Had
I not made the decision to participate in rescue, I would never have had
the chance to meet her. If I had 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 time in the first place?
And why or what was the reason 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. She
was the picture of health, finally. She was all smiles for me . . . and
I smiled back at her happy face. Deep in her eyes, the storm clouds of
illness and generalized poor health had blown away, and the clear light
of His perfection radiated out from her beautiful soul. She holds no ill
will toward man. She 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
file cabinet of Needful Things to Remember. Lord, she's a dog—but
she's a better human being than I am. She forgives quickly. Would I do
the same? She passionately enjoys the simple things in life, and I have
often overlooked them. She accepts change and gets on with her life! I
fuss and worry about change. She lives today and loves today. And I often
dwell in the past or worry about the future. She loves no matter what.
I am not that free. This very lovely dog has gone to her new home today,
and already I 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.
—Author Unknown
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