Lessons from a Puppy

Many of you have probably heard of or know who Dave Ramsey is.  Besides being known for his no nonsense approach to finances and debt he is also masterful with some little sayings or quips.  There is one saying by Ramsey which I read recently that makes a lot of sense if we would learn to live by it.  The saying is, “Wag more, bark less!” 

Until last year we had not been successful pet owners.  By that I mean we had tried to allow the kids to have a pet a couple of times before.  First, we gave the kids a puppy after Raegan was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Of course, being a male I thought that we had to have a manly dog so I got the kids an American Bulldog.  Everything went great for the first several months.  The little girl was as cute as could be.  However, about the seventh month she grew to be big, I mean BIG.  Her chest was as wide as a linebacker, her muscles bulged like a bodybuilder, and her demeanor was like a young child pumped full of sugar.  Every time anyone went into the backyard she seized the opportunity to engage in full-tilt activity.  I really think there was a little voice in her mind that said, “Here’s my chance, LET’S PLAY!”  Because the kids were still small when this eight month old puppy would stand on her hind legs she would tower over the children and frighten them.  Therefore, first attempt of a puppy equaled a failure. 

Then after a few years the children wanted to try again so we rescued a cute little dachshund from the pound.  When we brought him home he was a sweet as he could be.  He didn’t bark, he was semi-house broken, and the kids loved him.  However, we soon learned the he had a personality disorder which caused him to be psycho!  When we would leave him at home alone in his crate he would literally destroy everything inside the crate and even found a way to destroy the crate itself.  After a few weeks he began to snap at Noah when he would try to pet him.  He had to go! (The puppy not Noah!)  Therefore, attempt number two with a puppy equaled failure. 

Then after we had move into our home here in Florence then kids began to ask for another pet.  So, last fall we succumb to one final attempt with a puppy by acquiring a seven week old Yorkie.  (Quite a contrast from an American Bulldog isn’t it; but, my manhood is ok!)  Since this little girl has come into our home we have learned several things that transcend into life.  One of which I think Dave Ramsey was inferring.  While our puppy is far from perfect she is incredible in teaching us life-lessons.  She doesn’t bark unless she feels either we are or she is threatened.  She loves on us with unconditional love.  She is so excited to see us every time we come home.  She forgives us when we have scolded her.  She loves to cuddle up and spend time just being with us.  She loves to play with us. She depends on us and we have come to depend on her.  Lisa often says that Bella, our Yorkie, can make me smile when no one else can. 

So what can we learn from this five-pound bundle of love?  Forgive one another!  No one is perfect but all deserve forgiveness.  Luke 6:37 “…Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”  Love unconditionally! John 13:34 “…Just as I (God) have loved you, you also are to love one another.”  And finally, Wag more and bark less! 1 Thess. 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up…”  Let us not tear one another down but let us forgive, love, and encourage.  Find someone today that needs this message.

Wag more, bark less,

Pastor Ric