The Invited

It was hard for Sara to concentrate on her work that Friday. She just went through the motions; her heart was not in it. That was understandable since her friend/ coworker had just been laid to rest and only their supervisor where they had worked in customer service had been able to attend the funeral. Ben was a dedicated worker who always gave above and beyond. Each year when the office closed early for Christmas she and Ben would still be working, long after most others had left. It was in their nature; ingrained. To console herself Sara walked home through Lincoln Park, stopping for a while at the Farm in the Zoo (one of Ben’s favorite places) and treated herself to animal shaped fries with cheese (a favorite snack they would often share). Doing this seemed to bring a little comfort as if he were still there with her. She shed a few healing tears and continued to her apartment which overlooked the lake. It was because she worked with Ben that Sara was able to secure lodgings in the building. Rent took most of her salary, but it was worth it - being able to walk out on the lakefront of a weekend when most others were still asleep. Sometimes the two of them would walk, other times it was just Sara. She would listen to the birds and the sounds of the water, breathe in the freshness of the morning, then take off her shoes and wiggle her toes in the sand if the day weren’t too cold. It gave her a feeling of being connected to the earth and everything in it. That day she didn’t want to look out the window when she got home, but instead curl up with a cup of tea and one of her favorite books. She missed her friend but knew that he was at peace and would want her to be happy for him. Easier said than done Ben but I’ll try, she thought to herself. After a shower (always a comfort) she settled back into her wingback chair and her book. Something was different…

Ah, there it was – something was under her door. An envelope had been slid under her door while she’d been in the shower. It was embossed with the initials D O G. How very strange. There was some sealing wax on one side of the envelope with a paw print engraving. Clever, she thought. D O G has a paw print for a seal. She secretly hoped it was not another of her coworkers playing a prank on her - she wasn’t really in that kind of mood. Some of them had a questionable sense of humor. No, they would not have been able to get the envelope, wax, and seal. After breaking the seal, she looked at the folded piece of paper inside.

Dear Sara,

We have been watching you for some time and are pleased to invite you to membership in our society. If you are interested, please go to the front of the Museum of Science and Industry at 11am tomorrow where one of our society members will give you more details. Please wear your blue paisley scarf.

Sincerely,

John Wesley - recruiting officer

What? She’d never heard of a society called D O G. Even a search online yielded no clues. She would pray about it and decide in the morning whether to respond to the strange request. She would weigh the possibilities in as logical a manner as she could muster. What would Ben do? He was a trusting soul so he would probably go for it. Sara was a bit more apprehensive though and wanted to make sure nothing sinister would happen if she went. Her head was a muddle of thoughts - missing Ben, the envelope, the weekend, (which was supposed to lift her spirits but didn’t), and the chores she had set herself to get done before the work week started again. Add to that the strange note from the D O G. She was in for a tossing/ turning night. To soothe herself she sniffed a little lavender, that helped. She always kept a small bottle of the essential oil on her nightstand in case she didn’t feel relaxed before sleeping. Her grandmother had given her the first bottle as a birthday gift, so Sara kept using it in her honor.

The next morning Sara got dressed then looked out at the water while sipping her coffee. There was some money that someone had slipped underneath her door while she slept (the exact amount she needed for a bus ride to the museum) with a note that said, “just in case”. Curious, she thought. Just then, an image of her friend came to mind. Ben always wore a little pin on his tie at work - a Collie. It was enamel and very elaborate but unobtrusive. Ben didn’t talk about it, but the pin was always worn. Okay, that decided it. She would check out this mysterious society to honor him. As directed, she put on her paisley scarf, picked up the money, took a deep breath, and wandered down to the bus stop on what was to be a life changing excursion.

During the ride she gave up her seat to an elderly lady; something she did whenever the need arose. Treat others the way you want to be treated was the way she lived; it was plain courteous anyway. There was enough harshness in the world; she could make it a little brighter for some if possible. During the ride she remembered all the charitable events she and Ben had participated in - Walk a thon for the Have a Heart for Animals, dance contest and jump rope contests (they were both exhausted by the end of those), and baking contests to raise money for food shelters. Any time there was a fundraiser it seemed. They would get their coworkers at Midas International to sponsor them sometimes. For the first walk a thon they had no sponsor at all since it was kind of a last-minute decision. However, the Have a Heart for Animals organization had a list of donors for people who didn’t have any sponsors. She and Ben raised $300 from each of their “adopted” sponsors that day; it made them feel great. Oops, a little tear - she surreptitiously wiped it away, looked out the window, and realized that the Museum of Science and Industry would be the next stop. That ride went fast - she had been miles away with her memories. Good thing she looked up when she did, or the opportunity might have gone. Lots of people got off the bus when she did so she let them hurry into the museum entrance. Wearing her paisley scarf, she waited for someone to approach (wondering if it was a prank but hoping not). Just then from behind her came a voice that startled her just a tiny bit -

“Hello Sara, I’m extremely glad you accepted our invitation. Let’s sit down on the bench over there and I will explain more about who we are and what is involved for the members in our society.”

