The title of a library book that I learned was overdue while I was traveling, thanks to the library’s automated notification system, is Made For Goodness. I could not for the life of me recall reading it or checking it out, and thought I had returned all my books, which were mostly about puppy training, before I left for Florida. The email notification did not list the author, just the title. I spent the morning checking shelves and bags, looking for a book with a Golden Retriever on the cover, or at least a dog of some kind, but with no luck. Then I decided to call the library for a few clues. Nelle was very helpful. Turns out the missing book is not about dogs at all, rather about God, and was co-authored by Desmond Tutu and his daughter, who is also an Episcopal priest. “The cover is purple,” Nelle said. “Does that help?” Yes! I can see it now. If I can only find it. (I’m still looking.) But you know, I don’t think it is a coincidence that a book I had assumed was about dogs was really about God. There is a reason why God is dog spelled backwards. When a dog looks at you her eyes mirror a kind of divine goodness, don’t they?
