“The Lord takes
pleasure in all He created!" ~ Psalm 104:31
For nearly 5 years, Teddy’s loyalty was unwavering,
something given freely, unconditionally. But when his owners sold their home to
a young couple, they listed their prized belongings and, regrettably, their
mixed-breed pup didn’t make the cut.
Tethered to a tree, Teddy
sat exactly where they left him. He didn’t try to escape in search of food,
shelter, or even companionship because he knew the family that he’d known his
entire life would soon return for him. He loved them deeply in ways no human
could ever comprehend.
Crushed by feelings of
abandonment, Teddy felt confused, unwanted, afraid. There were nicer, less
cruel ways of parting company.
But today’s curse can
become tomorrow’s blessing.
Marcus and April Delgado hurried to their new home after
the closing. Upon arrival, they discovered Teddy, weak and visibly crestfallen,
lying near death in the backyard.
Marcus cautiously
approached the sweet pooch and released him from the leash. Struggling to
stand, the pup sniffed the stranger once, and without any command to do so, sat
down, looked directly at Marcus, and lifted his small front paw to be shaken.
The lifelong dog lover
had never seen an unfamiliar dog raise a paw to be shaken at a first meeting. April
bent down and petting the little furball said “We’re going to make your life so
much better, buddy, you’ll never be left alone outside again.”
Teddy’s tail began to
wag enthusiastically. After enduring prolonged periods alone outdoors, he could
instinctively feel the presence of a loving pair who would cherish him.
The Delgado’s invited
their new canine friend inside. Not surprisingly, he seemed unfamiliar with the
home’s interior. They fed and bathed Teddy, who remained remarkably calm throughout.
But following a refreshing bath, Teddy raced around the cozy living room. His
tail became a blur of wagging delight, signaling pure joy with his new
surroundings and good fortune.
Showered with warm baths, delicious treats, and plenty of
hugs, he cherished their companionship, faithfully accompanying his new parents
everywhere, especially adventures requiring car rides with the windows wide
open.
It seems that Teddy got
the safe, loving home he deserved all along.
Almost four million
dogs are either given up to shelters or abandoned each year. It’s hard to fathom
how humans can treat such innocent creatures with such blatant disregard.
But it isn’t difficult
to imagine the pleasure that animals bring God when we consider the pleasure we
derive from watching our own children. We even enjoy seeing animals with whom
we have no creative connection. Given that, it is understandable that the One
who created all things would enjoy them immeasurably. If you can’t love one
like a family member, don’t get one.
