Tender Care

Do you have a dog that travels with you? My dog, Winston, traveled with me for 12 years. On one occasion, we were riding in my truck, which had no top and no windows. I stopped to get gas. As I was pumping gas, I noticed how well Winston was behaving. He wasn’t chewing up anything!

I looked at Winston and I said, “You’re so cute. I love you so much. You’re just the best in the whole wide world!” What I failed to realize is that within my line of sight was a great big ol’ boy who had just stepped out of his truck. He looked at me and all he could see from his perspective was me saying, “Oh, you’re just the greatest! I think you’re so cute!”

Our eyes suddenly met and I did what any guy would do. I said in a deep voice, “I’m talking about those Atlanta Braves. How about the Braves? Aren’t they the greatest!” Since the big guy didn’t seem too amused, I walked over, picked up Winston, held my dog to the guy and said, “I’m just talking about my dog!” We both burst out laughing!

If you have a faithful companion, give him a hug or a pat on the head for me. I miss my dog, Winston. It’s just not the same traveling without him. I think pets are indeed gifts from God so be kind to your animals today.

Sprinkled throughout the Word of God are verses that detail God’s care for animals and His expectation that man also care for His creation. We see this in Proverbs 12:10(a):

“A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal.”

Obviously, we shouldn’t put the needs of our pets above the needs of family and friends, but we also shouldn’t neglect the needs of our furry friends. Every creature serves a purpose on the earth and I believe cats, dogs, horses, hamsters and other pets provide us with companionship and unconditional love.

Category: Scripture