Dear Comfort Puppy
Giving Comfort For 10 Years
Dear Comfort
At this time of year, you are one of the few things that I am grateful for, as I just came from the Veterans Cemetery.
You were an exceptional puppy, and the above photo shows what you looked like when the Delaware State Police came to our door, to tell us your owner and the man who loved you, would never be coming home again.
You comforted us that evening, or actually it was early morning, even though you were heart broken yourself. You always were an exceptional pup and you always had a extradinary intelligence. You knew something was wrong, and you cowarded on my wife's lap as she wept.
I want to thank God for directing us to you, for you were the pup that gave comfort to my son when he moved home after loosing his wife. You lived up to your name. I often wondered if you questioning why your owner my son, abandoned you. I often wondered what was behind those inquistive puppy dog eyes, and whether you missed the man that loved you so very much.
I wondered if your little heart was broken, and what you thought when all those official people stood in the living room that awful fateful night .I often wondered if you wondered why your Mom, my wife cried for months, and she still cries nine years later.
You act like you understand, but do you really. You are the smartest puppy, that I have ever had. Many people have a dog that take their toys out of the toy box, but who has one that puts them back in again? Most people can't even train their children to do that.
I want to thank you for the hours of entertainment you have given to me and my wife. People just wouldn't believe how you make your own games. They wouldn't believe it, unless they saw it with their own two eyes. Comfort, you are one in a million. Squeaky balls are common to buy for dogs, however, how you make a game out of it, and all by yourself, you would have to see to believe.
Your squeaky ball game consists of you throwing the ball up into the air, and then catching it in your mouth, or taking it with your mouth and slinging it up into the air, and then running after it again. You also could be seen galloping across our living room floor with the ball in your mouth.
However, the best game you played was with my shoe and the ball. You would take the ball and put in into my tennis shoe and then try to get it out again. When it was stuck, you took the tennis shoe and slung it up into the air. It is priceless to see you play, and you have provided hours of entertainment for both my wife and I.
Thank you Comfort for providing my wife with such amazing comfort over the past nine years, You have more than lived up to your name, many times over.
Thank you for taking care of Banjo, your little canine brother, and showing him the way. I know he gets to be a pain in your butt, for he waits for you to come outside, before he will go to the bathroom.
You are the sweetest soul, and I wonder if you are part human, because you have a vocabulary of a six year old. We find ourselves spelling words, just like you would for children, because you know so many.
In closing Comfort, I want to thank you for just being you. And I would also like to ask a favor of you.
Please for your Mommy and for my own sake as well, will you please, live to the end of our lives, because I could not picture ours without you.
Love,
Daddy (and Mommy and your first Daddy Rick who is in heaven)
About the Creator
Gregory Payton
I am retired Air Force. I like to write poetry, and about the economy, and about current event. I have lost a lot in my life and I also write about processing grief.
I hope you find my work interesting.
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Dear Smiley and Rosebud
This is a letter that my wife Susan Payton has written to her Grandchildren Dear Smily and Rosebud, My Dear Sweet Grandchildren- You have opened up a brand new world for me, and I thank you both for the incredible love and uplift you have given my life.
By Gregory Paytonabout a year ago in Humans
Hind Rajab: A Child the World Heard Too Late
Cinema has always been a powerful medium for telling stories that history books often reduce to numbers. When a film chooses to focus on a single child caught in the machinery of war, it forces audiences to confront reality not as statistics, but as human loss. The movie inspired by the tragic story of Hind Rajab, a young Palestinian girl, does exactly that. It is not merely a film; it is a testimony, a memorial, and a question posed to the conscience of the world. Hind Rajab’s name became known globally after reports emerged of her final hours during the Gaza conflict. She was a child trapped in circumstances no child should ever experience. The film based on her story does not sensationalize her death, nor does it turn her suffering into spectacle. Instead, it approaches her story with restraint, dignity, and an unwavering focus on innocence lost amid violence. The Story at the Heart of the Film The movie centers on a young Palestinian girl who becomes separated from safety during intense military escalation. Through her eyes, viewers witness fear, confusion, and the fragile hope that someone, somewhere, will come to help. The film follows her final journey—both physical and emotional—using minimal dialogue and powerful visual storytelling. Rather than relying on graphic imagery, the filmmakers choose silence, pauses, and close-up shots to convey terror and vulnerability. This artistic choice makes the film even more haunting. The audience is left to sit with the child’s fear, her calls for help, and the unbearable waiting that defines her final moments. By focusing on Hind as an individual rather than a symbol, the film restores her humanity. She is not portrayed as a political tool, but as a daughter, a child with dreams, and a life that mattered. A Child as the Center of a Global Tragedy What makes this movie particularly impactful is its refusal to shift focus away from the civilian cost of war. The story does not revolve around soldiers, strategies, or power struggles. It revolves around a child who should have been worried about