I have had another opportunity to walk our friend's dog twice day this last week. I was thinking I haven't had a lot of dogs in my life, in fact we have only had two. The first when I was about seven till I was eleven, Divvy was his name.
When we were in Iowa we found Annie at the pound and she was our pet for fifteen years. But as I think back I remember other dogs in my life that were dogs of good friends. I remember a German Short Hair that was owned by my best friend in Spokane and when I went to visit I wanted to be sure to see their dog, I think he remembered me.
I also had a really good friend who had a dog that was smaller than an Irish Setter and golden in color called "Morning." I really loved that dog. I would dog sit her often. We would walk in the parks and as I passed people I would call out her name and people would politely respond. I suppose that was getting me ready for Iowa, for when ever you saw someone on the streets in our small town you would always say hello, whether you knew them or not.
Dogs can teach us a lot.
They are so great, by just giving them a little food and attention, they are your friend for life. If we could see God's unconditional love in creation I think it definitely is found in dogs.
If you want a good friend I urge you to make friends with your neighbors dog and as you learn to enjoy their companionship and attention, maybe you can learn, like I have, that unconditional love can be given away as well as received.
Happy dog befriending,
Pastor Randy
