This has been one
bitterly cold winter, one more suited to hibernation than exploration. My friend Nancy headed back to Texas glad to
be out of the cold and snuggle with her friend Jack, a Chihuahua mix. There is something very comforting about the
warmth of any animal, but dogs do bring a special joy to our lives. First they get you going! Whether it is to get us up in the morning to
feed them and take them out or just stop watching TV so they can go play. Some dogs bring you toys, others their leash,
but it is often it is the insistent barking that makes us move. I have a lab mix that when really excited
spins in a circle, she makes me laugh every time. Our Rottweiler is not much of a barker but
even though she is getting old, she will leap after a ball. They make getting going
worthwhile. Both dogs walk with a limp
and when my arthritis is hurting they inspire me to keep moving. Just remember no matter how big they are they
still think they are lap dogs.
Dogs also provide
protection. Most dogs bark at strange
noises and people because they make them afraid. Even a small dog’s barking can cause an alarm
sound that acts as a deterrent for burglars.[1]
Because aggressive behavior may also
include family and friends, all dogs need to be trained. When
you walk your dog, you need to pay attention to your surroundings. If there is a runner coming toward you, move
to the side and make your dog sit. My
husband, Rob was walking the dogs in our neighboring park when a coyote started
following him. It may have been attracted
to our small dog, but the Rot was a sure deterrent. The number one requirement is as the owner you
control the dog so others are safe. I am
so grateful for our son, Ray’s willingness to train Bonnie our Rottweiler. For some friends we just put the dogs outside
or in their kennels. This teaches all of us about healthy boundaries.
In spite of their fear, dogs can be risk takers. Dogs have been taught everything from surfing
to mountain climbing. Take a look at Rookie and Carolyn dancing to “You’re
the One I want.”[2] We need risk taking to grow and learn new
things. Dogs can help us down that road
less traveled.
Most of all dogs teach us about responsibility. Taking responsibility for any pet is the most
important act to develop human compassion.
When people are cruel to animals it is the beginning sign that an evil
spirit has taken up residence in one’s soul.
I am not talking about serial killers.
I talking about ordinary people who take out their frustrations by kicking
the dog, or whose priorities are so messed up that they cannot make sure there
is water in their bowls or collars are allowed to grow into their skin. People who are cruel to animals have a
serious mental health problem. When we
disconnect from creation, we disconnect from the Creator. For as Paul wrote to the church in Rome, we
are all one yearning for a new heaven and a new earth born of faith, hope and
love:
For the creation waits with eager
longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was
subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who
subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its
bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of
God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until
now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of
the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our
bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who
hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it
with patience. (Romans 8:19-25 NRSV)
If you are looking for a pet, try your local humane society.
Here is the link to Terre Haute’s.
