Gathering: 7-31-16. Lizzy's First Appearance as Greeter

Our gatherings have not been the same since the passing of our beloved Golden Retriever Maggie, nearly two months ago.  The older people we bring from the home and who are, for all practical purposes, alone in the world loved Maggie in a childlike way and her loss affected them profoundly.

I was determined not to have another dog.  I  figured that we'd had the perfect dog and there was no reason to try it again.  However, it soon became clear to me that Evie wanted another dog much more than I didn't want one.   And, it was also clear that the intimacy of our community had been enhanced by Maggie.  And, on top of that, my mom was far less anxious when Maggie was around and less affect by Alzheimer's.

So, I gave in.

We applied at the Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue to be able to adopt through them.  They performed a home visit,  believe it or not,  and we passed.   On the 21st,  we interviewed five dogs--three Goldens and two Labs.  We called a Golden named Casey back for a second meeting and decided to take her home.  We decided to rename her Lizzy, after Jane Austen's most famous herione, Elizabeth Bennet. Incidentally, she already accepts her new name.

Her greatest attraction was she seemed as gentle and sweet as Maggie had been and it seemed she'd be perfect for mom and the kidz from the home.

It turns out that she is gentle and sweet like Maggie was.  Her temperament is slightly different than Maggie's. She is more energetic than Maggie ever was.  She growls when playing, something Maggie never ever did.  But, she is very, very sweet.

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Today, was Lizzy's first day on the job as church greeter and she was a hit.  The kidz from the home all loved her.  Marian who adored Maggie, almost broke down when Lizzy padded up to her hoping to be petted.  Marian made a sound that was part whimper and part giggle.  They bonded instantly.

The other kidz also warmed up to Lizzy at first sight.

And, she was a hit with the rest of the crowd, all of whom were meeting her for the first time.

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Song time was pleasant today.  Prayer time was earnest and more lengthy than usual.

Time taking the bread and cup focused on our reconciliation with God through Christ.

The meal was tasty and the fellowship was very pleasant.