Even Dogs Celebrate Easter

About eight years ago, my husband and I were looking forward to celebrating Easter as we do every year.

We loved our celebrational walk with the other Churches in our small town; gathering at different stations to honour the Cross; singing and reading scripture. On Easter Sunday, we planned to attend the Easter service.

At the time, my husband and I lived in a basement apartment with my mother living upstairs. It was my mother's job to hide the Easter Sweets; usually squares of chocolate crafted with a special message such as "Happy Easter".

Although not an easy task, she had always been successful in keeping these tasty treats away from me, my husband, the grandkids and, more importantly, our dog Aimee (our two-year-old Bichon Frise) who loved the idea of those squares melting in her mouth. If our pup were to happen along those Easter goodies, there would surely be empty baskets for all on Sunday morning.

This one particular Easter, I must admit I was feeling a little down. My heart weighed heavily on the fact that some Easter Weekend plans had fallen through. I had been feeling disappointed in the few days leading up to Easter and my mood didn't go unnoticed by Aimee.

As I sat resting on the couch, despite my Mom having made her best efforts to conceal the chocolate in the front closet, Aimee had picked up on their scent (even through the cellophane wrappers).

Those of you who are pet owners can attest to a dog's lack of willpower when it comes to people food. So you will probably acknowledge that what happened next was just shy of a doggie miracle.

After Aimee's successful hunt of the Easter goodies, she didn't eat any. Not even one. Instead, she chose one piece out of the pile and carried it down to me. She dropped it on the couch where I was sitting.

I looked down and there it was: a piece of chocolate still in its wrapper imprinted with Aimee's teeth marks. On this particular square was written:

Rejoice. He is Risen.

I thanked Aimee and laughed as I realized her gift to me. How could I not accept Aimee's invitation to cheer up? She helped remind me of the true spirit of Easter.

To this day, she has never pulled another stunt like this since.

So there you have it. Dogs celebrate Easter too.

Happy Easter to everyone (and their pets).

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