She’s Not “Just a Dog”
To you, she may be just a dog.
Another mouth to feed.
Something else to keep alive and take care of.
You may think I’m crazy.
Extreme or even over-protective.
It’s okay, you just don’t see her as I do.
To me, she’s loved.
A member of the family.
We will love her as long as God allows.
With joy, she greets me every morning.
Often with a toy and a wagging tail.
If I move too slowly she will begin to chew.
For if she’s awake, then I should be too.
The toys are everywhere.
Big and small.
Squeaky and quiet, she doesn’t judge.
She loves them all.
Walks are the best.
Sniffing and barking and taking it all in.
Prancing down the sidewalk as if she owns it.
Unafraid and sassy.
I don’t know who is more bummed when it’s time for work -
Me or her?
It’s Monday again?
Oh no.
I know one thing is certain.
It does not matter how long I have been away -
Five minutes or eight hours -
I will be greeted with the most unconditional love there ever was.
She jumps up and down excitedly, ready to play and snuggle.
She does not know I had a rough day.
She does not know that I’m tired.
She does not know I don’t feel like going for a walk or playing.
She only knows how to love.
And to do puppy things of course.
She senses when I’m anxious and crawls into my lap.
She leans in close to lick the tears away when I’ve had all that I can take.
She helps me take one step at a time out of my comfort zone.
She keeps me from being lazy and keeps me on my toes.
So she’s more than “just” a dog to me.
I’m thankful for her and the love she’s shown to me.
She’s taught me how to love and how to be patient when things don’t go my way.
I’ve learned to be thankful for the small things and the little things along the way.
One moment at a time is all I have.
I pray I live it well.
To me, she is a blessing.
I am a better human because of her.
Lilly loves us well and we love her too.
Proverbs 12:10 - Amplified Bible (AMP)
A righteous man has kind regard for the life of his animal,
But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.
