Opinion

Questions and Answers

Albert Einstein is remembered as having said, “The important thing is to not stop questioning.” We all have questions. Sometimes, if we persist, we even find the answers, and that is something for us to consider, because we don’t always come up with the answer.

Please allow me to give you some examples. 

Lots of people had seen apples fall. Sir Isaac Newton asked why and explained gravity.

Lots of people wanted instant photos. Edwin Land asked how and invented the Polaroid camera.

Lots of people wanted fast shipping. Fred  Smith asked when and started FedEx. 

Questions determine fate. Will we explore a new idea or will we stagnate? Will we create or will we vegetate?

Questions that we are willing to ask, and seek answers for, can make all the difference in the world, as you can see by the examples given.

Here are some questions for us to consider, and I do hope you will take some time to consider them.

For example, Have you wondered why you are here? What’s your purpose?

The God who gave life to us also gave us a book that answers our questions for us. In fact concerning the question I’ve just given, we are told in the Bible, Colossians 1:16, the answer. It says there, “For by Him, that is Jesus, all things were created that are in heaven and that are on the earth, visible and invisible…all things were created through Him and for Him, nothing was made that was made.” Again this is in reference to Jesus, the Son of God.

Here’s another question. What happens when I come to the end of my life? Or to put it another way, after death then what?

Again we can find the answer to these questions in God’s word, the Bible. Hebrews 9:27 tells us, “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”

Well, what is that judgment? It is an evaluation of our lives as to how we have lived. More specifically, whether or not we have believed on the Lord, Jesus Christ.

You see, all of us are born in sin. That is, we are spiritually dead, separated from God who loves us and created us to have fellowship with Him. But in our fallen sinful state, we are incapable of having that fellowship, and there was nothing we could do to help ourselves.

So God, in His love, provided the remedy for our dilemma. He gave His Son to die in payment for our sin. Jesus took our place, dying for us.

If we believe on Him, and ask God to pardon our sin, we will be judged fit to live in His Heaven.

If, however, we do not put our trust in Jesus to reconcile us unto God, we will be turned away from His Heaven to spend eternity in hell.

When you take the time to discover what hell is really like, I can assure you, you don’t want to go there. The good news is, you don’t have to! Acts 2:21 tells us, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

You may say there are surely other ways. Jesus, Himself, said in John’s Gospel, Chap. 14:6, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” No other person has ever dared to make that claim.

May I encourage you to ask the questions and accept the answers that are truth.

Rev. Duncan Perry,

Morrisburg

Pentecostal Tabernacle

[…]

Thanksgiving, the Holy Day

“… by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, 

giving thanks to His name.” – Hebrews 13:15

I hope that everyone enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday this past Monday. 

Thanksgiving has become an important secular occasion in our nation, for people of all kinds of religious persuasions and those of no religious persuasion at all. 

The thankfulness in Thanksgiving may be according to religious practice, or toward people who have added value to one’s life, or just for the time off work and the long holiday weekend. 

Of course there are those of us as Christians that might bemoan the secularization of Thanksgiving. Instead of a holiday according to its Old English meaning of “Holy Day,” Thanksgiving has come to be identified with unholy things by many of its celebrants. 

Perhaps I should say at this point that I am not against a secular Thanksgiving Day, but as a Christian I prefer a Thanksgiving Day that is in the traditional sense a Holy Day; certainly a day of family fellowship and good times, but also a day of worship through the giving of thanks to our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ from whom all blessings come. 

Under the law of Moses, the Lord established Holy Day’s that were times of worshiping in His presence by means of family fellowship, food, fun, and even the inclusion of strangers; they were times of thankfulness, feasting and joy in the presence of the Lord. Such solemn assemblies might be considered a kind of party thrown by God. Since the Lord enjoys such events we might think it inconsiderate to leave Him out when we plan such days. 

