Giverney Papier
Givey and Winston riding in the yellow golf cart
This October, churches in Arlington and beyond will hold pet blessing ceremonies in the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment. With this in mind, this next Pets, Their People & Purpose Interview is about a dog who goes to outdoor church:
Pets, Their People & Purpose Interview: Giverny and Rebecca
Q: What is your dog's name, breed, age and date of birth?
A: Giverny Papier (She loved chewing on paper, especially when she was younger) Cockapoo, 6 ½ years, 12/7/2019
Q: How did you decide that you wanted to bring a dog into your family?
A: [...]Giverny was much needed as we had entered the era of COVID-19 isolation, and my beau was isolated in a bubble with his 90+ father, except for outdoor meetings in my yard.
Q: Who is your breeder/adoption group?
A: She was acquired from the most wonderful Dr. Kelly B of Puff-n-Stuff in Christiansburg, VA.
Q. How do you take care of Givey's coat at home between professional grooming sessions?
A: Giverny and I have an easy, regular routine for cleaning her ears. I do try to brush her teeth. Yet, need to improve that practice. I trim her eyes around and give her baths in between spa treatments. I should brush her more.
Q: Givey often can be seen riding in your yellow golf cart around your neighborhood. How did this tradition start?
A: After my mom died, I inherited my family’s golf cart that we bought used when I was 9 years old. Let’s just say the golf buggy is vintage; it was acquired before the U.S. turned 200. While our use of the golf cart started with it being housed at a modest 9-hole golf course in Paris, Texas, most of the time my family used it at our home.
The two dogs from my childhood liked riding with my parents. […] When I had the golf cart and did not have my own dog, I would take my [neighbor] friend’s dog, Murphy (a white poodle), for rides around the neighborhood. He loved riding on my lap. And everyone loved seeing us together.
Murphy got to meet Giverny. Giverny was a bit puppy-over-enthusiastic to Murphy’s mature countenance. I would take them on separate golf buggy rides. Giverny shocked me when she jumped off the golf buggy during our first ride. None of the dogs had ever done that. So, I acquired a harness and seat for the pooch(es).
Q: How do people who meet Givey, while she is touring the neighborhood in your yellow golf cart, respond to seeing her?
A: Giverny touring in the golf buggy is one of the first signs of spring in our neighborhood. Everyone waves and shares delight with seeing us and recognizing that spring is coming. Unfortunately, Murphy passed away not long after Giverny joined me. A little while later, Murphy’s parents adopted a blonde cockapoo, Winston, from the same breeder as Giverny and other neighbors on our street. So, now I often take the two dogs out on a tour of the neighborhood. Our circuit includes a few homes where centurions often sit on their front porch. They wave enthusiastically as we pass by and honk our horn.
Q: I've heard that Givey goes to "outdoor church". What is "outdoor church"?
A: Well, that beau, John, who was afraid of dogs, is still in our lives. Plus, he has become besotted with Giverny and Winston.
John’s church offers outdoor services in late spring through early fall. John loves bringing her to church as she offers comfort and care to various members of the parish in special ways.
Sharing our dog with his community provides an opportunity for his spiritual enrichment by being a more easily recognized member of his community. Sometimes he asks parishioners to hold G’s leash while he acquires or removes tables and chairs needed for the service. John receives great joy in how parishioners light up in the short and loving interaction with Ms. G.
When John’s father’s death was announced a few months ago, some members of the parish knew who John and, by extension, who his dad were in part because they were familiar with John’s time with Giverny at outdoor church. I think John’s camaraderie with Giverny has revealed to his parish a more accessible side to him. All appear to benefit from that greater accessibility and engagement.
Q: If Givey could pray, what do you think she would pray for?
A: Giverny is welcoming to people and pooches. As she sees a friend in the distance, she often assumes the commando crawl position. She signals her friendly demeanor and desire to engage with four-paw and two-paw friends. I would fantasize that she would pray for strength to deliver individual acts of kindness that may seem small in and of themselves, yet given with regularity, provide warmth and comfort.
Q: Givey seems to have lots of friends. As you mentioned earlier, one of them is Winston. Is there anything that you have learned about friendship from observing theirs?
A: Winston and G spend a lot of time together. Sometimes when Sir W’s overenthusiastic approach is not resonating with her, she will go into her crate for some me time. Yet, they are an expert tag-team to nudge me for treats or pets any time I am on the phone or on a Zoom call. Each time Giverny and Winston reunite, they are so happy to see each other. All the good of the relationship dominates the reunion. They live their lives recognizing that life is better when shared.
Q: How has your life with Givey changed or enhanced your perspective about connection and community?
A: Much of our interaction with our neighbors is facilitated by the pooches. This reinforces the need for in-person interaction and the benefits they can bestow.
We would love to better train ourselves to engage with her, so that she could be a visiting therapy dog. Yet, we realized we need to be committed to consistent training and interaction.
Q: In what way does the way you move through life with Givey reflect your values?
A: I do think having her around and seeking to speak nicely to her in front of her may help de-escalate occasions where I may act out in response to stressful times.
Q: When a puppy enters your life, they grow through the seasons of your own life and your family. How has your purpose in life or perspective about it changed from the time that Givey entered your life as a puppy to now?
A: While my life is enriched by her presence, I do not think my life has changed that much, as I have had the pleasure of other pooches in my life. Yet, John’s life has certainly been enriched and altered. His dog-enthusiastic family was able to delight in his transition to a dog lover.
Q: What is one additional insight or observation from your life with Givey that you would like to share?
A: Giverny has an upside-down white heart when she has her summer cut. This reminds me of the heart tattoos on my Raggedy Ann and Andy Dolls. It is so wonderful to have a source of joy that you can share with others.
Best buddies Givey (Right) and Winston (Left)