Cherished Loretto tails

Every once in a while, some Loretto person suggests that we write a book titled “Only One Tail” about pets dear to Loretto households in our 210-year history. As one of Loretto’s biographers, I have sometimes felt I “should” undertake the task. So far, neither I nor anyone else has stepped forward, intimidated perhaps by the massive amount of research that would be entailed. While we wait for the book, here is a tribute by Mary Louise Denny to her dog, Conway, offered to all of us in remembrance of those pets whose warm presence we have recently lost.

Didn’t Know

I didn’t know my heart wasn’t full until you came into it;
I didn’t know the silence until you filled the room with loud love;
I didn’t know that every person who passed by the window was worth greeting loudly and often;
Didn’t know that a broken heart is worth the life we shared;
Now I know these things and so much more; Now I know… thank you.
For Conway Feb. 2021
Mary Louise Denny

An incomplete list of the loving and loyal Loretto pets recently deceased begins with Conway and includes Jellybean, friend of Kay Lane, Kathleen Tighe and Eleanor Craig. Also, Ming Li, friend of Martha Alderson; Socks, friend of Concha de la Cruz; Gypsy Rose Lee, friend of Martha Crawley; Sophie, friend of Anndavid Naeger; Tig and Jag, friends of Maureen Smith, Janet Rabideau and Sue Rogers; Smokey, friend of Karel Disponett; Layla, friend of Paulette Peterson and Mark Nachmias; Missy, friend of Carole Eschen and Ellie, friend of Tina Blatter; Nilla, friend of Elisa Rodriguez. For all of these and so many other great-hearted creatures, we say thanks; and to all their Loretto companions we offer peace and comfort.