In the scripture cited above “the sacrifice of praise to God” is defined as “the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name;” and we are told to continually make this sacrifice, to continue giving audible thanks to the name of God. 

This is not a sacrifice in the sense of giving up something we need or value; but rather, of separating from normal non-sacred use something that will be dedicated to the Lord. 

According to our scripture it is “the fruit of our lips” that is being separated from normal non-sacred use, to be dedicated to the Lord; and the dedicated use is “praise” in the form of “giving thanks to His name.” May such fruit proceed always from your lips. 

I hope that your Thanksgivings are always days filled with honor and praise for our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May He be invited to your party, and watch over your Holi-Day; and may your Holi-Day be conducted in a way that honors His presence and is filled with that thanksgiving which blesses the heart of God. 

“… in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

George T. Frey, Jr.

pastor@faithchristiancenter.ca

www.faithchristiancenter.ca 

[…]

Stormy Howard here again with the latest and greatest news from Seaway District High School. This week at Seaway was pretty normal and all business. Tests and projects are in full swing, as teachers are preparing for interm report cards. 

In the gym, the girls basketball team is hard at work practicing for their game next Friday at Seaway against St. Lawrence. 

The cross country team has had another successful meet at the Kemptville Turkey Trot. Although no one brought home a turkey this year, great showings were had by Brynn Gilmour (4th), Sophia Currier (15th), Lauryn Henry (24th), Stormy Howard (58th), Kendra Buter (66nd). Also in the midget boys Isaiah Grant (71st), Ryan Morrison (84th), and Clay Dumoulin (93rd). In junior boy category, Mustafa Hamadi was 24th. Senior girls had Sarah Dickey (29th), Lesley Ann Tupper (30th) Taylor Webster (93) and in senior boys Greg Bolton (52nd), Graydon Baylis (49th), Denzil Barkley (46th) and Darren Stintson (57th). Great effort by everyone involved!

Link Crew is busy planning a Halloween trip for the grade 9 student to Fort Fright in Kingston. Stay tuned for the details, but the trip looks like it is going to be spooktacular!

 This week, Seaway has also received a new teacher. She teaches grade 9-12 French! Her name is Mme. Julie Martin. We are very excited to have her and thought it would be a great idea to talk to her and ask her some questions!

 1. How long have you been teaching? I have been teaching for 17 years…and yes am only 30…

 2. Have you worked at any other schools before? Yes… I did work at five different schools. My first two years of teaching was with the French Catholic School Board and then I worked at Rothwell-Osnabruck in Ingleside.

 3. Why do you teach French? I loooooooooooooooooove the language as well as the culture.  I also love talking in French….I love how the language sounds…

 4. If you could pick another subject what would you like to teach? I have always enjoyed Civics.  Oh Canadian politics -In my eyes there is never a dull moment.

 5. What things do you like to do on your free time? Well….There is tennis – playing or watching it.  I enjoy reading – I try to alternate between a French novel then an English novel every other week, but have been on the same book for the past three weeks.  I also enjoy travelling to various countries.

 6. Why is tennis your favorite sport? True story: I really struggled with it and it was a challenge to learn when I was younger but was determined to stay with it and did.  I was so mad at myself for not being able to hit the ball back.  Once I learned how to play, I have always loved the feel of the racquet and hitting the ball as hard as I can.  So much fun. Everyone should try it.

7. Do you teach 9-12? Yes, I do teach 9-12, but on a fun note I am qualified to teach from JK to Grade 12.

 8. What do you like about teaching high school? I enjoy teaching a specific subject for a specific amount of time.  I enjoy the interaction and learning with intermediate and secondary students.

 9. When you first came to Seaway were you confused with the bell system? I know I was when I first came. Oh yes…I think I still am.

 10. What do you like about Seaway so far? Students and staff are awesome and have made me feel so welcomed. Merci:)

11. If you could do anything in the world what would you do? I would like to travel a lot more!

12. What’s your favorite animal?-cat; Color?-blue; Food?-Thai; Dessert?-My mother used to always make this great dessert for my birthday called, Gâteau Maman Romanoff, so decadent and so good.

