~by Susi Pittman

One of several definitions for “resurrection” is: a rising again, as from decay, disuse: a revival. And that is what I saw this week following an operation to restore the use of my Dalmatian and best friend, Buddy’s front legs. His front legs became paralyzed from a massive disc herniation compressing his spinal column.

An injury of this nature has two choices, either you can euthanize your animal, or you can choose surgery, which is not the least inexpensive. That is where you wrestle with the value of life over money, especially if there is good reason to expect a successful outcome through the work of a gifted doctor.

We chose life.

I was beyond words, when I went to pick Buddy up from the hospital. Arriving he was immobile, and could raise his up somewhat. Buddy walked out into the waiting room and began wagging his tail and whole body upon seeing me. I just could not believe that he was walking again!!!

Dr. Hopkins with his English wit, remarked how well Buddy was doing and that I might notice that some of his fur was shaved…”It might look as if Buddy had a bad barber.” But, the kindness and joy in his voice told me that Buddy was going to be great!

Buddy’s homecoming this past week had all the animal family visiting him with sniffs, licks and purrs. Our other two dogs, Roxy and Gator had not eaten for two days following Buddy’s emergency exit from the home. They were very distressed over their friend’s presence being gone. They were the happiest to see him. (We all know that cats can only be “just so” happy.)

Buddy has been convalescing at home, relaxing now on his favorite couch and enjoying the attention of all the family members.

God gave us a miracle this Lent and one that will live on in our family with the future generation.

God has shown me again and again how He hears my prayers for the animals in my life. The miraculous relationships, healings and passings have left me humbled as I have experienced God’s nearness and presence in the moment.

Nothing ever passes from His sight.

Nothing ever will!

Wishing you a BLESSED Easter season!

Susi Pittman is founder of CatholicStewardsofCreation.com and Owner-President of Twin Oaks Publishing; she is author of Animals in Heaven? Catholics Want to Know!; an advocate for the Florida Catholic Conference; a member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Council of Women in Jacksonville, Florida; an Associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph, St. Augustine;a member of the Florida Publishers Association, Independent Book Publishers Association, the National Association of Professional Women, the ASPCA, the Humane Society of the United States and the National Audubon society.