There was a shady bench nearby (the weather was quite pleasant, but the sun was intense, so the cool shade was a welcome relief). The two sat down. Sara did a quick self-scan. She didn’t feel in any way uncomfortable so decided to stay.

“My name is Jim. I’ve been a member of D O G for several years now. We are a secret altruistic society. We have no web site and we don’t advertise. We recruit by observing good people such as yourself and only have a select number of members at any given time. We go through our day doing as many good deeds (anonymously if possible) as we can and making the world a better place. If you decide to join us, there will be a small initiation ceremony. Don’t worry, it is not at all unpleasant and you will understand the significance afterward. You may be wondering how we recognize each other. Each member has a small enamel pin of a particular breed of dog that they wear at all times - that’s how.”

Sara gasped.

“Yes, Ben was a D O G and will be missed greatly. Our society was able to help his mother out by giving her a check at the funeral which will cover all her expenses for three months. We felt that it was a fitting tribute to him and would help a grieving family through the worst of times. Now, you are under no obligation, but are you interested in joining our society? Take your time to think it over.”

Sara didn’t hesitate - she could both honor her friend and do good by joining. Doers of Good was what D O G stood for - clever.

“I would be honored,” Sara said.

“Great,” said Jim. I would like you to follow me into the museum and we can hold the initiation (we use one of the exhibits - it will make sense soon). Jim paid the $15 for each of them and they proceeded to the walk-through heart exhibit - a giant 18-foot heart that one could walk through and had a pulse audible throughout. She had seen this exhibit before and had walked through it, so she knew what to expect. When they got to the entrance of the heart, Jim said:

“As you walk through this heart, know that you are celebrating life and everyone/ everything in it. You will honor it as you live and do everything in your power to help. The D O G members are incredibly grateful that you are joining us. Drink in the sounds of the heartbeat as you walk through and I will be there on the other side. Take your time - this is a personal reflection.”

Sara looked at the left and right ventricles, the blood pulsing through the arteries, and the tiny capillaries. She heard the heart beating and it seemed to match hers. Too soon it seemed she had reached the end of the walk-through heart. To her surprise, several people began to applaud. The other members of the D O G had gathered to welcome her into their circle. She felt comfort, acceptance, and joy. She was given a pretty Staffordshire Terrier pin which she immediately placed on her paisley scarf. Cheers went up all round.  

“One more ritual remains. Everyone outside to Mr. Jenkins and his hot dog stand please.” On the way to the exit Jim said that Mr. Jenkins was a hard-working hot dog vendor who had a family of three to support since his wife was disabled and unable to work. He worked from early in the morning to early in the evening and was profoundly grateful when the D O G had initiations and monthly meetings - he could count on their support. His children needed new shoes so now he would be able to get them, an answer to prayer that he had faith would come. As Sara approached, he smiled and said

“Ah, newcomers get an extra hot dog on the house. I have a talent - I can guess exactly what each person wants on their hot dog.” He looked into her eyes. “You like ketchup and onions with finely chopped green pepper. Coming up!” 

A stunned Sara nodded but was sure she was not going to be able to manage a second hot dog. Just then she saw her answer, a homeless person was looking at the vendor from across the road. Sara crossed and handed the food to the man with a smile and said “enjoy - this is from Mr. Jenkins and all of us.”

After lunch, handshakes, and hearty welcomes Jim said 

“See everyone at the next monthly meeting on Saturday two weeks from now at the usual gathering place. For those new to our group (with a glance in Sara’s direction) that is the Farm in the Zoo. We will meet at 11 a.m. then have our usual snack. Mr. Jenkins will be there to provide lunch for us. Until then, God bless all and keep up the great work.”

A contented Sara returned to her apartment with a smile on her face and whispered softly “thank you Ben. I’m proud to be a D O G as you were and will honor your memory.”