Animals Teach Us About Love
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the
birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will
teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you.” – Job 12:7-8
Our hearts are broken. An animal rescue in a nearby
town burned during the night. One of the rescuers died, as did numerous animals.
Other rescues have rushed to the aid of the 27 animals that survived.
Why? How could this happen? It is just so sad that
tragedy could and would strike something so good.
The answers will come in the days and weeks ahead. No
doubt, fire officials will determine the actual cause. The kind, devoted woman
who died will be buried. The surviving animals will be cleaned and treated and
loved on, with many people giving of themselves to help these poor creatures
overcome the trauma caused by the fire.
Then what? Does life ever go back to normal? What is
normal anyway?
My three dogs all came from kill shelters. The oldest
was a stray that was picked up by animal control. The first time we were in the
pasture when a car went down a bordering dirt road I knew how he came to be a
stray. He took off running after that car, completely ignoring my calls to
stop. Fortunately, the property is completely fenced so he was never in any
danger. And, yes, he’s gotten much better at following commands and not running
after vehicles.
My middle dog was just a puppy when she came to be
mine. We had lost a dog to cancer and the dog that is now my oldest was lonely.
The veterinarian recommended a puppy for him so that’s what he got. She is jet
black, with a ferocious bark. She is my protector and the one who rarely leaves
my side. She is a sweetheart.
She was not the unanimous choice to bring home. My
mother wanted a “pretty” one, maybe grey or spotted. She really wanted a
different breed. But I was determined to get the black Labrador/Weimaraner puppy.
Black dogs are generally the last adopted. I wanted a dog that was least likely
to get adopted.
My baby was on death row. He was about six months old
and an owner surrender. That’s something I will never understand. Adoption is
forever. But that’s a topic for a different time. The puppy that came in with
him had been euthanized two days earlier. This little guy was living on
borrowed time.
No one wanted him. No one. Can anyone else relate? So
I brought him home with me. He is beautiful, loving, and a bundle of energy. He
was just what all of us needed in our season of grief.
Why am I telling you all this? If we truly want to
experience the earthly version of God’s unconditional love for us, the best way
is with a dog. They teach us how to love and to put others before ourselves.
They show us what loyalty looks like. And forgiveness. They remind us of the
simple things in life – a good meal, a warm bed, hugs and kisses from those you
love.
Every dog deserves a home where he/she is loved. That’s
what pet rescues work so tirelessly to accomplish. They take in strays and save
as many as they can from kill shelters. They spend large amounts of money on
medical bills to heal and care for as many animals as they can.
So today remember those who are lost. And reach out to
those who live. Caring for animals can teach us and heal us in ways nothing
else can.
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