I adopted a new puppy! It’s been a long time since I have had a puppy, thus forgot how much time, energy and commitment training a puppy can be! But, we are getting there.
I watched, with some apprehension, as I brought this little puppy, less than 10 pounds, home to be introduced to her two MUCH bigger sisters. How would they respond to this new addition that would require my love and attention? So, carefully we entered the house, greeted at the door by these two beautiful creatures, Dixie the Lab mix, and Fancy the Border Collie/Pyrenees mix, both full of curiosity, wondering what the timid thing was in my arms.
I quickly saw I had no reason to worry. They checked each other out the way animals do, and I guess they decided she could stay. I kept a watchful eye just to make sure. I think the bigger dogs knew she was just a little puppy and interacted with her as such. The 75 pound Lab became her playmate, as they rolled, barked, rough housed. At times I wondered if the Lab might be playing a little too rough as the pup gave a quick yelp. There was no need to worry as she could hold her own!
After several days of trying to find the perfect name , we decided on Dottie since she had the cutest dots on her feet and belly. I let the name roll off my tongue a few times and it just felt right. Dixie and Dottie were going to be fine as they both seemed to love playing and running.
I still had to see if Fancy, the Border Collie would give her stamp of approval. Fancy has seizures, thus she is not as active as her breed might otherwise be. The seizure meds make her lazy, wanting to lay around most of the time. But that is where her role seemed to have been established. Dottie would play so hard until she was plum tuckered out. Fancy would be stretched out on the sofa with all that beautiful white fur looking like a plush blanket and I guess it was calling her to it. She would try to get on the sofa, but her little legs couldn’t reach it. But, much like me, she didn’t give up until she made the jump and was snuggling into Fancy’s 90 pounds of fur.
As I watched all of this, I thought how nice it would be to have that soft place to cuddle where you felt warm and safe. How nice it would be to have that place of comfort where you could snuggle close until you fell asleep. Then the knowledge came to me that I do have that place to snuggle, that place where I feel safe and loved. I have that place where I can crawl up onto a welcoming lap and be wrapped in warmth and love.
The arms of my Heavenly Family are always open to receive me and wrap me in that warmth I need. No matter the circumstances, my mood, or my needs, those arms are there to rescue me and comfort me, just like the soft fluffy fur of the big white dog gives warmth and security to the wee pup who crawls up beside her. I never have to worry whether He might not want me snuggling up close. He is always ready with open arms. What a blessing!
I DIDN’T GIVE UP! 