I met Hannah Bell in 1996, when I first moved to Lone Pine. At that time, she was living with her 2nd human. A fellow by the name of Roderick Schmidt. Hannah's first human was an elderly woman named, Margaret Dawson. Margaret had passed away shortly before I came to Lone Pine, and Hannah fell into the care of Rod, who had been Margaret's caretaker.

My friend, Cerridwen Dragonoak (photo above) soon moved in with Rod. After about a year, Rod was finally evicted from the Dawson house by the family and Hanni came to live with her 3rd human, Cerridwen. Due to abuse and neglect by Rod, Cerridwen and Rod fought a bitter custody battle over Hannah Bell in the Ft. Independence court system, which lasted more than a year.

Cerridwen and I became roommates for about 2 years. 3 years ago, when Cerridwen was allowed to return to the UK, she left Hannah Bell in my care... A bit bewildered that so many humans had come and gone in her short life, we soon became best of friends.

After a few weeks of illness, Hannah Bell passed away at 2:10 AM this morning, the first day of Advent in the Episcopal Church. Cuddled in my arms, she fought valliantly for her last few breaths of life.

In Church today, being the first day of Advent, I listened to Father Douglas Buchannan deliver his sermon, which detailed why at this time of year, awaiting Christmas, we are reminded that our Lord, Christ Jesus will return. We must live every minute of our lives, as it it were the last, because we do not know the exact time or place when the Lord will return.

As I listened, I reflected on a fellow named, Raymond Sullyan. In his book, The Tao is Silent, he said, "The best Taoist Sage I have ever met, is my dog." I have always remembered his words... And his words, "The Sage sleeps, not because he is supposed to sleep, nor even because he wants to sleep, but because he is tired."

Returning my thoughts back to this morning's sermon, I realized, The Best Christian I have ever met, is my dog, Hannah Bell Gromit. Every minute that Hannah Bell walked on this Earth, she lived it as if she were ready to meet her Creator. Today's sermon talked about the Ultimate Commandment, which is the summary of all of the Commandments, "Love your neighbour as yourself." Hannah Bell did this unceasingly. Not once in the time that I knew her, did she ever growl in anger. Not once did she ever act in a hostile manner towards any creature, large or small. Hannah truly loved every being as herself.

Hannah acted with love and concern for the rights and feelings of others. Even when other humans offered her affection. Sure. She loved it. But she would always look at me, as if to say, "Will you be jealous if I accept affection?" When I would tell her that it was OK, she would graciously accept the affection.

One can imagine how horribly irritating a beginning Bagpiper can sound to a small dog, who was already going blind at the time I began to play. After a couple of weeks of working out the squeaks and squeals, Hannah came to love the Great Highland Bagpipes. No matter where she was, no matter what she was doing, whenever I would strike-in on the Bagpipes, she would stop what she was doing and come sit near my feet to offer her moral support. She also took great pride in being, "The Piper's Dog."

Even in her final minutes of life, she seemed to be more concerned about the inconvenience she may be causing me, than about her own discomfort. I let her know that I still loved her, over and over. As she gasped for her final breath, I said goodbye to my friend.

After the loss of any loved one, we have a tendency to think of all the things we did wrong. Of all the times we could have showed more affection, given more attention, listened more closely. This is no exception. I find myself thinking a great deal about all of the time I have wasted in front of this stupid box, rather than holding my sweet friend.

As I drove to the store today, without Hannah Bell laying on my lap, I realized just how much I already miss my friend...

My Prayers are with you Hannah, and I Pray that I may learn to be as good of a Christian as you have been, that we may find each other again in GOD's Kingdom...

Good Bye my little Sugar Paws.