Puppy Love

“Welcome all His followers; never criticize those whose beliefs differ from yours." ~ Romans 14:1

Abas cherished his job as the doorman for NYC’s Westport, a pet-friendly luxury apartment high-rise in Midtown Manhattan near the theatre district.  Whenever asked how he was on any day, at any time, he always replied, “I’m blessed!” 

This from an Albanian immigrant whose family had been falsely accused of treason and forced to live in a remote labor camp.  At age 39, our government granted his family asylum in America.

Abas never married; the Westport became his family.  He took care of the residents, acting as gatekeeper, bodyguard, confidant, and at times, father figure.  Not because it was part of the job, but because he was a good man.

And so it was that Abas befriended Gibson, a young boy staying with his mother at the skyscraper for several months while being treated at a local hospital for mitochondrial disease.  The chronic disorder prevents the body’s cells from working properly, causing muscle weakness and pain; learning disabilities; seizures; and sometimes organ failure. 

While Dad worked, Mom struggled to care for her sick child whose condition seemed to worsen by the day.  Theirs became a friendship created by circumstances. 

Abas noticed the youngster loved playing with Ginger, an adult Cockapoo “ambassador” at his building.  The little fluff ball melted hearts with every glance from her sweet, dark eyes.  

That’s when Abas got the idea that Gibson needed a dog of his own.  Like Ginger.

He started a fundraiser and with the help of employees, some guests and the blessing of Gibson’s parents, he worked sensibly to track down the perfect puppy. 

Abas found a breeder with a new litter in Pennsylvania.  He made the 11-hour round trip and surprised young Gibson with an adorable cockapoo pup of his own.  It was love at first sight as the pup viciously attacked the boy with all the cuteness, playfulness and love he had. 

Uncharacteristically, Gibson rejected names like Gizmo and Peanut.  For his chew-toy-obsessed K-9, there was no other choice but to name him ‘Abas’ - in honor of his friend and mentor.

In a world that can overwhelm us with problems, it’s good to know that one can find kindness and generosity, even among people and animals that started out as strangers.  

Abas the doorman knew that the four-legged version would bring a healing touch to a young boy in constant discomfort.  Puppies love with wags, licks, and leaps. 

There’s no inhibition on their part, just pure joy in their devotion to us.  They don’t care about the color of our skin, our education or profession, the sins of our past, or our religious affiliation. They’re simply thrilled when we chose to spend time with them.

Isn’t that what God wants from us too?

“God of all races, nations, and religions, You know that we cannot change others, nor can we change the past.  But we can change ourselves.  Grace us with Your blessing.  Amen” (Father Richard Rohr, 9/11/15)