Oct. 9: Man’s Best Friend…and Healer

Dogs are known as man’s best friends because they protect and love all humans unconditionally.  Maybe in time, they’ll also become known as “physician assistants.”

Canines have a phenomenal sense of smell in addition to their many other treasured qualities.  In a recent study, German researchers showed that dogs can learn to detect lung cancer in humans by smelling breath samples.

“The dogs were also able to distinguish between patients with lung cancer and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as between smokers and nonsmokers,” writes Alice Park of Time magazine.

It’s not likely that domesticated dogs will be wearing medical white coats any time soon. As impressive as their diagnostic skills seem to be, the most important gifts that dogs can give us may be their ability to model true loyalty, love and friendship.  May we always strive to emulate our canines’ best qualities.

A friend loves at all times.  (Proverbs 17:17)

Lord, may we always appreciate the priceless value of unconditional friendship.