So now we know all about our new teacher! She feels very welcomed and can’t wait to continue teaching all of her classes.

[…]

So this one scary night….October 31st…Halloween….my sister and I were just about to head out for our annual trick-or-treat, equipped fully with our Laurel and Hardy costumes and pillowcases. 

One thing you should know before we get too far into the story is that we grew up across from a cemetery, and to us, it was never a big deal as it was just always there.  As a matter of fact playing in the park and playing in the cemetery was an everyday thing for all the kids who lived on our street. 

Anyway, back to the scary night…..so off we set on our trick-or-treat adventure, it was  always a bit of a competition between me and my sister who could get the most stuff, which now as I think back seems a bit funny since we went to every house together and got the same things.  

As we were leaving our house, we couldn’t help but notice the odd smell in the air.  But to two little girls, taking note was about all we did, as getting candy was our main priority!

As we crossed the park to head over to the next street for goodies, something else strange happened.  Just as we were passing the swing set all the swings started to swing on their own.  We were a little freaked out to say the least.  

My sister grabbed my hand and yelled “run”!  And run we did, all the way to the creek (Stewart Drive did not exist back then).  Once we finally stopped to catch our breath we realized that I had dropped my pillowcase that was full of goodies from all the fine folks on Orchard Way.  

So after a few minutes of consultation, we decided we were brave enough to head back (plus it was the only way to get home, so we really had no choice).  As my sister led the way, I stayed close by her side.  As we reached the edge of the park, we thought we could see the outline of my pillowcase right near the swings.  

Just at that moment, a group of kids we knew where coming down the street, so not to look as though we were scared out of our wits, we stopped to talk to them for just a bit.  Once they were gone, we very slowly headed into the park.  

As we approached the swings my pillowcase was nowhere in sight!  OMG!  Where did it go?  We looked around, by the play structure, in the tube (the black tube for those of you that remember), by the merry-go-round, it was nowhere.  But we knew it had been there…we saw it!

All of a sudden, that smell returned.  It was an odd smell, not bad necessarily, just odd…cold wet dirt, mixed with that forest kind of smell.  Almost in perfect sequence Laurel and Hardy turned towards the cemetery, and there it was….laying just beside a tombstone….my pillowcase!  Aaawwww!  RUN….probably never so fast in all my life!  Pretty sure my sister knocked me down trying to get through our front door!

At the time we were fairly certain that something had risen from the cemetery and taken my pillowcase. Looking back some time later, we cam to the conclusion that someone had played a prank on us. To a little Laurel and Hardy though, it was the spookiest thing every.

Although I have never been afraid of living near a cemetery, every Halloween, I remember that very eerie night.

Leanne Sullivan

[…]

Messing up on Thanksgiving Day

I have a confession to make. I really don’t do justice to some of our special holidays. 

Take for example, Victoria Day. I love the day off, but sorry to say, I don’t do anything to celebrate the dead Queen who gave us the day. Or Boxing Day. It’s another great day. Who doesn’t like two days off in a row, but all my life I couldn’t tell you what that day commemorates. 

To be honest I probably don’t do any better with Labour Day. Sure, I’m all for supporting ‘labourers’ and all the hard work they do (coming from blue collar stock myself), but I can’t say I celebrate ‘work’. Sheesh, what fun is that? 

Likewise, if I’m really honest, I can even mess up on Thanksgiving Day. It’s a great day to enjoy fall colours, to pig out on turkey, and to enjoy family, but it’s pretty easy to do little by the way of being thankful. I suspect I’m not the only one who has this problem. Why is that?

Maybe it’s because celebrating thanksgiving isn’t that easy to do for a number of reasons.

The first reason is simply that we don’t naturally feel thankful for all we have. We just kind of get used to all the good things in our lives like our family, friends, health, jobs, or whatever. Or maybe we think we deserve them. We may appreciate these things, but this doesn’t necessarily translate into gratitude. 

