Thank you Lord, for creating dogs. Some have called them 'man's best friend' and after You, they are. I believe You placed in each dog some of your characteristics so that we would have a greater understanding of You. They are our constant companion. They are always willing to listen and will let us cry on their shoulder when we need to. They forgive us if we are not the people we are suppose to be and they give us a second, third, fourth....chance.
When I think of how Adam and Eve were given dominion over all the animals in the world and could have had this same relationship with all creatures, it just amazes me. Thank you, Lord, for giving us dogs and the joy that they bring. Thank you that they live to please us and ask for so little in return, a bowl of food and water, a place to sleep and a pat on the head.
There are those who don't understand all a dog can give or do for you and unfortunately they buy a dog and destine it to a life at the end of a chain, living in a dog house with no human companionship ever. What a wasted opportunity!
Someone once said "whoever said diamonds are a girl's best friend never owned a dog." I agree with that statement completely. Who else celebrates every time you come home? Who else will let you pour out your heart and never tell you to 'get over it' or 'move on'? My dog will.
Most dogs only live ten to fifteen years and that is a short time considering all the love they give. And there are some previous dog owners who will never again own a dog because they leave such a huge hole in your heart when they're gone. They just can't bear that pain again. But some choose to cherish the years they do have and thank God for them and when it's time to get another dog, they do, because they can't imagine never having a best friend like a dog ever again.
My Dad tried to prepare me for what a dog will do to your heart by having me read Rudyard Kipling's poem "The Power of the Dog", but it didn't help. A dog, if you let it, will come into your heart and cause you to forget what life was like without a dog. When I think back on Sandy, the dog we had as children, I remember the good times and yes I miss him but I am thankful I had him in my life. Lacey Jean was the first dog Brad and I had together and she was our baby. We had her for nine years until she died and I still get teary eyed when I think of her. But we have since had the joy of Marmaduke Odie Douglas (Duke), Lilly Rose, Daisy Mae and Duke Jedidiah and each one has brought their own unique personalities into our lives but they have had many similar traits as well. They have all been good, faithful companions who have blessed our lives with so much joy.
So thank you Lord for loving us so much to give us this relationship with one of your creatures. Thank you for showing us Your love through them time and time again and may I strive to be 'the person my dog thinks I am.'
The Power of the Dog
by
Rudyard Kipling
There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie--
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart to a dog to tear.
When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find--it's your own affair--
But ... you've given your heart to a dog to tear.
When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone--wherever it goes--for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.
We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-term loan is as bad as a long--
So why in--Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?
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