The Tail that Wags

also know as “The Time My Father Gave Communion to a Dog”

I told this story at brunch with friends last Sunday - Father’s Day:

Leo and Duchess faithfully attended church every Sunday. At this church, communion was generally passed among the pews by the ushers, but this Sunday my dad decided to serve communion at the altar rail. Duchess came forward with Leo, and the stood at the end near the side aisle.

Daddy went down the line serving the bread. Duchess - who was very smart - realized what was happening. Everybody was lined up to get a their treats! When my dad got to the end, Duchess' mouth was open and her tongue was hanging out expectantly. So Daddy popped a piece the bread into her mouth. Then he went back down the line with the grape juice. When he came to Duchess he poured a little into her open mouth.

This story may seem irreverent - even heretical - to some. I can tell you, the only dry eyes at that altar rail were Leo's, because he couldn't see what had happened. Duchess modeled a life of sacrificial service, and in that regard she was as good a Christian as anyone.

And that is the story of the time my father gave communion to a seeing eye dog.

Reverend Ellsworth Benedict (this photo was taken a few years before the event described).