Narnia, Chapter VIII
Beauty and the Chronicles of Narnia, the Other
Chapter VIII
*Aslan the Magnificent*
He was big. He was furry. He was beautiful. He slobbered as all Newfoundland dogs do. He became an integral part of the family, walking the children to the school bus and fetching them home again. When his highly attuned, auditory perception picked up the sound of the bus coming to the drop-off location, he immediately took off from the cabin in an urgent rush. He was happy to be of service, always. And, he adored those children as they adored him. He told me so!
Aslan, the Lion King of Beasts, the original Aslan of the Chronicles of Narniafame, came during a time of need when the children in the story were in harm’s way. This Aslan also came during a time of need to this family, although they had no way of knowing it at the time. They did not realize immediately what protection an animal of his statue could afford.
As with many destined events which often occur without warning or intention, this Aslan happened through a “chance” encounter.
Popsi Blui, had an intense dislike for all dogs due to many bad experiences as a youth, delivering newspapers on his bicycle. He had been scared, bitten, chased, and viciously barked at by unattended dogs on his route for years. His dislike continues to this day. With only this one exception…his love for and respect and admiration and gratitude for this Aslan, this giant of all dogs, this faithful companion, well-mannered and devoted, protector of the realm and all who dwelleth therein, with a calm and sweet temperament, a none-barking, intelligent, noble, loyal, gentle, affectionate companion who, in addition to all this, permanently kept all the bears away. By peeing on every tree in sight and around the perimeter of the land, deftly marking his territory, they never saw or heard another bear for the next seven years, the duration of their time there. What a glorious beast, for sure.
You will be surprised and amazed to hear of how Aslan came to be.
Popsi Blui went to work one day during the second winter. His job on the weekends was a fireman at the local saw mill. He kept the sawdust fires going which dried the freshly cut lumber so that it could be sawed into required sizes. As he walked in to relieve his co-worker whose shift had ended, he spotted a 357 Magnum pistol on a workbench. Curious, he asked the guy what it was there for. He was told that the man was about ready to go and shot his dog. He didn’t really want to, he said, but the dog chased deer, and being that he was a hunter, he couldn’t abide that. He asked if Popsi Blui wanted to take a look at the dog. Reluctantly, given his attitude about dogs, he said he would look anyway.
They went outside to the guy’s truck. Seen through the window of the cab was a big, black hulk that took up the whole space.
As soon as the guy opened the door, this wild thing leaped excitedly out, ran right over to Popsi Blui, jumped up, put both his big paws on his shoulders, and looked him in the eyes with a big grin on his dear face as if to say, ”Thank you for saving my life!” Well, that was that. Popsi Blui was smitten. He said to the guy, “This isn’t a dog. He is a Newfoundlander!”
The mom was in the kitchen when she saw Popsi Blui walking the trail through the snow and approaching the cabin, walking around to the entrance at the other end. Then she saw the dog, trotting closely behind. “Look children,” she yelled!
And so began the new life of the expanded little family. Aslan fitted in perfectly and performed his many duties without complaint or flaw. His tolerant, affable personality was also so appreciated by Molly the cat, that she regularly killed and dropped mice between his paws as tribute. They were great pals, and kept each other company when the family left for a few days to visit the grandparents. One time when they returned, the cat and dog were lying side by side, watching their approach and welcoming them home.
I fluttered above them all, happy to observe and, even though invisible to them, I felt connected and happy to participate in their joyful reunion.
Aslan
Newfoundland