This past weekend I made friends with a blind doggie named Piper. I loved on her, stroked her beautiful fur, and told her what a good dog she is. With her tail and her motions toward me, she let me know she appreciated our interaction. Blastomycosis has taken her sight away, but not her sweet heart. That’s Piper, below.

Did you know that dogs are good for your health? Dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression. Playing with or petting a dog can increase serotonin and dopamine levels, which provides a relaxing effect. A loving dog can rapidly calm and soothe you when you are stressed or anxious.

Humans need touch, and dogs fulfill that need. Dogs provide companionship. And so much more! Many dogs are highly intelligent. You might enjoy a 60 Minutes video entitled, The Smartest Dog in the World. You can check it out on YouTube. There are guard dogs, guide dogs, therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, just-plain-cute dogs, and on and on.

Although not everyone is able to (or desires to) have a faithful canine friend, there is someone who is willing to stick closer to us than any other friend or blood brother. That is Jesus, the very one who put love in the heart of the dog. He invites us to be His friend. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

What Jesus brings into this friendship is more than we can imagine. For example, He isn’t going to abandon us. He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5. He’s the best friend we will ever have.

You can talk to Him any time. You can talk to Him now.

Your friend the dog lover,

Brenda




“Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.”

1 Peter 5:7, AMPC Bible

[Unfortunately, not all dogs are nice dogs. I hope the dogs in your life are sweet ones! Also, there are other pets that provide emotional support besides dogs.]