[Glenn Wright]

Hi, Jim, Matt, Roger, and Susan—

Thank you, all, for your useful impressions and suggestions.

I found it interesting that all of you choked a bit on L10. Maybe it’s a Catholic thing, but I was always a big fan of St. Francis of Assisi. As a child I loved the stories about him preaching to the birds and converting the wolf of Gubbio. I was worried that the suggestion of a dog praying might be too cute, like a Hallmark card with a dog kneeling beside a bed with folded paws. I was also concerned that the reader might be tempted to conclude that the dog regarded the N as her God. I did not want to imply this. My objective was to show that the English teacher N realizes that prayer has less to do with language and intellect and more to do with love and awe. God loves His creatures and they love Him.

I was convinced, Matt, by your remark that L10 gave away too much and weakened the ending. Accordingly I went with an edit similar to the ones you and Jim suggested. I decided that I could get away with the final word “pray,” Susan, since I stop short of saying that the dog is praying, merely noting that her behavior exemplifies a relationship with God that is, ironically, more profound than the N’s.
I must ask, Roger, how you know your dog’s opinions on religion. I would love to join in on those conversations.

I sincerely appreciate your generous comments, all.

Glenn