A Memorial Service for Winston a Chocolate Lab

Goodbye Winston

When I graduated from seminary it was the pinnacle of achievement, a dream come true I wondered what life had in store for me. About two weeks later I was still on a cloud from the ordination. A knock at my door, from my neighbour Judy “he died early this morning, he just went to sleep, the house seem’s so empty” tearfully asked me if I would perform a memorial service for Winston. We dog people all knew him, he was the pride of the neighborhood, a large good natured Chocolate Labrador with dark penetrating eyes. He had died suddenly, everyone who knew him was surprised and saddened. He was especially gentle with little dogs like my poodle Charlie who likes to frolic with Winston.

I asked “Is this my path of service, yes I loved animals, but seminary for this?” Slowly, I began to understand as the week went on articles peoples reaction to losing a pet began to appear in my life. I was being taught. I began to understand how animals are a part of each family and very much beloved by their owners. Many people care for their pets in the same way they do their children they are an integral part of a family. With people living alone they are often only family and the dog or cat is often their only physical contact.

By honoring the memory and significance of these special family members, comfort is provided to their owners.

I realized that Love grows’s from a place deep within and is not limited only to the human species. Love knows only how to love, and it has no limits. “Oh God this is such a life lesson, thank you”
I thought about Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. “Love is patient, love is kind. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1st Corinthians 13 -4)

Three weeks later I officiated a heartfelt service which was held in a small hall on the West side of Manhattan. There was a photograph of Winston at the front of the chapel. People shared their experiences and memories.

“We prayed
God, Bless all the Animals and especially Winston. He was a quintessential teacher of unconditional love. Dogs have been serving man since Biblical times and before, as protectors, hunters, herders and companions and they are especially dear to us God. Help us to always be kind to these caring, loyal creatures. Let us appreciate the gifts they give and show us how to let them know in return, what valuable friends and servants they are to us. For all the working dogs who rescue human beings in trouble and for all the service dogs who help and protect those of us who have "different" abilities, we also say Thank You God. Amen

There were many friends of Winston who spoke warmly about their relationship with him. Martha, whom Winston stayed with while Judy was in California. She recalled Winston’s patience when her 18 month old Karen played with his tail for hours while Mom was on the phone with her work. "One morning Karen walked out of the kitchen I was on the phone with a client, Winston followed her as she ambled into the living room where she tripped, Winston ‘woofed’ to alert me. I saw he did not leave my Karen’s side and carefully observed as she struggled to finally stand up. I watched him scrutinizing her and when she was up on her feet he ‘congratulated ‘her with his friendly nuzzle on her hand. It was amazing to see” Tears rolled

Judy’s father talked about how Winston was a companion for him while he was undergoing chemotherapy for throat cancer Winston was always attentively by his side. “He knew my pain” said Jack .”Just when I felt like I could n ’t go on he would be there looking into me eyes imploring me to keep going” I never really saw a dog until I met Winston, I used to relegate dogs as being beneath me as a human but Winston was an equal, he was my teacher”

Winston’s dog walker Kate was in tears. “I have never had a relationship like this one. He sensed when I was feeling ill with a bad flu last winter he’s normally a rambunctious dog in the park on this day he became very gentle, anxiously keeping his eye on me as we walked.
Lori spoke about her dog Biddy a small white poodle, a friend of Winston’s and how last year she became very ill. Lori told about a visit.
“Judy and Winston came over to visit Biddy who could barely walk, Winston gently licked her face then lay beside Biddy for the whole time we were there Judy and I tearfully exchanged a few words. Words felt so clumsy as we watched this white poodle and this large lab saying their last goodbyes. Biddy passed that afternoon”
This time of sharing was both sacred and healing.

Next we sang the hymn “All things Bright and Beautiful All Creatures great and Small, All things wise and wonderful the Lord God made them all”
.
Jack, another Riverside Park Winston admirer shared this reading about ducks:

Ducks are expert Peace Makers.
If two ducks get into a squabble over
territory or food - each swims away and
flaps its wings - immediately shaking off any negative energy.
Then they are able to swim side by side again with no bad feelings.

Thank You God for this wonderful example - a gift from your ducks. May we always quickly shake off our ill feelings and return to a state of blessed peace.

When the time of memory sharing was over, the ceremony closed with this simple prayer...

Ending Prayer
We send Winston now into God's loving hands, knowing that God created you and that God will tend to your Spirit throughout eternity. May gods blessing shower this community of friends who are united in love and caring.
God's Light surrounds you, God's Love enfolds you, God's Power protects you, God's Presence watches over you -- wherever you are, God is -- and all is well. Amen

An experience of connecting friends and neighbors through love. It helped Judy and others to process their own grief.