Humility

HUMILITY

The Gates of Heaven were guarded by St. Peter. Four canine friends approached and stood waiting for permission to enter. They were asked for an account of themselves. The Poodle was first and, leaping forward proudly, he said, "I am the showman, winning many prizes for my beauty. See how fine I am? There was none better than I in my prime. I was my master's pride and joy." He demonstrated his fine show stance.


Next, the Labrador, black and glossy: "I am the Field Champion, keen for the gun, never missing a bird. I worked hard for my master." Then the German Shepherd, keen and alert. "I guarded my masters, keeping them safe. No strange foot trod the paths without my permission. They feared not with me around."


"And you sir," said St Peter, "come forward to me. What of you?" The dog replied, "I am a Beagle, maybe not so good, I confess. I pursued the cat, fell to temptation, and stole food. I forgot to return to my masters' call, leaving them to worry, then showed my disapproval at being left alone by chewing their shoes. Oh, and there was also my bad habit of barking at the garbage collectors...." "But what did you give them?" asked St. Peter. "What did I give them? I gave them light in their eyes and laughter in their voices." St. Peter opened the gates and waved the Beagle through.

Snoopy Steelman

Snoopy

(June 6, 1996 - April 9, 2008)

Snoopy was born June 3, 1996. He came into my life 3 weeks later. He was my immediate best friend. My mother, Jean, held him when we first got him as I drove home. He was like every other Beagle puppy- playful, curious, and loving. He was so nosy, too!!! He once chewed up the end of my bible. The whole binding was gone!!!! God forgave him. =)

Snoopy was always there for me. He always knew when I was sad. I would lay on the couch with my spirits down, and he would come and lay on the floor next to the couch and be there with me. He knew when I was happy. He would jump up and beg to go outside and run around and "howl". You all know that awesome beagle howl.

He even adjusted well when I got married. Snoopy was 8 years old when I got married. And my wife had 2 kids of her own and then we had one together as well. But Snoopy loved them too.

Snoopy and my bond was so strong. Still is. I would come home from work and go down into Snoopy and my room (finished basement) to get away from the kids and just be us for awhile. He would see me come down, and then roll over whimpering and whining for me to pet his tummy.


Today, I lost my Snoopy. He was losing a lot of weight and they were sedating him to check his teeth for infection. He didn't make it. Then come to find out my Snoopy had cancer. Everywhere. So I feel that God spared him any more pain and suffering.

Snoopy was "contagious" to all my friends. I have been on the phone all day telling everyone he knew the sad news. Almost all of them cried. He was such a loving little guy. And he will be missed. But forever in my heart.

- The Steelmans of Missouri
Michael, Jen, Dylan, Abby, and Cailyn