At Least They're Committed

The mythological hellhound is an obsidian-maned, glowing-eyed, sometimes-three-headed, fiery guardian of hell. It – or they – can only be seen by those entering Hades and/or those who have sold their soul at the crossroads, right before their time is up and they’re ripped to bloody shreds (metaphorically, I’m sure).  

Supposedly, their counterparts are angels, cherubs or seraphs. Hmmmm. I’m not so sure. As much as I honor the angels, one has to wonder if they have better things to do.

And, ultimately, are hellhounds actually evil?

My argument is such: While demons and the devil himself are synonymous with temptation and consequently horrible choices, the hellhound merely guards and fetches. Like, you know, an earthly dog, which God has sent to guide and protect us. Would not a messenger who hauls evil souls into hell and ensures they cannot escape be an advocate for justice?

These are the types of thoughts that consume me these days as I and others like me are faced with – if not evil, per se – foul, abusive, disrespectful treatment by someone of authority. We are left to wonder, how did this individual get this far? How can others overlook this abusive behavior and let it continue? Did this individual sell his soul to the devil? (OK, that’s just me. And for the record, I suspect you don’t actually have to be at the crossroads to sell your soul – a dark, damp basement would probably suffice).

Bad things have always happened to individuals who do bad things to me. It makes sense, right? If they’re pulling this shit on me, they’re probably doing it to someone else, too. Eventually, the forces of good say, “That’s ENOUGH!”

When I was much younger it would be “cause and effect.” They fucked me over; within hours or days something swept in and inflicted upon them their comeuppance. As I’ve gotten older, it has taken oh, so much longer.

As an adult, am I supposed to be doing more to sort this out myself? In this case, I’m confident I’ve done all I can – documented and sent concerns to the right people and all that. At what time do I just hand it off to God and the angels, ignore the injustice and hope that all the powers of righteousness take action? Could the heaven-or-hellhounds intervene on our behalf when we’ve been abused enough? When will it be enough?

I don’t pretend to be anyone’s judge – that’s for God. But I do know that we humans have power and energy that can make a difference when channeled for good (or bad, obviously). I do have powers for grace and virtue, so hey, what do you think, Gabriel? Maybe it’s worth a shot? (Snarl, head cock and giggle.) “FETCH!”