It’s a Dog-Eat-Dog World Out There

That phrase is used to describe a situation in which people will do anything to be successful, even if what they do harms other people. We don't have to look far to see that phrase a reality. No matter the business or profession, it's clear that phrase is true.
But, how much more beneficial it is to be in a “Dog-Love-Dog” World – both in the canine species and the human species.

Who would have thought that some of my best “pals” these days are dogs. It comes with my territory and my family. There’s my grand-dogs: Buddy, the 75-pound Australian Shepherd and Emma, the 4-pound Yorkie, who, I happen to be their caregiver right now while their family is out of town. I get a kick out of throwing the ball to Buddy (with a ball-thrower or else slimy-ball would be the case) and he retrieves it often in one catch in the air. As soon as I walk in the door, he runs to the backdoor for our “play ball” time. Little Emma, who often seems the alpha-dog of the pair, incessantly yaps at me wanting her time with me. There’s Bentley, a 25-pound Havanese who belongs to my Austin family. I also have another grand-dog, rock-solid and gentle, 79-pound bulldog, Athena, belonging to Braden and Ruth. I smile as I write this post because I’m not what you would consider a dog-lover. I profess to be a dog-liker because they ALL belong to those people-lovers in my life.

I think God must have a special love and delight for those who care for his creation. Jesus seemed to be enamored by animals as He often referred to them as a source of praise to God and revelation of the nature of faith, humility and peace. When we see Jesus’ interactions with creatures, we can better understand how we are called to relate to other creatures.

We’ve all heard the saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” I never thought that the roles could be reversed and that my grand-dogs could teach ME some life-lessons in turning this world into a dog-love-dog world:

Lesson 1: Restrictions are Good. Once all these grand-dogs were kennel trained – it was a great option when the families were away or night-time sleeping. Believe me – we knew the damage done when my “young” daughter’s dog, Desi, was left behind, free in the house. She had separation anxiety and tore our door-blinds to shreds. Now, all my grand-dogs are more “mature” and it's "open to roam" home policy. But, like the restrictions placed on our furry friends, we, too, need restrictions that hold us to safe and peaceful living. Thank God for the Ten Commandments and Jesus’ new commandments “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind….and your neighbor as yourself.” Those aren’t restrictions – they are freedom to love and be loved. What “dog” doesn’t want that?

Lesson 2 -- Bond with Others – When I lived a few months with my Frisco family, I would take Buddy for a morning walk. We would encounter dogs in fenced yards, barking like crazy and defending their territory. Buddy was leash trained, so he would look at them like “What is your problem?” I think, if he could talk, he’d tell those dogs “Let’s make love – not war!” As busy adults, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle and bustle, forgetting to make time for loved ones. Interaction with others can be a much-needed source of joy. We don't have to go it alone. Reaching out to a friend, or making a new friend, can truly make a difference in that other person’s life. And, spending time with others can be the first step on the path to making a difference in our lives.

Lesson 3: Run to Greet Those You Love; Hang Out with Those You Love -- There is something wonderful about coming home to those dogs so excited to see us. As soon as Buddy and Emma hear my car-door slam, they are at the front door barking and welcoming me home. Even sitting down, they just have to nudge in as close as they can to us. So why don’t we do this for each other? Appreciating the people we love and care about isn’t just something we feel, it’s also something we do. And what better way to show someone you care than by greeting them with a big hug or a kiss when they arrive home? And, what better way to show our love to someone, by getting as close as we can to them when we’re watching TV or just sitting down to relax. As adults, it’s easy to take our relationships for granted. But dogs know that every time you see someone you love can be just as exciting as the first. Remembering this can only strengthen our relationships.

Lesson 4: Live in the Moment -- Dogs don’t have some big master plan. They aren’t worried about the past, and aren’t terrified of the future. They live right here in the present moment. What a truly a joyous and positive way of living our life! Stop to smell the roses. Breathe in the fresh air. Put our phone down and fully experience where we are. Maybe we should stick our heads out the car window with the wind blowing in our faces to remind us to live in the present.

Thanks to our great Creator for creating some of our best friends and teachers and if we'd live in gratitude and love like them, then, for sure it would be a dog-love-dog world!

