OUTDOOR TRUTHS

The only time I can remember being without a dog was during my college years. They have been a part of my life ever since I was a child. I even raised and sold pups for a few years. But even though I have always had a dog, I don’t consider myself a dog lover. The reason is that I have met a few people who truly are. To them, their dog is a close family member and is treated as such. Two of my dear friends are dog lovers. Not only have I witnessed their furry affection, but I have watched them grieve deeply over the loss of their four-legged friends. It was the same grief I have seen in so many people over the years. Tears, heartache, questions, and even anger were as real as if they had lost a blood relative. I grieved with them. They are dog lovers.

But my home had never been like that until Snatch came along. Snatch came from the local animal shelter. My son picked him out for his own family but because of circumstances had to hand him over to us. He soon became my wife and grandson’s dog. They treated him like royalty and made sure he lived a life of canine luxury. In return, Snatch obeyed every instruction they uttered. Every single one. If a visiting dog came to our house, Snatch accepted it. When our children had babies, Snatch recognized them as part of the family. He has been nearly the perfect dog. In dog years, he is now in his 80s (or older). Recently he began losing weight and after a trip to the vet, we discovered a mass that is terminal. His last days are coming this week. My dog lovers are grieving. And this time, I am grieving too.

I have so much I want to say about God and dogs. I want to remind you that there are souls that are not human. And dogs are among God’s creations that have a soul. I want to remind you that dogs reveal the grace of God in that they are always waiting for you to return, no matter what you have just done. I want to remind you that God gave dogs purpose. They serve and love. They give comfort and security. Dogs are evidence for the existence of God. Only God could create something so complete. And yet, my dog-loving friend John wondered why God didn’t allow man’s best friend to live a longer life. I mean an alligator can live up to 80 years. But who wants a pet alligator? Why are our life-giving, therapeutic, love-filled dogs with us for only a relatively short period of time? I pondered that question. And the only answer I know is that God knew there would be more dogs than there would be dog lovers. So, to give each pup an opportunity to love and be loved, He made their lives shorter so that humans could love several of them during their own lifetimes. Dog lovers are not simply pet owners. They are a special breed of humans who have been given a gift to love a special breed of animals. And while they will grieve more than most throughout their lives, perhaps they will love longer and deeper as well.

Gary Miller

Outdoortruths.org

Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 24 years.

He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Stay updated on Outdoor Truths each week by subscribing at Outdoortruths.org