Renee and
Rieley
Love, Grieving, and Hope Karen Sturtevant
D
o you consider yourself an optimist or glass-almost-empty type of person? Do you embrace challenges or yank a blanket over your head and assume the fetal position? Each of us react differently to stressors and difficult times––some coping methods are more effective than others. When life becomes demanding, we innately gravitate towards our inner circle for comfort. When Renee White’s gleefully ordinary life was pulled out from under
12 4 Legs & a Tail
her, she turned to her sweetest support, her dog Rieley. With a constantly wagging tail attached to an infectious smile, Rieley was the essence of the perfect friend. As she grew from a mere pup into mature girl, they enjoyed a beautiful life with walks in the woods, Frisbee play, carrot and ice-cream treats, and snuggles with the softest of blankets. With her smooth fur and muscular physique, Rieley would always greet Renee
from the end of a work day with enthusiastic devotion and the gaze of her soft brown eyes. “I called her ‘My Horsey Girl’ because she was so muscular, like a horse.” As dog owners know, thinking about being with our buddies at the end of a trying day always makes the trudge a bit lighter. Just as Renee’s days were sailing along without a wave in sight, an unexpected storm was silently churning and would break soon. Her husband of 15 years abruptly filed for divorce, causing understandable emotional upheaval and a subsequent move from their house into an apartment. With family out of state, her solace came in the four-legged variety. Just as she was adjusting to her new normal as a single woman with all that entails, without warning, she was told her employment of 18 years was terminated. Rieley again was her foundation. Taking time to settle in to her new life, making it her own, she and Rieley now had full days together. “When I lost my job I was very angry. I didn’t deserve that.” More time to spend with Rieley would turn out to be a blessing. “I’ve become strong and independent. Things can get better,” Renee said. Seeking new employment while staying socially connected during a world-wide pandemic proved to be daunting. On days that became draining, Rieley was there with her gentle ways and quiet cheerleading. When Covid-19 arrived making travel difficult, if not prohibited, visiting Renee’s mother in a Pennsylvania assisted living facility was not allowed. More challenges for emotional well being. They communicated electronically once a week, with Rieley often vying for screen time. Shared walks proved restorative in body and spirt for both human and canine. As we all adjusted to stay-at-home-orders, Renee used her time constructively immersing herself in her art. A talented artist (a Spring 2021