What’s the solution? I read somewhere that the words ‘think’ and ‘thank’ are related. Makes sense to me. Only when we really think about all the things that make our lives so rich and have a sense that they are gifts from God will we be thankful. 

Of course that other thing that can get us to be grateful is to have these things taken away. Then we realize how wonderful it is to have them, and how grateful we should be for them.

I hate to say it, but another reason being thankful can be tough is because of our pride. We tend to think we have what we have because of us. We figure we are healthy because we look after ourselves. We think we’re well off because of our hard work. We see our success as being thanks to our smarts. It’s tough to admit that maybe somebody else has had something to do with keeping us healthy, or giving us our work ethic or the brains we have. 

I read of an African tribe who have an odd way of saying thanks. To express thanks to someone they bow before that person, put their forehead on the ground and say, “My head is in the dirt.” Seems to me they understand that to really give thanks is humbling. And because of this, giving thanks can be difficult. We tend to be proud people.

Suffering can also make thanksgiving hard. Who feels grateful when they’re facing cancer, or are broke, or have lost a loved one? When we go through things like this griping comes a lot more easy. 

Yet, the truth is even in life’s struggles, there is always still so much to be thankful for. The chances are good that the sun is still shining, that there are still a bunch of people around who love us, and that there’s still food on the table, to mention just a few things that we still have. So if we’d only think about these things, we really still could be thankful. 

There was a guy once who after being robbed of his money wrote in his diary: “Let me be thankful first because I was never robbed before; second, although they took my (money), they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, and not someone else.” We could learn something from that guy.

I began by saying that I mess up in the way I celebrate some of the special holidays we have. Maybe you do to. 

Yet, the more I think about it, the more I realize that Thanksgiving Day is a day I should take seriously. We are so incredibly fortunate in this country. So undeniably blessed by God. Seems to me he deserves some genuine thanks. For all his gifts, for all his love, and especially for his son sent to save us.

Pastor Clarence Witten

Community Christian 

Reformed Church

Dixon’s Corners

[…]

Dear Editor,

I am writing this letter to inform your readers of an important issue regarding a population of individuals who are in crisis. Parents of special needs children have been able to apply for relief and developmental programming under a funding program called “Special Services at Home (SSAH)”. This funding comes from the Ministry of Community and Social Services. Approval for this funding program required that the child meet the criteria and an amount was given based on the level of need. Once the funding was approved the parents had to send in invoices with the signatures from the workers who provided the relief or implemented the developmental program. 

The “Special Services at Home (SSAH) program gave funding to children and adults with special needs. Parents use this funding to have before and after school support, to take their other children to their extracurricular activities, to have a date night, to have therapy done at home with their child, to visit their aging parents, to go to work, etc. 

This funding also allows to the child/adult with special needs to go to community events without mom and dad. This teaches independence and is a normal phase of life to do activities without their parents.

As of April 1, 2013, the Ministry of Community and Social Services is cutting this funding program once a child reaches 18 years old. The SSAH program will only be given to families with children under 18 years of age. 

What does this mean to the families with a child over 18 years of age? 

For some families there will not be the care before and after school. One parent will have to quit their job. It will mean that any extra therapy done at home will not occur and the child will regress. It will mean that there will not be supports so mom or dad can attend their other children’s activities or visit or take their aging parents to appointments. It will mean these parents who have devoted their entire life to their child with special needs will not go on a date, participate in community events together and even dream of a few days away alone. There will also not be outings in the community for their adult child and the hope of their child’s gaining independence will become impossible.

Parents with a child with special needs age just like everyone else. They will face medical challenges, just like you will as you age. They also support their other children through post secondary education, in finding a job, getting married, etc. Without the SSAH funding parents with a child with special needs will not be able to be a “normal” parent to their other immediate family members.

