By Elke Hughes, Canberra, Australia
Several animals have played an important role in my life. However, this tribute goes to my dog Alfa, a yellow boxer, who was my first teacher in matters of unconditional love.
I was five years old in postwar Germany. My parents and I lived among tall pines in a military zone which had restricted public access as war materials were being defused. Playmates my age were hard to find in my neighborhood, and the school was in a village about forty-five minutes away.
I remember vividly when my father returned one evening from his travels. I was already in bed when he placed the little yellow bundle with big, dark-brown eyes and a soft, square, black snout onto my blanket. Alfa had come into my life. It was love at first sight.
However, the plan had been that Alfa would accompany my father on his travels; she wasn’t really intended for me. Thankfully, Divine Spirit intervened on my behalf. Alfa got just as carsick as I did. So, to my great joy, the decision was made for Alfa to stay at home with me.
Alfa’s Constant Companionship
When I opened my eyes each morning, Alfa greeted me with her whirling little tail stump. It was as if she were saying, “At last, you are awake. Get up, and let’s not miss this beautiful day!”
During the months before I started attending school, we were inseparable. We would roam the surrounding forest together. I picked wild berries and, after rain, mushrooms. When we ventured further, to the meadows, I gathered flowers for my mother.
In summer when I rode my bicycle, she followed me like a shadow. In winter when I got the toboggan out and put the leash on it, Alfa would get hold of it with her teeth and pull me along the path.
Alfa’s Language of Love
This idyllic lifestyle had to change once I started school.
Every morning Alfa accompanied me to the edge of the woods, and then she returned home. Without fail, even if there was rain or snow, my best friend was waiting for me after school in the exact spot she had left me in the morning. We’d happily make our way home, enjoying the smell of the conifers.
Today, through having practiced the Eckankar teachings for some years, I am more aware of this Soul-to-Soul communication between God’s creatures, this special language of love. Alfa’s heart simply knew when to pick me up from school.
I am grateful for the sacred love bond between us. It was my first taste of divine, unconditional love.
—Photo provided by Elke Hughes
The article is cute and meaningful. I also want a dog like this
Thank you Got Omnia for your kind words! I am sure that you will find a dog that will just be right for you. Best wishes, Elke
Thanks for the story
Master thanks for giving Alfa to you that moment
really animals too are soul
one thing i like about this great soul they know their
names and the love they give are to great to believe
Thanks
Hello Susan A Kumah, Yes, I am very grateful to this day for the timely gift of Alfa in my life. Thank you for your kind words, Elke
Thank you Huseina! I agree with you that love is truly a wonderful thing. In the Spirit of joy in love, Elke
Hello Sam, How lovely that you were taken back to your childhood companions. Thank you for the wonderful comment “from one animal lover to another.” I appreciate it 🙂 Elke
What a beautiful story! Love is truly a wonderful thing!
Thank you.
This precious story took me back to being a kid again with my furry friends (with tears in my eyes). Such beautiful love. I can never get enough of these stories. From one animal lover to another, Thank you!
Thank you Mark Wayne for your kind words. Yes, the love of pets is so precious. They open our hearts to ever more love and there is always another step to take. 🙂
Thank you, Elke, for the lovely story! It reminded me of my similar childhood, in rural BC., Canada, although my/our guardian and my very best friend was a German Shepherd. Always there for my siblings and me; never let us out of his sight. My comfort!
Thank you dear Eva for sharing your love by responding to this blog. I am aware of your appreciation for animals too as you have an adorable cat.
With love in the Spirit of Joy in ECK, Elke
What a beautiful story of pure love! I’ve found that unconditional love given by animal friends to be the most rewarding and true for all who are open.here on this plane.
Wonderful story!Very nice writing ✍️
What a lovely story Elke, thank you for sharing it. I love the photo too of you and your special friend.
What a joy to hear that Alfa’s and my love story touched you. I have come to trust that Spirit provides what we need.
With love and gratitude, Elke
Thank you very much, Elly! Yes, animals are Soul and their companionship and love can be so rewarding if we are open to it as you say. There is so much love around if we are open to perceive it.
With gratitude and love, Elke
Thank you, Kim, for your kind words. I love German Shepherds too. I can imagine how this dear Soul would have watched over you children. We are so blessed to have these glorious four legged companions in our life.
With gratitude, Elke.
A big thank you Diana! Some of this credit belongs to the wonderful editors at the Animals are Soul blog.
With much gratitude,
Elke
Thank you for such a beautiful story. Our pets teach us so much about loving without condition.
I am deeply touched by this love story. Thank you for sharing!
Merci André pour votre remarque sur le blogue au sujet de mon chien Alfa et moi. J’aime votre expression « deux âmes incarnées dans deux enveloppes différentes, » et bien sûr j’apprécie aussi « merci Mahanta. »
Que les Bénédictions Soient, Elke
This story touches me straight to the heart .At the beginning of their story, Elke and Alfa!! I can feel my smile from outside of me to inside of me and i could feel the Love overflowing from these two souls who were living in Pure love and Elke says that on his return from school Alfa was waiting in the same place that when she left in the morning ,I felt my throat tighten then my heart let out of me unconditional Love , Pure Love, Love has no age .Thank you for this essential gift.
Divine uncoditional love… Wow how beautiful such a simple story like this touch the heart… Now but to pass on Alfa’s unconditional love to others I come across this day. Thank you Alfa, and thank you Elke for sharing this love story.
Thank you dear Shayn for your heartfelt comment and thank you for thanking Alfa as well. She deserves it wholeheartedly.
With love and gratitude.
Elke