once again. She would not budge. She looked at me, and looked down the street. A truck pulled up beside me as we stood there, and Mabel was completely still. She looked up at the driver, then looked at me. The truck stopped and rolled down the window. It was my precious neighbor who I simply adore. I could tell something was wrong. “He’s gone Lisa, he’s gone…..” What? Who is gone? My dear friend had lost her husband to COVID. My heart fell to the floor and I could barely breathe. I saw them last week and talked with them for quite awhile. After filling me in on the details as they drove away I stood there, heartbroken and in shock. Mabel was looking up at me, not moving. It was then I realized…..her stops. Her stops for the past few days were in front of their house. She stopped, looked at their front door, looked at me, and continued. She knew. It was as if she wanted me to stop, pray for the family, and then continue. Sweet Mabel Joy, you are only 5 months old and yet you have such a sensitive heart. If we could all have hearts that sensitive!
They love, they forgive, they give, unconditionally.
I want to be there for my neighbor. My heart is saddened today at this loss. But I remember my last conversation with them and it was one that made me smile. Life is fragile. It is fleeting. We are not promised a tomorrow. I have learned more than ever to make the most of every moment. Stop, pay attention, pray, and love. My dogs have it perfected, they have been great teachers this week. I am thankful for their reminders.