It’s a Dog-Love-Dog World

Dog-eat-dog is a phrase to describe how people will do anything to be successful, even if what they do harms others. We don’t have to look far to see that a reality. But, how much more beneficial it is to be in a “Dog-love-dog” world – both in the canine species and the human species.

My neighbor laughed when she came over last night and saw the brick-hard dog at my front door that acts as a door stop and my faithful no-bark companion. But I do have plenty of furry friends in my life. It’s funny how my children kept thinking that I needed a dog companion after my husband passed on, but, nope – I’m good with those in my sphere of influence as well as the one at my door. I smile as I write this blog because I’m not what you would consider a dog-lover. I profess to be a dog-liker because they ALL belong to those people-lovers in my life.

This blog comes on the heels of a couple of recent dog birthday parties held in the dog park here. Here you see Big Boy (yes that’s his name) at his party and the other is Boo Boo, who turned 14-years-old. You can see in the photo how their owners provide delectable-to-dog treats for the birthday guests. Many of my friends admit that their dog has brought them beautiful companionship and comfort after their loved one passed on. When I’ve kept my little grand-dog, I’ll admit there is a sweet peace that comes from him cozying in close to me. I can understand how, if someone needs that kind of companionship, how endearing it must be.

I think God must have a special love and delight for those who care for his creation. Jesus seemed to be enamored by all creatures – great and small — as He often referred to them as a source of praise to God and revelations of the nature of faith, humility, and peace.

We’ve all heard the saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” I never thought that the roles could be reversed and that my furry friends could teach ME some life-lessons, but here goes:

Lesson 1: Restrictions are Good. Here, where I live, dogs must always be on a leash unless they’re in the dog park where they can roam freely with their friends. And, like the restrictions placed on our furry friends, we, too, need restrictions that hold us to safe and peaceful living. Thank God for the Ten Commandments and Jesus’ new commandments “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind….and your neighbor as yourself.” Those aren’t restrictions – they are freedom to love and be loved.

Lesson 2 — Bond with Others – Most all the dogs here have bonded and when they’re together they’re smelling each other’s bottoms (that’s what we do with a handshake). But there’s one little fierce and aggressive dog here who the owner must keep on a leash and can never let him get close to other dogs. He is NOT interested in bonding. And there are people here who prefer to stay to themselves. I’m sorry for that little dog and for my neighbors who miss out on the much-needed source of joy and community. We don’t have to go it alone. Reaching out to a friend, or making a new friend, can truly make a difference in that other person’s life. And spending time with others can be the first step on the path to making a difference in our lives.
Lesson 3: Live in the Moment — Dogs don’t have some big master plan. They aren’t worried about the past and aren’t terrified of the future. They live right here in the present moment. What a truly joyous and positive way of living our life! Stop to smell the roses. Breathe in the fresh air. Put our phone down and fully experience where we are. Maybe we should stick our heads out the car window with the wind blowing in our faces to remind us to live in the present.

Thanks to our great Creator for creating some of our best friends and teachers and if we’d live in gratitude and love like them, then, for sure it would be a dog-love-dog and people-love-people world!