I’ve tried for a while to come up with a title for this blog. Nothing seems to fit. I hope you find the blog interesting despite the lack of a great title.
Marty & I make time to watch 24 nearly every MONDAY night. We’re looking forward to the 2 hour special which is right around the corner.
Ned, our pointer collie mix hates the show. He can’t lay in his bed like he normally would do when we watch something. He paces the floor until we get tired of seeing him pace and tell him to go to bed. At that time, he goes to the bedroom and covers up in bed. Yes, he actually covers up!
I wonder if Ned has any idea how much he has it made. He’s one lucky dog. He’s treated very well. For the last few years, I’ve found and been feeding him food that is full of quality ingredients and nutrients. He lives inside with us. He does his outdoor business really quick on cold days like we’ve had this week. He’s treated better than some people treat their kids. He actually listens and has better manners than some kids I’ve met.
There’s been stories on the news this week about dogs dying because they’re left outside with no shelter. There’s been humane society workers rescuing dogs and saving them from a painful death. The shelters are now overflowing with dogs. These dogs are in need of a home where the new “pet parent” has the time, energy and money necessary.
It takes as much time as you’re willing to give. Bringing a dog into your life is a big deal. It’s a lifetime commitment. It takes energy even when you don’t have any to give. It takes some money. They have needs just like you and I. They never ask for brand name anything and I believe their needs are fairly basic.
I grew up with dogs not being permitted in the house. My dog had a nice wooden structure called a dog house outside. She also was given HAY in her house in the winter time. This HAY was changed frequently so it was always dry for her. Her dog house even had a little flap hanging over the entrance to keep the elements from blowing in and making her wet and cold. She was provided shelter.
I can remember begging my parents to let me bring my dog inside when I’d see these horrible weather reports on the news. On occasion, they’d let me bring her into the utility room/mud room/back porch just for the overnight hours. The funniest thing is….the dog was so happy when daylight came and she got to run back outside into the cold!
We all have different opinions and styles of taking care of and loving our pets. As long as it is done, that’s all that matters!
I can’t believe the stories I’ve seen of dogs just roaming on a chain or roaming in a fenced backyard with absolutely no shelter. They lay on the cold ground, lay on a concrete porch and their water buckets are frozen.
These are animals that God made. I believe it is our responsibility to care for them. I also believe they are a wonderful gift that God has given us!!!