As a parent of a 25 year old child with special needs, I am proud of the job we have done caring for our daughter in our home. Having her in our lives is a blessing and a true joy. 

I am also grateful I have been able to volunteer, support my two other children as they have grown up, had the privilege of travelling seven hours to be present at the birth of my grandson and been an active member in my mother’s life. 

Our holidays consist of a few nights away each year. There is no hope of a seven day vacation and a spontaneous evening out. This is okay. We have accepted our lives as we age together caring for our daughter at home, BUT we cannot do this with the minimal funding we get. 

The maximum SSAH gives is $10,000 per year. This means eight hours a week of help. The average SSAH amount given to families is $4,000.00. This means 3.5 hours per week of help.

Imagine you are told you will have an aging family member come to live with you next week. This family member requires 24 hour care. He/she cannot be left alone at all. 

Your reaction is that you love your family member but you are not able to care for her/him because you work, you have activities at night, you volunteer, you help care for your grandchildren or aging mom/dad. 

The response to you from the Ministry is “WE DO NOT CARE!”. 

Try to imagine caring for an aging loved one for 30-60 years. This is what parents of a special needs child does and they are so proud of this special task. 

The Ministry of Community and Social Services has decided that now there will not be relief funding for a parent with a special needs child turning 18 years old. As a result, some will lose their jobs, some will not be able to cope, many will no longer be able to attend functions as a couple, some will get depressed, and so much more. 

I also have to add there is no new funding being provided by the Ontario government for adults with a developmental disability. The waiting lists are growing and growing. It is up to 30 years to receive a residential placement and this may not be the choice for everyone. The entire system to assist those with a developmental disability is in crisis.

Jim McDonell MPP will host an evening on Tuesday, October 9th at 6:30 p.m. at the North Stormont Place-Community Centre, 16299 Fairview Dr., Avonmore to hear from the families who are being affected by the cut of SSAH funding. 

I encourage others to attend and hear the families’ stories. Please share this important family forum with those in your life who have a child/grandchild with special needs. 

We need to come together to share, listen and state loudly that in Ontario we need to take care of our most vulnerable population and their families.

Sincerely,

Terry Boyd

[…]

Dear Editor,

In response to you font page headline of September 12, “Council nor riding horse in same direction”…perhaps you could create a cartoon depicting three individuals driving a donkey pulling a buggy with two people as passengers with the headline “Can you spot the Jackasses?”

Some individuals of this council are adopting a McGuinty/Obama approach to spending our hard earned tax dollars. Council is supposed to be accountable to “We the people” especially when large outlandish expenditures are brought forward.

The “High School Project” appears to have close ties to the Federal Government F-35 procurement for fighter jets. It will cost more than first quoted, will it be sustainable and are they in damage repair mode to cover their a…?

Ottawa has the same problem–the Landsdown project will be way over budget, too…McGuinty spent $600 million to move a power plant to pick up votes…Should taxpayers be responsible for all the “politicians’ errors”?

Were our mayor and council not brave enough to put this to the people before they decided to renovate the old school?

As quoted in a “Complimentary Issue” of the Cornwall Standard Freeholder dated September 20, Stephen MacDonald estimated $7.5 for a new building…Is this for a replica of Boldt Castle?

Also, are there not enough qualified contractors in South Dundas to erect a suitable, cost effective, no frills building that will fill the needs of our council? I think there are.

Looking at the beautiful homes in our municipality, large farm buildings and the large storage bins for crops, we know we have a lot of deserving contractors capable of providing what we need.

Did everyone involved (elected and non-elected) officials brainstorm to look at every possible scenario for this needed space for employees? Was it every under consideration to build an addition on the building that has been home to our municipal business for a number of years?

Perhaps the Lutheran Church could have sold them additional adjoining land to make additions possible?

We, the tax payers have had a first hand look at large projects that had problems…the water treatment plant. Who was on the hook for replacing the sub-standard stainless steel? Who was accountable for reimbursement from the ones in charge?

