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But whereas I exercise prudence along the creek, my dogs do not necessarily exhibit the same cautious attitude. So, to minimize the risk to my dogs and to myself, I maintain the creek\u2019s bank. I tell myself that if I keep the weeds along the bank cut short, there will be fewer snakes and my dogs will be more likely to see them before it is too late. Perhaps this theory is accurate, perhaps not. But one does what one must for peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My good friend Joseph is a religious man. The son of a pastor. Rather than be called a Christian, he prefers to be called a follower of Christ. This is not necessarily a religious post, so I won\u2019t go into details as to why he prefers the latter to the former. It you are yourself religious, you’ll probably understand his preference without need for an explanation. But the other day he and I were discussing the meaning of the term \u201cthe valley\u201d as it is meant by David in his Psalms. Joseph explained to me that the term \u201cthe valley\u201d is metaphorical. Simply put, it means that the best and the lushest grass grows in the most dangerous of places. In the valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our ranch is located in what is called a glen. In geographical terms, that is to say it is a small, secluded valley. With Roanoke Creek dividing the ranch across its entire length. And for reasons I have already described, you might understand that maintaining the banks of our creek is a nerve-wracking experience. This morning while I shored-up the creek\u2019s bank, my dearest boy Hawkeye <\/a>and his favorite playmate Dixie frolicked in the creek. Few things give me more joy than to watch my dogs playing, enjoying themselves and each other\u2019s company. Although trimming the creek bank is not the best time to let one\u2019s mind wander, I remembered what Joseph had told me about David and the meaning of \u201cthe valley\u201d. And it occurred me that both literally and metaphorically, my dogs and I live in the valley. Where the grass is lush but also where danger lurks. I thought about that for a moment, weighing it out in my mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As I watched my dogs splash and the creek\u2019s water flow across her rock bottom, I concluded to myself that I will never leave the valley.\u00a0 Not if I have anything to do with it.\u00a0 They’ll have to wheel me out. Come what may, I am resolved to stay here in the valley.\u00a0 And despite the danger, every month I will trim the creek\u2019s banks.\u00a0 I will never take the valley from my dogs, or my dogs from her.\u00a0 \u00a0This is where we will be, where you can find us.\u00a0 Here in the glen where I have buried beloved dogs and no doubt will bury more.\u00a0 Until I can join Nelly, and Loki, and Barney.\u00a0 At wherever place it is dogs go next.\u00a0 Even now, as I sit at my desk and write, I miss them.\u00a0 Perhaps our spirits will live here forever. \u00a0My dogs and me. \u00a0Playing in the cool creek waters, here in the valley.<\/p>\n\n\n \n \n