Love Your Pets

Via TJC

“Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12‬:‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

I’ve always been a dog person—for better or worse. When I was about four, a chow bit my face and left a scar because I was pulling its tail, but it never changed how I felt about dogs. Growing up, we weren’t allowed to have pets because of the extra responsibility and cost, yet I always wanted one. Most of my encounters with dogs were positive, especially my mom’s boyfriend’s black lab, Pounder. I thought he was the coolest. I’d throw a tennis ball or stick into the water and he’d bring it back every time, happy just to play while I got to be myself. One weekend when I was sick and lying by the fireplace, Pounder stayed right beside me the entire time.

Years later, when I met my wife, she had a cocker spaniel–poodle mix named Toby. I assumed I’d be playing second fiddle—because if the dog didn’t like me, she probably wouldn’t either. Let’s face it, dogs are better judges of character than we are. Toby was protective and didn’t like guys, so I had to pass the canine sniff test, play test, and treat test. We ended up making great memories playing hide-and-seek, chasing ridiculous squeaky toys, and running around the beach with a half-deflated basketball. I’m not the kind of guy who keeps a photo of his pet on the dashboard, but I definitely cried when Toby passed.

Now we have two Aussies we’ve raised from puppies who are almost four years old. The same love is there—just a little different—and we often get compliments on how well they walk off leash like true herding dogs. They were free, and yes, they count when someone asks how many people are in our family. After Toby, there was an emptiness that anyone who has loved a pet understands. You hesitate to get another because you know it won’t be the same, yet you miss the daily greeting, the unconditional love, and the simple joy of being wanted. In many ways, pets remind us of God’s loyalty and commitment to us—and how we should live as bearers of the cross. 

Daily Battle Order:

Love on your pet today and change it up to show your loyalty and commitment.