Rescue Dogs

We love rescue dogs and have had many. Some, like Nika, we know very little about their history; they were a mystery drop-off. She was rescued from a high-kill shelter in Texas, and I picked her from pictures we saw. Nika was my wife’s second choice, but something spoke to me about this dog.

The rescue we got her through did some foster care training, but it was limited. Nika had to learn to be a dog from our older Havanese, Sophie. We have worked with her to overcome some of her quirks, but new and different ones keep popping up, often much to our embarrassment, like taking after a new neighbor’s timid boxer who was at least twice her size. One incident almost got her killed by a golf cart when we were visiting Florida for the winter.

When we have had to discipline her, she will do the cutest antics to wheedle her way back into good graces—then she pouts. She will love us back in her way at her chosen time. Did I mention she is stubborn?

I wonder if God sees us the same way. Yes, Steve is housebroken, but why does he have all these quirks? He knows better. Does God ever wonder why I rescued him? Many times, I’ve wept when looking at the cross and thinking how I’ve failed as an ambassador for Jesus.

But this is when I feel His loving arm around my shoulders and His quiet whisper, “I love you.” That is what I try to be to those I love, like my family. And especially to those who desperately need to know they are loved, like Nika.