“O Lord, what a variety of things You have made!
In wisdom you have made them all.
The earth is full of Your creatures.” Psalm 104
This girl came to live with us in a very crucial time in my life. We were empty nesters. My career had shifted dramatically. I needed a fresh start.
Belle (so named because her husband was Elvis, and clearly he would want a Memphis Belle) taught me something every day. We invested in each other. I bought her good food, and she became my personal trainer, pulling me up hills and challenging me to walk more often.
“Just ask the animals, and they will teach you.
Ask the birds of the sky, and they will tell you.” Job 12
She snuggled and comforted me in times of grief, and yipped and played during times of celebration. She wiped my tears of sadness and helped me be still when I needed to rest. If I sat for too long she would bark at me and tap my leg. (She would also do this if she wanted the food I was eating.) She loved popcorn, a good scone (or a bad one), enjoyed a tri-tip or two, and even liked broccoli!
Her protection was not as fierce or intimidating as Elvis’s had been, but I pity anyone who would have tried to bring me harm. If you were a friend and not a foe, Belle loved you, even if you didn’t love her… especially if you didn’t love her… She considered it her personal mission to make everyone a dog person.
Every morning, I would get up, pour my coffee, and settle in my comfy chair for quiet time and the sunrise. After a few minutes, I would hear her toenails clicking on the tile. She sat at my feet until I patted the chair beside me. And she didn’t sit next to me; she sat on me. (She was NOT a little girl for much of her adult life.) This always reminded me that God’s mercies are new every morning.
She seemed almost human sometimes. In fact, one time, she was being especially naughty, and I caught myself saying, “Would you please act like a normal human being?” Apparently, somewhere along the way, I forgot she was actually a dog.
Animals may not reflect characteristics of God, but as we studied the faithfulness of God yesterday, it reminded me of the faithfulness of my baby girl dog. She was faithful to her last day. God’s faithfulness never ends.
“The Lord is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all his creation.” Psalm 145
Belle was part of His creation. He cared about her even more than I ever could. I imagine her chasing butterflies and Frisbees in Heaven now, drinking from a stream next to a bear, and lying down next to a lion at nap time.
It is excruciating to let go, but that is part of life here on earth. My sweet puppy… you will forever have a place in my heart.
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