Years ago, I kept saying to my family that my husband needed a dog. He was disabled, unable to work, and spent a fair amount of time alone while I worked outside the home. I thought a dog would be a good companion. Well, behind my back, my sister conspired with one of my daughters and one evening, said daughter came and plopped a little bundle of white fluff into my lap. Upon closer inspection, I saw the fluff had four legs and two eyes staring at me, just as bewildered as I was. (Be careful what you say out loud.)
It was natural to name her Charlie as she’s a King Charles Cocker Spaniel/Bichon Frise mix. She was supposed to be perfect for older people who might live in an apartment, have low energy needs, and be a sweet companion. She was anything but low energy. She loved being outside, but country living meant leashes and harnesses, both to protect her from hawks and foxes and to keep her from chasing the cows. She was supposed to be Gary’s dog, but Charlie adopted me as her person. It took a while to appreciate the joys of a puppy.
Shortly after, we moved near Precious Moments outside of Carthage, and it became a personal walking spot. The beauty of the grounds is restorative, and many times Charlie and I were there after hours with the buildings closed. It was an opportunity for quietness and time to recharge at the end of the day.
Initially, I thought I was just exercising the dog, but God brought many divine appointments into our walks. I met a lady whose husband had been laid off from her job – she was sitting alone, reading a book, looked up and started asking about Charlie. Before long, we were sharing and prayed together. I met a man who had driven from Kansas City to see Precious Moments. He was grieving the loss of his son and knew the story of the founder Sam Butcher’s own loss. It was as if speaking to one from another world as he spoke of God’s goodness and the gift his son had been. Charlie again made the introductions. My walks at Precious Moments, I have, I say, hold many ‘precious memories.’ Ask about the time I startled a raccoon – as if in a Disney movie – slowly popping his head up from one of the trash cans. We were both surprised!
Charlie’s a royal ambassador, allowing connections with friends and neighbors. She has a birth defect, which has turned into arthritis, causing quite a limp, but that does not stop her. You can easily spot us. We’re the ones with a purple baby stroller and Charlie riding with what looks like a grin on her face. Charlie has helped spark many conversations – even from people who have slowed down their car, lowered the window, and friends are made over the top of the stroller.
It’s a beautiful thing to be part of a praying church and a blessing to see how God moves His people to be courageous as they ask others to pray on their behalf. But when the request comes from a child, that blessing takes on a whole new level, a special sweetness. And often it’s a request for their pets. It may seem silly to pray for a frog, dog, cat, or hamster but not to a child. Our adult minds only see humor in it rather than the importance of it. When we find the time to press pause, there are lessons we can learn from the simplicity of a child’s conversation with God as they consider nothing is too little or too big for God. Their faith and trust in God and the love they have for their pets teaches so much – lessons I can learn – if I pay attention.
As I think about my four-legged friend, I can see a reflection of God and His character mirrored in His creation. And if I do pay attention, Charlie reminds me of God’s unconditional love, His faithfulness, divine grace and devotion. In this reflection of God’s character, her willingness to forgive and to remain present through difficult times, reminds me of His longsuffering and patience.
I am grateful God loves His creation – from calling everything good from the beginning and keeping a loving and watchful care – even when a sparrow falls from the sky. It is comforting to know and remember: “Every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.” Psalm 50:10.
And I am grateful for children who demonstrate an uncomplicated faith and confidence as they seek the Giver of life for all their wants and needs…even if on behalf of a four-legged friend.
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