What a Boston Terrier Can Teach Us about Living Loved
What a beautiful world it would be if people had hearts like dogs. ~Anonymous
Twix, my Boston Terrier, knows deep down in his doggie heart that I love him unconditionally. In the five years since I’ve adopted him, he has exuded what it means to live loved.
No Shame
No matter who pays attention to him, his response is the same. He flips over onto his back and bares his belly. He’s not afraid to ask for a tummy rub, even from a stranger.
Twix can’t resist a chance to bathe in the sun.
He knows who he is and what his purpose is. Unlike so many people, he’s not worried about what they might think or appearing too needy. In fact, he does appear too needy. I always apologize to guests, but he doesn’t feel a bit sorry. He’s not ashamed of his needs.
Why are we ashamed to need affection and affirmation? An essential seems to us like weakness, so we don’t voice them. Or, am I the only one?
“I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.” Psalm 25:2 NIV
Knows where to get fed
When I go into the kitchen each morning to start the coffee, and again in the evening when I go in to prepare dinner, he waits patiently before his food dish. His big brown eyes say, “Please put something in there for me.”
Unlike a stray dog, he doesn’t have to dig through the trash or rely on random tidbits from handouts. Good quality food appears in his dish twice a day. He’s lavished with healthy, heart-shaped treats. Sometimes he’s even invited to partake in a delicious morsel that falls from the counter while I’m cooking.
Food for thought? What’s he pondering here?
So often I’ve found myself searching other places for enrichment and answers. Each time I’m reminded that all I need lies in God’s Word, which has been preserved and passed down for thousands of years.
“He gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:25 NIV
Follows me everywhere
If I’m writing or reading on the couch, Twix lounges in his little bed. If I’m at my desk, he curls up at my feet and snoozes. But the minute I get up, he stretches his stocky back legs and ambles along behind me, ever hopeful that something exciting will happen.
And if I get the leash out, it’s a happy dance! Either we’re headed out for a W-A-L-K, or we’re going bye-bye. No matter my destination, he’s vying to be right there with me.
Unlike Twix, I haven’t always been eager to follow God’s voice. I run ahead. I lag behind. My doubts and insecurities sometimes drown it out. But Twix knows a secret that all God’s children need to embrace—where the Good Stuff is.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 NIV
Did someone say, “walk?”
If you’ve got cute photos of your pets, post them in the comments section. Have they taught you any lessons about living loved or following the Master Love-Giver?
The Conversation
Awwww! Twix is the cutest. I tried to post a pic of our family pet but couldn’t figure out how to paste it here. 🙁 We used to spell out W-A-L-K too because our dog understands when we say “walk” and he goes crazy!
Thanks for this post. It’s amazing how both God’s creatures and His creation point us to Him.
Thank you, Maresa. I agree–whenever I take the time to notice, God is always showing me something from creation.
I have attempted something nerdy and techy. I downloaded a plug-in for attaching photos. There should be a choose file button under the post comment button. That will allow you to select the file name of an image. If you’re brave enough to try again, I’d love to see a photo of sweet Scamper!
P.S. So, after testing it, I’m getting an error. I’ll ask my resident computer expert to help me this weekend. Stay tuned! 🙂