Last Friday was the last night of my first guest in my new home.
I have known her for nearly six years and she has been instrumental in my workings of the 12 Steps and supporting my early recovery, as well as a constant beacon of hope. Her story is truly incredible. It makes mine sound like a children’s book.
Genuinely terrified of dogs, it wasn’t long before Jonnie had won her over. With a human sat in the passenger seat of my trusty van, our dog safely harnessed in the back with her head rested on her shoulder, wide eyed and gently panting contentedly, all was well.
We took a short trip to spend the afternoon and evening in Pezenas. A beautiful, typically French town, well known for it’s art galleries, antique and brocante (French term for a flea market) shops.
Jonnie was welcomed into every shop, given her own bowl of water and generally treated in a very kind and accommodating way. This in itself is not unusual in my experience in France. I have said it before and I will say it again – I have been blown away by the kindness and wisdom of strangers on this journey.
What became obvious and more unusual as the evening progressed was peoples reactions to Jonnie.
The evening before, we arrived at my local café and before we could take a seat, Jonnie was spotted by a lovely lady on vacation with her cousin and daughter. It became clear after discussing Jonnie’s appearance in my life and her spiritual qualities (the lady’s observation, not mine) that we should sit down and enjoy our evenings together. Deep conversations were had, spiritual businesses were discussed, future plans, goals and desires, ideas and a certainty that we would all stay in touch.
She also paid for dinner. A surprise gift as I wait patiently for the abundance to kick in, based on the actions I have already taken whilst on this new timeline. The previous one had no Jonnie, no new friends here and no free dinners. Grateful.
We made our way around Pezenas, the weather warm and the atmosphere, lively, the streets began to fill with tourists and locals, all enjoying the live music in the square and the shops open late on Fridays during the summer months.
I began to notice how many people stared at Jonnie. I could attribute this to how many people stopped to stroke and speak to her, saying what a pretty dog she is. I understand hat she is hard to place. She is no obvious breed and has a very friendly, approachable demeanor.
I did not observe this happening with other dogs. People weren’t staring at any of the other breeds on their nights out. They weren’t being stopped or met with shouts of delight. It was just Jonnie.
She was referred to as having ‘good energy’ no less than three times and ‘a spiritual dog’ by four different people. I kid you not. This says as much about Jonnie as it does about the people that choose this area for their holidays.
She tried to make friends with a few other dogs. Shih Tzu’s are very popular here. She was punched squarely in the face by one belonging to a shop owner who brought Jonnie some treats. She didn’t react.
Next up was a mean looking Chihuahua, being wheeled around in a baby carriage. That little fucker bit Jonnie on the nose, not once but twice. I suppose that’s what she got for invading its personal space. Once again, absolutely no reaction but her usual calm and slow movements.
I really started to pay attention when one woman literally walked into the back of her husband, staring at Jonnie. After a big cuddle and a lot of cooing, I actually thought she was crying when she was eventually dragged away.
During the course of the evening, Jonnie was a dream. Enjoying the attention, the crowds and not a single behavioural misstep. She did however make a bee line for two women. Standing quietly close to them, waiting to be stroked.
Now was my chance to test a theory. The great thing about Jonnie attracting people to her like a magnet is I get to meet them. Potential new friends, passing acquaintance’s and to converse with strangers in French or English accordingly.
One lady noticed her angel wing markings. We spoke generally for a few minutes but it went very deep very quickly so I took a deep breath and asked if she was OK. She was going through something. A big transition. There had been a great deal of challenges to overcome and she was right in the middle of it. The second lady was not OK either. She was in the midst of a difficult divorce.
All this to confirm what I already knew. Jonnie has a gift for finding people who need a spiritual uplift and leaving them feeling a little better than when she arrived.
I have conducted several coaching sessions where a client begins to express strong emotion. Jonnie hops onto the sofa next to me, and puts her head on my lap, close to the screen. Is she radiating energy to my clients or is she protecting me from the power of their emotions? Maybe it’s both.
Updating Dave on Jonnie’s progress I described our evening as, ‘a night out with the dog equivalent of Jesus’ and what it must be like for celebrities to try to get anywhere with people trying to touch them and speak to them.
It feels a little silly now, writing this a few days later as the power of the experience gives way to normality. It doesn’t mean it didn’t all happen or that the power and the meaning of it isn’t a truth.
Whether Jonnie is a doggie Jesus, an angel, an empath or simply my life companion she was a very effective representation of my Inner Child back in January where my pain, fear and confusion was at its height (See Blog #6,7 and 8)
In my previous blog I attached pictures of our childhood dogs. They were a brief and powerful presence until they were no longer required by the adults. Suddenly disappearing from our lives, never to be heard of again. It became pretty clear why seeing Jonnie's video had such an immediate and profound effect on me. Those ears, her coat - so reminiscent of previous loves, lost and forgotten.
If my dog is indeed my mirror, it would seem that we are both in a very good space. While my human self might still question it. My inner being seems to know for sure.
If you love seeing how Jonnie is doing on Instagram (@seeking-quietwaters) and enjoy her major part in this story, I would ask you to consider a donation to Sarah Woodford’s GoFundMe page – Help Nabq Dogs.
Dave works tirelessly, in his own time and at his own expenses to stalk, trap, tag and sterilize females like Jonnie. The lucky ones find new homes in Europe. The local team feed them, provide water, medication and keep track of their safety and wellbeing – trying to stop the merciless and inhumane killing of the Baladi Street Dogs.
In appreciation,
Peace & Love,
Elizabeth & Jonnie
NOTE: This story is dedicated to all my friends who have said goodbye to their own spiritual friends recently. Whether it was their time or they were taken too soon, our hearts go out to you. I hope you will find the kind of love you shared with them again.
A little barrage just outside Autignac, South West France. Just one of Jonnie's many favourite watering holes.
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