It helps me to remember that God creates non-replaceable creatures. No one – pet or person – can take anyone’s place.

My first dog was Rex; a gold and white collie…picture Lassie.

I am thankful for those who yank my life leash on occasion to see/feel a bit what living and dying in another version of skin is like. For sure, I am thankful for those that give me a little slack for my remedial work.

Call it cage or crate, cell, or just predicament: have you noticed how our life situation – job, family, health, home, outlook, project du jour – at times frees us up, and other times boxes us in? One person’s (dog’s) safe place might be another’s howling chamber.

I’ve mentioned before how no one – pet or person – takes anyone’s place. Yet by grace, we are created-constructed such that another 4- or 2-legged critter can make their own place in our lives and hearts.

Puppy love, well, any love for both biped and quadruped critters just has a lot of pushups. The goose bump, sweet times are great. But the acts of love when the feelings of love are fatigued are what make it being loving and being loved amazing.

As a friend says, 'just hold us in your light.' And hug your pup and kitties a bit extra.

Let us learn from the Son of God and dogs of God to give and receive the double love. We languish when we don't. Flourish when we do.

1. Enjoy simple food and don’t stress about it.

2. Drink lots of water – lapping and dripping just make it better.

3. Play hard.

The tortured life of 19th century, opioid poet Francis Thompson is usually known by his haunting poem The Hound of Heaven. The verses depict God’s relentless love as a dog that will not give up the hunt for us, no matter what messes or tangles we are in.