Living in Harmony Like our Animal Friends

I seem to get good blog material when I'm here in Austin as the animal caregiver. These critters -- the chickens and ducks in their pen and coop, and the donkeys and goats in their barn and field areas live together in harmony – but they do have their cantankerous moments. The goats with horns seem to dominate the larger Nubian long-eared goats. And there’s one horned-goat “Oreo” who gets very possessive of his bowl of feed. He’s not willing to share with any of the other goats. I scold him and push him back so another goat can share with him. It is a temporary solution. The youngest donkey gets possessive of the feed container for just him and his mom. I scold him and I invite Molly, the biggest donkey back in. It’s typically a harmonious kingdom but not always a peaceful kingdom.

Then there’s the longhorn Vamanos who is in a field all to himself. He is peaceful and stately, Texas-stately, for sure. No complaints out of him. He just waits patiently for his giant rubber container of feed and several stacks of hay. And, there’s the peaceful, “saintly” Havanese dog who is my shadow and sidekick. But then, he has no other dogs to compete with or to have to tolerate – just like Vamamos. Instead of perfect harmony – that’s perfect solo living. But, who wants to go it “solo” all the time?

The fact is God created animals and human beings to co-exist. He created us to not necessarily agree all the time, but to harmonize by agreeing to disagree without bitterness and hatred. To respect each other even when we are complete opposites in faith, ideals, and persuasions. My grandson took me for a tour of downtown Austin a couple of days ago -- to the State Capital Building and Congress Avenue where there are all kinds of sights and sounds and people groups, and silly photo opportunities everywhere (i.e., Willie for President). We had lunch in a trendy place with great food and packed with people. Our waiter was a proud, friendly gay man who gave us excellent service. He was hilarious and outgoing. I was overcome with love for this man and whispered a prayer for him. I’m sure we have little in common, but what we do have in common is we our neighbors and I love him as I love myself. I gave him a good tip, a hug, and told him I loved him when we left. I meant it.

Life is full of unexpected plot twists and exciting cliff-hangers, and in a world where technology is progressing at an ever-accelerating pace, it’s about high-time we learned to stop and smell the roses, the barnyards, the restaurants and the places where people are. Jesus didn’t always hang out in the temple. He was going to the tax-collectors' and sinners' homes and other places that others deemed questionable. By hanging out with the undesirables, Jesus shows me His great capacity for love and compassion. By consistently taking those with off-the-track thinking and getting them back-on-track, He teaches us real lessons we can learn when we "do what Jesus did".

I look at the peace in these animals when they are in the field, calmly co-habitating, eating grass, mulling around, sharing the space together. We humans are the pinnacle of God's creation and we are the beings created in His image. When we live and act with compassion and sensitivity, we become more like God. Maybe that’s one of the reasons He created so many varieties of animals. If we looked at the ants and took on their diligence and determination. The birds of the air how they toil not and worry not. The peace of this little dog that is laying beside me now – he knows he’s loved and cared for – and shouldn’t we feel the same way about our Father God who cares infinitely more about us than the animal kingdom? After all, He loved us so much He gave His one and only Son to die for us so that we could live with Him forever. The closer we become to God, the more we realize, that He really made us to be "caretakers of the world – caretakers of each other." A barometer for one's sensitivity towards animals and other people may eventually lead to goodwill for all mankind. I hear those Christmas words again “Peace on earth. Goodwill to all men (and women).”

Want Inspiration? Spend Time With Animals AND Kids!

Since a little girl, one of my goals in life was to be a mommy. I spent hours playing and being a mommy to my baby dolls. At 12, I started babysitting and my love for children became even greater. Later, my husband and I managed a daycare of 85 children. You must love children to run a daycare. We did!

My love for children is one of the reasons that I work at Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. I thoroughly enjoy serving in Radiology where I can love on those with broken or fractured bones. Other kids have much more serious orthopedic issues. The love and care they receive are second to none. I feel like, in some way, I’m brightening their day and helping to dispel any fears that might have. So, of course, when asked if I’d help with the hospital’s Farm and Ranch Day on Saturday – I did.

I felt at home with all the farm animals. After all, I’m quite the ranch-hand, especially after my husband and I had 75-head of cattle and a horse on our 150-acre Oklahoma tract of land and helping out with my Austin family's many farm animals, including chickens. So, I was amused I was assigned to show the week-old baby chicks and the sweet children fascinated by them.

Most all the children have been or are patients of the hospital where they receive such amazing care. This day was, of itself, therapy. Children were able to learn so much about what farms bring us. A dairy farmer demonstrated how cows are milked these days – certainly not “old school” as he attached the devices that milk them. There was a western group there that showed kids how to ride and rope mock horses, get their photos taken on the stagecoach (me, too). There were grown egg-laying hens, pigs, goats, and a pool stocked with huge catfish where kids could fish and catch the fish. Miniature therapy horses were there that inspire and soothe patients who are learning how to use adaptive equipment like walkers and prostheses. It was an overall great day of family fun.

