April 15, 2013

White Dog and the rest of the White Dog Army were shocked and horrified early today as events at the Boston Marathon unfolded. Uncomprehending, they asked me for an explanation of how anyone could cause such senseless violence, such evil destruction of their fellow humans, such a soul-emptying act of cowardly hatred. No other animal does that, they said.

It is impossible to directly answer my White Ones. I am often shamed by the unspeakable things my fellows do to each other. It is at these times, I tell them that we must remember that there is more good in the world than evil. We must never forget, though at times like these it is an incredible act of faith to hold on to that belief. But, hope, I tell them, is the most powerful weapon there is...hope and love. With them we CAN create a world that is without anger and hatred and self interest. If we give up on hope and love we are surely lost.

It is not without tears and aching heart for the victims and families and a nation once again thrown into shocked silence that I struggle to focus on the good...the first responders...those in the crowd helping each other...the prayers and unity of good people from all over. It is there that we need to look as we sort through this tragedy.

But still, I tell my precious White Dogs, I, too, wonder