school, friends, and play—not survival. This narrative choice challenges the audience to rethink how conflicts are discussed in media and politics. Wars are often framed in terms of borders, ideologies, and victory. This film asks a different question: What is the price paid by those who have no role in choosing the war? By centering the story on Hind, the film exposes the imbalance of power and the devastating consequences faced by the most vulnerable. Artistic Direction and Emotional Weight The film’s direction is deliberately restrained. There is no dramatic background score overpowering the scenes. Instead, ambient sounds—distant explosions, static-filled phone calls, the quiet breathing of a frightened child—carry the emotional weight. This realism makes the film deeply unsettling. The young actress portraying Hind delivers a performance that is heartbreakingly authentic. Her expressions alone communicate fear, confusion, and bravery far beyond her years. The filmmakers avoid overacting or melodrama, allowing the story’s truth to speak for itself. Cinematography plays a crucial role as well. Tight frames and limited perspectives reinforce the feeling of entrapment, while long, unbroken shots force viewers to experience time as Hind did—slow, uncertain, and terrifying. A Political Film Without Political Speeches One of the film’s greatest strengths is that it does not rely on speeches or overt political messaging. Its power lies in its simplicity. By telling one child’s story honestly, it exposes the broader reality of civilian suffering in conflict zones. The film does not tell audiences what to think. Instead, it asks them to feel—and that is far more powerful. Viewers are left to grapple with difficult questions about responsibility, accountability, and the value of human life. This approach has made the movie resonate across cultures and ideologies. Even those unfamiliar with the details of the Palestinian struggle can connect with the universal themes of childhood, fear, and loss. Reception and Global Impact Since its release, the film has sparked intense discussion on social media, in film circles, and among human rights advocates. Many viewers describe it as one of the most emotionally challenging films they have ever watched. Critics have praised its ethical storytelling and refusal to exploit tragedy. For many, the movie serves as an entry point into understanding the human cost of the Gaza conflict. It has been screened at independent film festivals and community events, often followed by discussions about civilian protection and children in war zones. Most importantly, the film ensures that Hind Rajab’s name is not forgotten. In a world where news cycles move quickly, cinema has given her story permanence. Why This Film Matters This movie matters because it stands against normalization of suffering. It reminds us that behind every headline about war are real people, real families, and real children whose lives are forever altered—or ended. By immortalizing Hind Rajab’s story, the film becomes an act of resistance against silence. It insists that her life had meaning and that her death deserves acknowledgment, reflection, and accountability. In the end, this is not just a film about one Palestinian girl. It is a film about every child trapped in conflict, every unanswered call for help, and every moment when humanity fails its youngest members. Cinema cannot undo tragedy, but it can refuse to let it be ignored. And in doing so, this film ensures that Hind Rajab’s story continues to speak—long after the screen fades to black.
By Hasbanullahabout 10 hours ago in Humans
Comments (17)
loved your story Gregory. Comfort really lives up to his name. Sometimes dogs seem like the witches familiars of old-- they hold the spirit of a beloved.
Hey, Gregory, this was such a sweet and well-deserved TS. Here's wishing you and your family many, many years of Comfort's Comfort ( I have three myself and know how comforting they are). Keep sharing!
Great story enjoyable read
Congratulations on placing on this week's leaderboard for Best Emerging Creators. Well done.
Wow! Congratulations to you on winning 1st place for Emerging Creator 🎉🎉✨ Well done
Wow! Compelling story
Wow! I loved your sorry 😊🥳
This is a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to your beloved pet, Comfort. Your words paint a vivid picture of the joy, comfort, and companionship that this extraordinary dog brought into your life. It's clear that Comfort was more than just a pet; she was a member of your family, a source of solace, and a constant source of wonder. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt tribute. It's a reminder of the profound impact that animals can have on our lives.
You expressed such a Sad yet uplifting tale and heartfelt letter of love.I too hope you get your wish. Congratulations
Woaw Your so Lucky to have a such a precious Puppy Your words are beautifully written and touching Thank You for sharing and Congratulations on Top story ! You cant imagine how much it means for All people who have this special connection with animals to read Your experience and Yes I truly believe just from writing that He does invent new games with toys animals are our best gift from God during the most challenging times and not only :) I hope Your puppy will live for as long as possible for Him to be next to You!
My affection for animals is boundless; life without them is unimaginable. They bring solace to the soul and mend the heart. I extend my deepest sympathies for your loss. May the dog find eternal peace in God's embrace. Thank you for the kindness you have showered upon the dog.
It’s nice seeing the top story
I'm so happy see this piece as a Top Story. 💕
Nice piece. Are comfort puppies/dogs also lap dogs or only those that provide comfort?
This is such a touching piece and a lovely tribute to Comfort. Dogs are so intelligent and perceptive. They are the best at helping us through difficult times. Congrats on your well-deserved Top Story!
Such a sweet story. Those little dogs are so loving and are wonderful companions ❤️
Such a beautiful tribute to comfort...