Another example is the apartment complex in the west end of Williamsburg–flooded basements, leaking window etc.

Again, referring to the article in the Standard Freeholder, the awarded contractor “has some suggest cuts to lower the expense.”

Just what we need, more short cuts that may cause future problems and more expense.

Were there not any suggested short cuts in reference to the $7.5 million dollar “Trump Tower” that was also discussed? 

We the  taxpayers are daily reminded to lower our spending in these uncertain times and fiscal restraints are a must. Our Mayor, as quoted in the Standard Freeholder (Complimentary Issue) states, “But in the end, I hope it is the right thing to do.”

That sounds as comforting as being a passenger on an ocean liner speeding toward an iceberg field at full speed.

Why are we emptying our reserves to fulfill a fantasy while our infrastructure is crumbing–storm sewers need to be fixed, roads need repairs, docking facilities have been in disrepair for some time, bridge repairs, disposal sites are filling up

These projects, along with trying to hold line on property and business taxes, should be considered important. Oh yes, we will ask the government for funding!!! This too dries up…Will we ever see a front page headline that says “Mayor and council listen to people’s opinions”?

Granted, there are still some sentimental ties to the old high school. But the next generations and new people moving in to the community will not treasure it as past and present generations do.

Our grandchildren will be paying for this, and it means nothing to any of them.

Will more space mean more employees, more municipal vehicles, building administrator and support staff, larger cleaning and maintenance staff?

The larger building will mean more heating and cooling costs, elevator maintenance, insurances and programs, not to mention all new furniture and on and on …

Perhaps we should adopt Donald Trump’s method of proving competence. You are given a challenge to prove yourself. If you fail, “you’re fired”…but give our money back first.

Glenn Beckstead

Church Road 

[…]

Turkeys everywhere are on edge. 

Twice a year (if you count Christmas), turkeys wish they barked instead of gobbled, and answered to the name Fido instead of Tom. 

Yes, it’s Thanksgiving this weekend and it’s actually hard to believe that this big fall feast has rolled around so quickly. (I feel like I’ve misplaced a few weeks somewhere.) And what’s even more frightening, with Thanksgiving here on Monday, the stores will probably be hanging out the Christmas tinsel by Tuesday. 

Incidentally, have you ever noticed how many celebrations in Canada (like Thanksgiving) seem to chiefly revolve around families eating huge amounts of food, and then feeling bloated for three days afterward? While the Thanksgiving family dinner table may resemble that classic Norman Rockwell painting for, oh, about five minutes after everyone sits down, it should be noted that the subsequent feeding frenzy can leave the dining room looking like a gravy war zone.   

(We timed Thanksgiving dinner at our house once. Twenty five family members present, all ages. From grace to empty platters, about seven and a half minutes. New family record.) 

But isn’t that the joy of a holiday like Thanksgiving?

We look forward to enjoying the turkey and ham, fresh bread, gravy, baked beans, rich salads, dressing and all those wonderful homemade pies and cakes garnished with whipped cream. No diet sheets or fast foods here. And we also look forward to sharing this bounty with those we love best, our families and friends.

This Thanksgiving, count your blessings, remember all the good times, and be sure to tell the old stories and the old jokes. Then dig into that wonderful feast of celebration.

Sorry, turkeys.                                                  W.G.

[…]

One of my favourite sounds is the thump of my golden retriever’s tail as he slaps it on the floor during a belly rub. One of my favourite sights is my golden retriever waiting for me when I arrive home with his tail and whole back end wagging in delight. One of my favourite daily activities is being greeted by my golden retriever … running between my legs and jumping around like a wild man, a wonderful wild man. And one of my favourite gifts is that brought to me by my golden retriever…sometimes a sock, maybe his chew toy, yes even the items he lovingly retrieves from the laundry basket. They are just for me, dog drool and all.

