SKU: A0.1307164

Lili of St. Luke's

by

Fran Olsen

In 1990, a small black and white spotted dog, who had been found wandering, abused and sick in Surry County, Virginia, was scheduled to be put down by the Surry SPCA as unadoptable.  Three placements had failed because the young female was too afraid of the people.  Her last chance was Richard Lee Austin, curator of Historic St. Luke's Church in Smithfield, Virginia.  Austin had reluctantly agreed to look at the small spoodle.  He had just lost a beloved Pekingese of 18 years and did not want to go through the pain of another loss.  Lili, however, immediately seemed to know that this was her person, came directly to him and won his heart.  It was a mutual love affair.

Lili went eagerly to work with Dick at the Gift Shop of Historic St. Luke's Church in Smithfield, Virginia, for the next 11 years.  She was gracious and never intrusive with the visitors.  Small children were able to approach Lili without fear.  She seemed to understand that she needed to be quite still with them.

In 2000, Lili became the star of her own book, Lili of St. Luke's:  The Blessing of the Animals.  Written by Fran Olsen, a volunteer at the church, and illustrated by Buttons Boggs, the charming book tells the story of Lili's desire to go to church.  The animals in the church yard scoff at her.  She finally succeeds in going to church for the annual Blessing of the Animals service which commemorates the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi.  Since the book was published many children have come to the church to have their picture taken with Lili.

Mrs. Olsen, who is also the publisher, has donated a dollar from the sale of each book to be shared with Historic St. Luke's Church and three area humane societies with which Lili has been associated.  Contributions in the first six months of publication were $1200.

Lili died on June 7, 2001, from cancer.  A week before she died, she made a personal appearance at a local elementary school.  As always, she was gracious and gentle, even though later it was apparent that she was deathly ill.  A bronze statute is planned to honor the gentle spoodle and will be placed at the church so children can continue to have their picture taken with her.  This elegy was commissioned for performance at the annual Blessing service.

SKU: A0.1458783