Thank You,
For bringing this foster dog into my life!
Had I not made the decision to participate in rescue,
I would never have had the chance to meet him.
If I has sat here comfortably in my home and said
"I already have four dogs and I know that I couldn't take in another
even on a temporary basis," I would never have met this dog.
Yes, it takes time to rescue and foster...but who gave me the time in the first place?
And why or what was the reason that I was given Time? To fill my own needs?
Or was there another reason ever so small and seemingly insignificant,
like rescuing this one dog that could make a difference in another's life?
Perhaps to add joy, hope, help and companionship to another who is in need?
With great sadness, I sat down on a footstool in my kitchen this morning
and watched as this foster dog bounced back into the house
and skidded across the floor to sit ever so perfectly in front of me.
He was the picture of health, finally. He was all smiles for me...
And I smiled back at his happy face.
Deep in his eyes, the storm clouds of illness and generalized
poor health had blown away, and the clear light of his perfection
radiated out from his beautiful soul. He holds no ill will toward man.
He forgives us all. I thought to myself, as I impressed this one last long look
of her into my heart, what a very fine creature You have created.
Tears slowly pooled and spilled over my cheekbones
as the deeper realization of how wonderful this dog is,
sank into my internal life cabinet of Needful Things to Remember.
Lord, he is a dog - but he is a better human being that I am.
He has forgiven quickly. Would I do the same? He passionately enjoys
the simple things in life. And I have often overlooked them.
He accepts change and gets on with his life. I fuss and worry about change.
He lives today and loves today. And I often dwell in the past
or worry about the future. He loves no matter what. I am not that free.
This very lovely dog has gone to his new home today
and I already miss him.
Thank You for bringing this dog into my life.
And thank you for the beautiful and tender lesson
on how to be a better human.