And so having done last week’s story about the South Dundas Animal shelter that deals with discarded animals, many of whom at one time probably did the same things for someone they loved and trusted and looked to, to take care of them, I have had a hard time thinking about these unwanted animals.

For anyone who is thinking of becoming a first-time dog owner, please think it over carefully, and please make sure you are absolutely ready for all the responsibility, work, time commitment and expense that comes with owning and loving a dog.

Please be prepared for medical costs and the costs of food and supplies; please be prepared to provide your guy/gal with the exercise and attention that will be needed; please be prepared to work through the puppy stage, the chewing, the barking, the romping; please be prepared to live with hair, everywhere; please be prepared to deal with floors made dirty by wet paws; please be prepared to deal with brown pee spots on your beautiful green lawn and holes freshly dug in your flower beds; please be prepared to have a vehicle decorated with hair on the seats and drool marks on the windows; please be prepared to have play toys laying around the house; please be prepared to deal with health issues that come up and with the fact that your dog will age and pass on before you; and please, please be prepared to deal with this as a loving, kind, humane owner that your best friend knows you to be.

And if you are prepared for all of the above and much, much more, and you decide to let a wonderful new friend into your life then please be prepared to be loved unconditionally with tail wags and big licks and much, much more.     BMc

[…]

There is a third choice…

In late July, while Dave was with me here in Morrisburg, we went out for a walk with Ziggy, our big, goofy, yellow Labrador retriever. As a good pet owner, I am vigilant about cleaning up after my dog. When I was picking up Ziggy’s “calling card” I noticed that he needed to go to his doctor to be treated for worms. The appointment was made for a couple of days later.

Two days later, I loaded the Ziggy into the car and off we went to one of his favourite places in the entire world – to see Dr. Hunt. Now, you may have gathered that my dog is out of the ordinary – where many critters aren’t thrilled to go to the clinic, my dog loves to visit the people there. While we were there with our ‘sample’ Dr. Hunt noticed that something didn’t “look right.” I agreed to leave Ziggy for some x-rays. Dave and I returned to pick him up later that afternoon.

Upon meeting with Dr. Hunt later that day, we were given the worst news that we could have received about our big, goofy dog. He had a hemangiosarcoma – that is a cancerous tumor growing on the blood vessels of his spleen. 

We were devastated by this – after all he was just his usual self, running around, playing, sleeping – all the things that a dog does. It was then that we were told what our options were.

The first option was that we could just leave it. The tumor would eventually rupture and there would be internal bleeding – that in our minds was not an option. 

The second option was for the veterinarian to do exploratory surgery and remove the spleen if the cancer hadn’t obviously metastasized. The conversation continued around this option which included things like the seriousness of the surgery, the cost, what happened if the cancer had spread. We cried as we tried to figure out what was best for Ziggy. 

It was then when Dr. Hunt said, “There is a third option.”

We considered how our 13 year old dog would tolerate the surgery. He had already lived past the average age of a dog his size. The recovery would be hard for him. We needed to decide about the third option – the option of euthanasia. 

Dave, Ziggy and I headed home. When we arrived he was happy to be home and Dave and I had the difficult decision to make. After a lot of talking, crying and hugging of Ziggy and each other, we decided that there was no option but number three.

If anyone ever questions why God created animals to be pets, I simply say, “To bring more joy and more love into our lives.”

We were blessed in so many ways by having Ziggy as a part of our family. He was one of God’s special creatures. We were chosen to be his caregivers and I give thanks to God for that privilege. 

Part of being a servant of God in the world is to care for God’s critters as well as God’s people. The way I see it we were good stewards of God’s creation. 

Now when I sing the hymn “All Creatures of our God and King” there will be new meaning for me – not only will I think of the human creatures, but I will think of all those creatures who have brought so much joy to God’s people.

Cheers,

Sue+

Rev. Sue McCullough

Anglican Parish of Morrisburg, Iroquois & Riverside Heights

[…]