Several years ago, while we were Peacestorming in Los Angeles, we adopted an abandoned German Shepherd we found there. Seeing how gentle and sweet he was, we decided to name him Pace (said "Pah-chay"), which means "peace" in Italian.
Pace was troubled for a good while after we brought him back to the Monastery, but as he learned to trust us and feel at home here, he gradually let go and relaxed. Over time he became a model for us of dignified presence. He also lived up to his name: despite his size, Pace is as gentle as they come and has never bared his teeth to anyone—which is more than the rest of us can say.
Being a German Shepherd, Pace came into this life equipped with bad hips. Recently this has begun to show. Some time ago he tore a major ligament in his left knee, which required surgery and two months of nursing to restore to him the ability to walk without pain. He is still recovering, and we are looking forward to the time when he will be allowed to run again, about a month from now. It’s easy to project that Pace feels grateful for his good home and all the care he’s receiving right now. For us, of course, it is easy to give. How could we not? He has given himself so well to us and to this life we all share, and besides—he is the Buddha.
Gassho,
Justin