Sunday 26 August 2018

Rescued

I was working at my computer the other day and there, beside me, was our dog fast asleep and snoring; oblivious of anyone around him. He often sleeps in this position.

I looked at him and thought, "I wonder whether he realises how lucky he is?"

We got him from a rescue centre some years ago. The rescue centre was full of dogs of all breeds and sizes, Alsatians, Huskies, Labradors, Dalmatians and various small dogs too. Each in his cage, side by side, barking and jumping at the cage door as you pass by. We felt sorry for all these abandoned dogs, some were young puppies. If we could, we would have adopted them all.

As we were moving from one cage to another trying to make up our minds, the attendant suggested we look at another dog. He took us to a secluded part of the rescue centre, and there, all alone in a solitary cage was the dog we were to adopt. I thought it funny at the time that he was in a cage away from the other dogs, especially since there were empty cages over there. Why was he left in a different area all alone?

The attendant took him out of the cage and the dog immediately jumped on us, waggling his tail and licking faces. It was as if he was pleading to be taken away.

The attendant read us his history. For confidential reasons he would not tell us who owned him and how he ended up in the rescue centre. But he told us that this dog had been re-homed several times, and each time he was returned to the rescue centre within a week or so. Obviously a problem dog; but the attendant would not tell us what was the problem.

The rescue centre had a policy not to put a healthy dog down. So, if not re-homed, this dog would spend his life in that cage away from all other dogs.

We decided to take a chance ... just for a week. That was ten years ago and the dog is still with us.

He was a problem dog. He attacked the furniture and  ruined the sofa. He was very fearful and followed us everywhere. Up the stairs, down the stairs, he was inches away from us. He still has the habit of coming down the stairs in front of us and then suddenly stop and look back to see if we're following. Rather a dangerous manoeuvre if we trip on him and come tumbling down the stairs. When we sit watching TV he comes close and literally falls asleep on our feet to make sure we do not move. He can be heavy, especially when your feet get numb with his weight.

But he is still with us. Does he realise how lucky he is?

A bit like us really. Do we know how lucky we are?

Let us look at our situation. Do we realise how lucky we are to live where we happen to live? In a town, city or in the countryside? Enjoying the amenities they offer?

Do we realise how lucky we are to be with the family we are with? To have been born and raised by the parents we have? Do we realise how lucky we are of the friendships we have made? The partners we have in life? The jobs we have? And all the other things we have in life?

Let's think about it for a moment. We could have been born anywhere else, in another time frame, in another set of circumstances, raised by other parents with totally different opportunities or lack thereof.

But we didn't. We were born and raised the way we are. For good or bad we are here.

How lucky we are.

Maybe ... there's Someone up there in control of it all!

26 comments:

  1. I love that you rescued him. I love that he tore up your couch and you still kept him. Some of us need more hugs than others.

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  2. We also have a rescue. She has it made! It makes you think...we rescue pets.....Jesus rescues us and loves us unconditionally. Have a blessed week!

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    1. Exactly right, Tina. We are all saved and rescued by Christ.

      Thank you for visiting my Blog. Please call again.

      God bless. Happy week.

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  3. We would all be like an abandoned pup were it not for the love of Jesus. And yes, Victor, you've definitely shown your dog the unconditional love he needed to turn the corner of trust.
    Blessings!

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    1. If only we all knew how much we owe Christ for His sacrifice.

      God bless you and yours Martha.

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  4. wonderful post on gratitude, and a lucky dog, so good of you.

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  5. We are lucky but sometimes we forget. Your dog is very lucky, all he needed was a chance and the right people just like us.
    Have a wonderful day, Victor!

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    1. Indeed, Bill. We are lucky and we don't often appreciate it. When I count my blessings I run out of fingers and toes several times over.

      God bless you, my friend.

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  6. We are blessed and unworthy of God's mercy and grace. How brave of you to take on a troubled dog!

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    1. Hello AnnMarie,

      How nice of you to visit me here. Thank you. Please call again soon and meet some new friends.

      You are so right that we are blessed, even though unworthy. Thanks be to God.

      God bless you.

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  7. Oh I know how very blessed I am and so very thankful.
    Bless you for rescuing a troubled dog. We all need recusing!

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    1. Yes Happyone. We are all very blessed indeed.

      God bless.

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  8. Lucky and blessed and assured of His love!! Great post and yes, a lucky pooch!

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    1. Yes, we are lucky indeed, Terri.

      God bless you always.

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  9. What a precious photo for National Dog Day!
    I once thought our dogs would be the death of me -- their first year they ate our sofa and chewed my mother's hope chest and the kitchen cabinets … to name a few. Then without realizing it, I fell in love. I'm so gratified to hear you exhibited the consistency and caring your boy was sorely missing. Neat reflection of our Savior's love!

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    1. I did not know it was National Dog's Day, Mevely.

      Our dog has ruined the sofa, and attacked the bathroom door. We were out and it is the only door he scratched and broke. None of the others. We can't work out why. We shut all doors when we're out except the bathroom. And he is happy this way. He does not seem interested (so far) with the doors to the bedrooms or other rooms.

      He has calmed down a little but is still very clingy and attached to us at all times.

      Praise God for His love and caring for us.

      God bless.

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  10. Victor I just loved this story!
    You, your wife and this precious dog were meant for each other.
    I would say God was looking out for all three of you.
    Thank you for telling us about the adoption of this beautiful companion and new member added to your family ten years ago! You were all meant to be together.

    Blessings

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    1. Hi Jan,

      My dog just said "Woof Woof!" I think he agrees with you.

      God bless you.

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  11. What a great post. Yes we should all spend time every day thanking God for what we have and belong to.

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    1. Indeed Manny. An many forget even to thank God.

      God bless.

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  12. Thanks for this story … it sounds to me that you were all meant to be together.

    All the best Jan

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    1. I guess you're right, Jan. He's a good companion really.

      God bless.

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