My Friend, Snoopy

My Friend, Snoopy
By Ken Parks, February 9, 2011

On this date, two years ago, a dear and close friend departed from this world and resides in the open fields of Heaven. Snoopy was a dog of many qualities, a companion and protector. And more than anything else, he taught me one of the greatest elements of God, Unconditional Love.

He never yelled at me. He never cursed. He never made obscene gestures. He never ridiculed or mocked. He never nagged me. And he never relied upon the worldly traits of conditional love.

Regardless of my vices, my bad habits, mannerisms and behavior, Snoopy's spirit maintained the consistency of our heavenly Father's unconditional love. He was the paradigm of God's greatest quality toward man.

Yes, I miss the way he rolled on the floor, twisting his backside into the carpet and kicking his feet upwards as if he was praising God for the yummy in his tummy. From the hallway, he would lay down next to the closed bedroom door and push his paws through the floor clearing, hoping and praying for his master to allow for him to enter.

He had his moments of begging for attention, especially within the presence of a delicious spaghetti and meat sauce delight. He would cuddle next to me on the couch, seeking the security and warmth on a frigid wintry night. And he would pant with affection when I combed his furry and floppy ears.

He was also my protector. On one occasion, someone entered our house unannounced and Snoopy intercepted the thief's first steps, showing his teeth and growling. The quickly exiting thief yelled, “Back off! Back off!” I called the local-yocals, and the keystone cops arrived 15 minutes later, allowing the home invader to escape into the darkness.

Snoopy was easy to train from the time he was a pup and into the latter years. I tired of teaching him tricks in English commands. I taught him the same tricks in German and Italian. The neighbors were awed when I would say, “Sehten sie sich” and Snoopy would obey by sitting down. Or when I issued the Italian command “Rotolare,” he would roll over.

He was playful and active. He loved chasing the neighborhood white-tailed rabbits. And he would often recognize that they had been in the yard, sniffing the ground with the eagerness of a tracking dog.

Snoopy had the God given spirit of unconditional love and demonstrated his affection upon my arrival from work. He was always at the front door to greet me and paste his tongue to my face. At night, we shared our quite time, watched TV, and I would comb his soothing and silky fur.

I took Snoopy on several road trips, including Orlando, Nashville, Memphis, Chicago, and Burlington, Iowa. While driving, he would rest his sleepy head on the thigh of my right leg. And I would pet his ears and neck. To this day, I can still feel his presence every time I drive.

Snoopy has left a life-time impression on my heart. He remains my friend... my dearly beloved friend. I know that the unconditional love he taught me is never ending and never failing, When the last breath leaves, the years of tears stream no more, and these weary eyes darken from the image of this age, I know without a doubt we will be together again.