A sacrament is defined as a sacred rite, in which the spirit and presence of God is sometimes present. Religion is used in many ways by many people, and yet, more than any other place, I feel I am in the presence of a sacrament on those occasions when the spirit of an animal and human intersect, fuse, connect. The emotions are pure. There is no anger, ambition, envy, posturing, deceit.

They receive us, accept us as we are, and we are touched by their simplicity, their acceptance, their authenticity. They do not betray us, disappoint us, rather give us the space and opportunity to be loving, patient, generous of spirit, tolerant. In his blind devotion, Rocky defines faith. Our visits to him seem like sacred rites, offerings to a faithful spirit who guided his human to the end of life, and is waiting to join her. It feels like a sacrament to me, one that has not been corrupted by human ambition, greed, power, and cruelty.