The decision to give Louise Coleman this award for her work on behalf of greyhounds was made because the Peace Abbey staff has grown more inclined to recognize animal welfare work. They became more interested in animal welfare when they took in Emily the Cow. Emily had jumped the slaughter house fence in Hopkinton, and wandered like Christ in the Wilderness for forty days and forty nights, and was found by the Peace Abbey staff and brought to safety in the Abbey on Christmas Eve. Emily now has a poster of Gandhi in her cozy cowhouse. 

As we and other guests drove up to the Abbey Complex, we saw their sign, "Strawberry Fields." Soon guests and greyhounds arrived at the door of the main building, and were greeted by Lewis Randa, the Director of the Peace Abbey, and by the children and teachers of The Life Experience School for children with disabilities, which is an important part of the work of the Abbey. The happy children swarmed around us, helped us remove and hang our coats, and lead us through the building on a little tour. When I saw the interior, I said to myself, "An artist has been at work here arranging everything": the heavy furniture and paneling are offset by magnificent antiques such as the grandfather clock and globe which adorn the classroom. 

Lewis suggested that we begin the morning with the children. After they were seated around their long refectory table with sun streaming in the casement windows, we gathered behind them to observe their usual morning ceremony which began with a ritual of dipping their hands into a dish of water and drying them, which represents selfless giving. The children then recited some of the names of people who have contributed to peace, justice and love. They placed their right hands over their hearts and prayed for the world, bringing tears to many eyes. 

We next moved into what seemed to be a combination chapel/library, the focal point of which was a roaring fire in a gigantic fireplace, to prepare for the ceremony. Louise was so well-dressed we scarcely recognized her, and someone joked, "Is that Louise Coleman's younger sister?" She wore a designer pink blazer and black pants (from The Bargain Box, Southborough's thrift shop) and black pumps from Filene's. As a thrift shop specialist, I can say I have never seen a better buy. 

Jill Hopfenbeck, D.V.M., a member of the Board of Greyhound Friends, gave a moving talk about the plight of the greyhound and the efforts by Greyhound Friends to save these dogs. The elegant prize in the shape of a dove was awarded, and all parties present were invited to a reception. I felt a rush when I saw the sumptuous vegetarian luncheon laid out before us and the high quality of the champagne. Everyone expressed fear that Louise would take the lovely breakable award home where it would soon be knocked over by a dog, but she promised to guard it carefully. 

Driving home with the Reverend Cynthia Morse and her greyhound, Hudson, with Hudson's head on my lap, I reflected on the morning. Years ago, I used to listen to Alan Watts on the radio, and I remember that he once said that every creature believes it is at the center of the world, which caused me to think at the time, "Some of the worlds aren't so great." I looked down at Hudson so snug and happy now that he has traded in one life for another. That is what Louise has been doing all along, I thought, helping dogs to change worlds. And that is why the award was so richly deserved.