Am I my brother’s keeper?

Am I my brother’s keeper?

QIC: Spicoli

Date: 11/24/2025

PAX: Burns (WB), Transcript, Spicoli (WD, QiC)

It was a cold, clear morning at the Launchpad.  YHC was going to be there “right on time” so a preliminary text to the site Q was in order before leaving the house. Upon arrival, Burns and Transcript were in the parking lot, ready for action. I remarked that the sky was clear and star-filled, wondering if we would see the tail end of the Leonids’ meteor shower; Burns had said they saw shooting stars at a workout earlier last week.

Then the workout plan took a pivot. A SUV pulled into the parking lot, right in the middle of the lot, windshield wipers flailing, high beams on, and YHC thought it was an unknown PAX trying to be funny or the like.  But then we heard the wailing and screaming.

A person was outside their car crying and yelling as we approached.  Not sure if this was a medical emergency or some other dire situation, I called out to the young man as he sat on the ground outside his vehicle.  He was completely distraught that his dog had just died and he was overwhelmed with emotional pain.

Transcript approached the man and verified that the dog in his car was deceased. Burns asked what the dog’s name was (Olly) and we got his name as well (Chris). We stood with Chris while he was going through the realization of loss. Accounts of similar tragic or sudden losses of pets were offered by the PAX in an effort of understanding.

Olly was a seven month old Rotweller who Chris had since a puppy.  A loving pet to his daughter, and the companion he has needed as he is going through a separation with his wife. He exclaimed Olly was all that he had.

It was a moment by moment situation, where uncertainty was present (Is this guy okay? Is there anything we can do? Do we leave him be and try to workout? etc.), but it was obvious that staying with Chris was the right thing to do. Each one of us has had our own heartbreaking stories of a deceased pet and that was not something to ignore.

Burns asked Chris if he would allow us to pray for him and he joined our circle.  The power of faithful words should never be underestimated.  Regardless of one’s personal belief, the connection at that moment was undeniable.

Transcript asked if Chris wanted to walk with us around the parking lot; it was 40 degrees out after all.  There’s a saying “Move a muscle, change a thought” for when one is stressed or feeling trapped emotionally.  It was very helpful for all of us.

There was a discussion of logistics for burying the dog and what to do next.  Listening to Chris talking through a plan of next steps, focusing on them, and the advice of going through his normal routine brought a level of calm. Chris thanked us, saying he had seen the flyer for F3 in the bathroom on a previous visit to the park, and that he actually intended to try it out. 

After Chris got to his car and left, we gathered for COT as it was almost 6:15.  We all agreed that going home was the right option.

During COT, I said that I was proud and moved by the actions of these two men with me. Whether by coincidence or through some divine intervention, we all were in the right place at the right time for Chris.  And what matters most, I believe, is that actions of compassion were taken and connection was made with a person in need.

Moleskin

• Transcript did not hesitate to check on this man’s dog in his backseat, not knowing the state in which it had died.  Brave actions in an effort to help someone in need.
• Burns shared his calm and steady voice, practicing his faith while praying over Chris.  Moments such as this reinforce that there is something greater than ourselves that ties us together. 
• Given past incidents at the Launchpad, where cars were already in the parking lot with questionable activities, I’m glad the situation wasn’t something worse…
• This morning was a stark reminder that the price of Love is Grief.