Animal Lovers & People Lovers -- Let's Unite!!

I was having my early-morning devotion on the Wuerch Family’s back patio when Bryson, my 10 year old joined me. Oh how I love that boy and the “talks” we have. We started talking about how crazy the world seems and what a shame it is that people are being so ugly to each other. I said, “You know, Bryson, that’s not the way God created us to be. In the beginning He created the Garden of Eden. In fact it looked just like this (I pointed to the backyard). It was so peaceful and beautiful.. But Adam and Eve disobeyed God. They ate the apple from the one tree that He said they shouldn't eat from. Ever since then we’ve been doing things that God says not to do. He told us to love and be at peace. And what does God’s people do? We argue and complain and dislike each other. We take ourselves out of the Garden of Eden because of those kinds of mistakes.” Then Bryson gave his profound response to my Bible lesson and insights. “Nana, there wasn't concrete in the Garden of Eden. There wasn't a basketball court. There were no houses.” Oh my goodness. That boy. My joy.

Actually, Bryson does bring a little Garden of Eden to me as he represents so much peace to me. I accompany him to see after his animals – the longhorn, a barn cat, five goats and two miniature donkeys: Molly and Firecracker. By the way, there will be a baby arriving to the Wuerch’s animal kingdom in October. Firecracker is “with child….rather foal”.

Then there’s Bentley, their dog. Bryson loves all animals with all his heart. A garden snake was in their yard and Brennan was about to kill it, when Bryson stepped in to save the day for the snake. He has built-in compassion for animals.

Bryson and I took Brennan to his baseball game on Sunday, with spare time to visit the “Austin Pet Alive” animal shelter. They are a part of a network of shelters that have rescued over 2,000 dogs and cats from abandonment after Hurricane Harvey. Hundreds are at the Austin location. They are scrambling to reunite the pets to their owners. I saw so many loving volunteers there who didn't seem to notice all the loud barking. Neither did Bryson. He said, “Nana, I think I’m in heaven!”

I don't profess to being an animal lover, but I appreciate the love people have for their pets, My compassion extends more to people. The key word here is compassion. I know people who treat their pets like family. I see those heart-wrenching times when a family’s beloved pet passes away. I see how people get indignant when animals are abused and they talk about it passionately on social media. I understand that people get attached to animals for a number of reasons, but it’s mostly a combination of their biology and need for affection. As for the biology, when people touch and look at their pet, it makes their brain release chemicals that makes them feel good. The need for affection boils down to the fact that pets offer unconditional love. And unconditional love feels good.

Preferring a dog over humans seems absurd to me, but I know those beloved pets are always there for their owners. Sweet Bentley in the Wuerch household, lives for our contact with him. He will never disparage us. He has no hidden motives. He gives consistent, unconditional love. He only barks when someone comes to the front door but welcomes them with a wag and a kiss and laying on his back for a tummy rub. He’ll also be a great consoler to you if you need it, because he’ll jump up by you to keep you company.

I started this post today with “God’s creation and beauty that He made for you and me.” We got it messed up when we humans lost our compassion for each other. You know that part that says “Love your neighbor as you love yourself; be kind to each other – tender-hearted with mercy – forgiving one another.”

Somewhere, along the way, we became consumed with judgementalism instead of gratefulness. I’m liking the sound of a dog’s life where we simply show up for each other and give each other consistent, unconditional love. That sure makes the animals sound like they have a lot more of the character of God than we do. Our great, unconditional loving and compassionate God is consistent – never changing – and is the great consoler when we need His love the most. No wonder my grandson loves animals. Just maybe, his love, is the Father’s love for all of mankind. I’m going to think like that and desire to be like that. How about you?