July 11, 2026
What a wildly wonderful world, God!
You made it all, with Wisdom at your side,
made earth overflow with your wonderful creations. Psalm 104:24 The Message
Buster Brown
A few weeks ago, I had coffee with Sue Ellen at the Community Center for coffee. After a bit of catching up, she informed me that giant, elderly, gentle Buster Brown – the dog who had blessed her and Sean, her husband, for years- was not doing well. Buster had stopped eating and drinking, and they had found a hospice vet who would help Buster and them through to the end.
I was surprised and relieved to know that someone would be with them and Buster in this difficult time. We talked about how beloved our pets are and how hard it is to face their deaths. She talked about how much she would miss going for daily walks with Buster and connecting with all their dog and human friends. Somehow, the conversation turned to how to mark this passing, and she said she wanted to invite those friends to a celebration of life at the community dog park after Buster had passed.
Buster was an amazing pet. Buster was also a hero. About 3 years ago, late one night while the household was sound asleep, a battery caught fire. Neither Sue Ellen nor Sean was aware of the tragedy that was about to occur. But not Buster. He smelled smoke, ran into their bedroom, and pressed his cold, wet nose against Sean’s to wake him. With Buster’s help, they escaped the house before the fire gutted the interior. A lovely bench was installed in the dog park as a monument of thanks to Buster.
Pets and Friends
Sue Ellen let me know when Buster died and asked if I’d say a few words at the celebration of Buster’s life. I was honored to help. A few days later, on a very hot and humid Williamsburg afternoon, friends, staff, family, and pets arrived to find a table decorated with a red heart overflowing with flowers and doggie treats. Water bowls were filled for the dogs, and Buster’s sister showed up with her humans. A musician with a guitar showed up to lead us in song.
Buster’s Table
I don’t remember exactly what I said. I hope I conveyed the beauty of a community gathering with their pets to grieve and celebrate Buster. I am sure I mentioned how life-affirming it was, a sign that we really can all pull together to celebrate gratitude, goodness, friendship, and hero pets, amidst what seems like a world raging with war, distrust, and lies.
Not one sparrow falls from the sky without the One Who Is Love knowing it. I imagine our beloved pets are known by Love. ~
With gratitude for our furry friends. Anne
Buster’s Sister
Wayfinding 