I was especially touched by this sweet boy on the tractor in the photo. Earlier, I saw him with his running blades prosthetics on getting knocked down accidentally by a little girl. He looked up at the little girl and said: “I’m so sorry!” As if, it was his fault. "What a little gentleman. You have taught him well. It wasn't even his fault!" I said to his mother. He was a champion and one of the children so blessed to have been cared for by this wonderful hospital of dedicated medical staff.

see hope and vision in these precious children. They are made to feel nothing is impossible in their lives. They can overcome any obstacle that they are facing. I’m reminded of a sweet song the children’s choir that I directed years ago sang. “I am a promise - I am a possibility - I am a promise with a capital - I am a great big bundle of potentiality - And I am learning to hear God’s voice - And I am trying to make the right choices - I’m a promise to be - anything He wants me to be!""

We can learn a lot from these kids. Many folks have grown bitter and disappointed through their years and have lost their hope and vision, so they want us to lose ours as well. They don’t feel like a bundle of potentiality, so they don’t want anyone else to feel like one either! This post today is to tell you “Don’t listen to naysayers. Listen to God. If He has called you to climb a mountain, cross a sea, teach a class, sing a song, make a speech, build a bridge, write a book, fly a plane, land a plane and even jump out of a plane -- then JUST DO IT. Make this your personal slogan: “I CAN DO all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. You are a possibility!

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?

"Let EVERYTHING That Has Breath Praise the Lord!" Psalm 150:6

No wonder animals of every kind inhabit this earth. God's "human beings" choirs of praise are just not enough to offer adequate praise. Surely God embedded in each of his creatures -- the ability to be PRAISERS.

Though I’m in a sweet spot of isolation to be head over heels, wrapped all up in audacious time with the Lord, I’m still able to observe out my windows the daily lives being lived out by my two youngest grandsons. Knowing Nana is not to be disturbed during these 4 weeks of solitude, it was too much for Brennan to bear when he came to my door and said, “Nana, I just have to get a hug.” And younger brother, Bryson, wanted me to see his new buddies that were added to the mix of animals at the Wuerch’s animal kingdom. Now two new miniature donkeys live here too. This sweet boy has a natural affinity to God’s creatures. His tender heart is open to caring and providing for one and all.....daily.

Early in the morning, I ventured out for a morning walk and I noticed that the goats were on one side of the fence and the gate was closed to the other side which housed the new donkeys. We know that first day is important to integrate into their new culture, void of “issues” that could arise from possessive goats, who, by the way, predate all the animals here and know this is their domain. At any given time of the day, you’ll see folks at the outside fence feeding the goats and letting their little children pet them. It really does remind you of Animal Kingdom.

But the concern was for naught because a day later, the gates were opened and the goats and donkeys were living together in one accord – each sharing their grassy delicacies.

I could easily segue here to talk about coming together as one to live life respecting each others’ differences and celebrating each others commonalities, but instead, I will use this post as a reminder that God created us AND creatures for His divine purposes. The most of which is to offer Him praise and honor. Before there were humans, there were living breathing creatures to praise the Lord. And then he created man, and God saw that it was good because now all living beings could join in anthems of praise to their creator. And, if those creatures don’t do their jobs well of praising…..He even declared that the rocks would cry out in praise to Him. (Luke 19:40)

Maybe we shouldn’t discredit the insect, the sparrow, the walrus or the rhino. They are here because there just isn’t enough praise being offered up to our God. Perhaps the next time we see a flock of geese or a herd of cattle, we just might imagine them as choirs of praise to our God who is worthy of all praise. "Praise the Lord, you from the earth, you creatures of the sea and all you depths, living creatures and livestock, insects and flying birds..." Psalm 148:7,10

God put animals on the planet and gave them a mandate as well. Part of the human calling is to help them fulfill this mandate in a way that enables them to reach their full potential in creation. They not only enrich our lives, they point to the creator of all things. Animals are not only worthy of our respect. They deserve it.

"Some Pharisees from the crowd told him, 'Teacher, get your disciples under control!' But He said, 'If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise.'" (Luke 19:37-40). Stones not needed -- Animal Kingdom and Human Kingdom are shouting our praises!