Dog days

Two weeks ago, a top poodle breeder gave me a 6 lb little bundle of energy, an adult white doggie. Today, I gave her back.

I really like our dog, a black toy poodle named Missy. She's laid back, loves to walk or run alongside the bike, and barks up a storm when someone comes to the door before plopping down at my feet. She loves men and boys - her favorite person at her home-before-us was a 17 year old boy. She's not really a kid's dog, though she loves when the Romanian Pentecostal kids chase her around the park on Monday nights. It's become a tradition - they show up with their parents: the women chat while the men play sports. So the kids are left to run around and make up their own games, including "Catch the Poodle." (Not a chance, Missy is a very quick and athletic 8-pound doggie!)

I thought a companion dog would be nice. But our new addition raced in nervous circles that distracted me from studies, had halitosis that almost knocked us over some mornings, and got carsick. I looked in the rearview mirror last week to see her doing a handstand on front paws, avoiding food returned as you-know-what. (Pull over, clean her seat, ugh.) She learned to walk on a leash, stuck to me like a shadow, and even tried to defend me Saturday by attacking my brother's dog. Luckily her jaws are so small she couldn't get a grip on his sturdy Jack Russell Terrier muscles.

It's been funny and fun to have another animal around. Seeing how God gave Sugar a marvelous personality and a unique temperament reminded me that he loves his creatures. Each of us is special in his sight. I won't miss the anxious pacing or the bad breath. But I wish Sugar well, wherever she ends up. Thanks to Joann for her generosity in giving and receiving back.

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*Even the sparrow has found a home,
        and the swallow a nest for herself,
        where she may have her young—
    a place near your altar,
        O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.  Psalm 84:3

*Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7 NIV