What Would I Do Without God
August is National Dog Month
In honor of National Dog Month, I’d like to extol the wonderful qualities dogs bring to our lives. I believe God gave them souls. I believe we get to see them again in Heaven. They love us unconditionally, greeting us like we are kings and queens, literally rolling out the red carpet for us as we approach our front door. I’m surprised they don’t somehow create bouquets of flowers to present to us, too, every time we arrive home. One of my favorite sayings is, “God, please help me to be the person my dog thinks I am.”
Oh, the copious talents God poured over our canine friends! They possess preternatural intelligence. With their sense of smell, which happens to be 1,000 to 10,000 times greater than ours, many of us have watched stories where they hunt down and sniff out bombs and drugs. They can find the lost. They are so in tune with human needs they can provide health services. These furry friends are the true heroes in the world.
One of my favorite pastimes in life is meeting new doggies. I love learning their personalities –some outgoing, some shy. They allow us to dress them up for Halloween, always game for whatever the human “pack” is doing. These furballs have the patience of a saint.
When I consider the many problems this world happily dishes out, I re-read a profound Bible verse, and it consoles me. “I have told you these things so that in Me you will have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Our Creator provided us with these outstanding four-legged family members who can help us, and want to!
1st Gift: Bomb and Drug Hunting Ability
At the MSA Academy near Hartford, Connecticut, anyone can witness God’s miraculous gift of dog achievement. For eight to nine years, the same handler scrupulously trains these intrepid beings. They learn how to distinguish and isolate a chemical odor, an integral part of any bomb. they practice multiple repetitions and get rewards when they catch the scent. They rehearse with diverse luggage lined up against a wall, and underneath pallets, where these telltale vapors settle in a more concentrated manner.
When dogs are taught to find a drug cache, their teachers instill in them a strong association between a favorite toy and a narcotic odor placed in it. These courageous helpers give an “alert” when they have found the same odor that has been on their toy.
2nd gift: Finding the Lost
Dogs can track a human’s air scent, a mile and a half away, plus! The training for this skill is intense! Sniffing a piece of clothing, from the lost, begins the focus. These hard workers must concentrate and not get distracted, no matter what. Practice begins with simple, close-by hiding and finding, then grows to farther-away spots, then advances to inclement weather. Handlers know when their trainee gets a “hit”, because their demeanor suddenly changes. And boy, do these steadfast souls deserve all the treats they earn! Man’s best friends are quite impressive to watch. I’ll bet God had fun creating these smart, precious beings.
3rd Gift: Mental and Physical Health Services
Service dogs are highly trained, and have worked long and diligently to meet specific, official requirements. This is vital to everyone’s safety.
By their very nature, dogs boost up a depressed person. These creatures are invaluable aids for life. I met a dog once who knew when his epileptic owner was about to have a seizure. Alex The Wonder Dog, a Golden Retriever, helped my friend, Terry, who uses a wheelchair, load and switch her laundry. The kindness and intuition of these animals are astonishing to behold.
Annabelle, The Dog Whisperer
Annabelle is a dear friend who has a huge heart for all kinds of doggies, and they know it. I’m sure that, upon awakening, these sweet ones beg their owners to go play at Annabelle’s house! Annabelle has created a Dog-Care Business, and she is in high demand. There are happy, furry clients all over her neighborhood, just thrilled and blessed to have her take care of them. This bright young woman learned some service dog training techniques while she was training Luna. Annabelle appreciates and respects the huge effort which goes into this endeavor.
These darlings bring us wonderment, solace and sheer joy. Their gifts of bomb/drug hunting, people finding and service, forever show us God’s loving assistance here on Earth.
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