It was a Friday in May. My mother was giving me my weekly piano lesson when I heard the screech of a car and yelp of our cocker spaniel-mix dog named Amigo. He was mortally wounded and died.

I’ll not forget the sadness I felt that afternoon. We had plans to go to a carnival in town that evening and then I was to stay at a friend’s house overnight. I can remember sitting on the ferris wheel with my sister Eileen, wanting to enjoy the ride, but I was heartbroken. I just wanted to go home and be sad. Amigo was gone! The thickness of grief was there.

Animals grab hold of our hearts and give us unconditional love. When a child, a dog–or cat–are the perfect living being to tell our troubles to. They are not judgmental. They keep our secrets and simply love us. They’re also a good place to cry when we are an adult and are grieving and sad.

After Amigo, there were other dogs in my life that have captured my heart. There was Fritz. And Dixie. Mike. Tina. Blackie.  Scooter. Card. Poco.

(Clockwise) Rudy as a pup, on the beach and all grown up

Now, there is Rudy.

Dogs can steal your heart and when they’re gone, we’re sad. There is One–the Creator and Savior–who is always present and we can go to him anytime.

God is there:

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1 NIV).

When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze (Isaiah 43:2 NIV).

Without a pet, life would be not as interesting. I’m so glad God created them. He must have known we needed “man’s best friend” to be our best buddy. Some of you have cats who bring companionship and comfort or even some other domesticated animal and you love them like I do my dog.

I’ll include a hymn I taught the children in my music classes years ago now. The words don’t name dogs, but they do talk about God’s creation. Dogs–and other loved pets are definitely part of our Father’s world. Enjoy!

Get these Blog posts emailed directly to you.