Things we can learn from Dogs

Archdiocese of Washington ^ | October 4, 2012 | Msgr. Charles Pope

[NYer]

Today for the feast of St. Francis of Assisi and, like many parishes, we conducted a blessing of the animals. Over 80 neighbors brought their pets (mostly dogs) by for a blessing this evening. To each of them I passed out a little list of things we can learn from dogs. The list that appears below.

Scripture says little about dogs and when it does it is never flattering. Most of the references make one think of wild dogs who ran in packs. Psalm 22:16 says, “Many dogs have surrounded me, a pack of evildoers closes in upon me. Or again from Philippians 3:2, Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers. No, strangely, I cannot find one Scripture that speaks well of dogs.

And yet, they have been a great gift to me. Such loyalty, such unconditional “love.” There may have been times in my life when everyone was disgusted with me, even I was disgusted with me. But even on days like that my dog would still run to great me, and curl up next to me; such wonderful, “forgiving” and uncomplicated creatures.

Dogs, generally speaking, have a great outlook on life. This list is an oldie on the internet but, if you haven’t read it, it is really rather instructive. Dogs DO have a lot to teach us. God teaches us not only out of the Bible but in creation. In that spirit here are

Fifteen Things We can Learn from Dogs:

• 1. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
• 2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
• 3. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
• 4. Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
• 5. Take naps and stretch before rising.
• 6. Run, romp, and play daily.
• 7. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
• 8. Be loyal.
• 9. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
• 10. When someone is having a bad day, be silent. Sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
• 11. Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
• 12. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• 13. When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
• 14. No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout…. run right back and make friends
• 15. Delight in the simple joys of a long walk.

And here is one of the most amazing videos I have ever seen. It’s about “Faith the two legged dog”:

Faith Video

[NYer]

Ping!

[Joe 6-pack]

WOOOF!

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[1rudeboy]

for later

[Joe 6-pack]

Our relationship with dogs can teach us quite a abit about our relationships with both God and the rest of His creation.

Many wonder how God could love us unconditionally in spite of our disobedience and resistance to His directions and guidance. Any person who has ever housebroken a puppy does not wonder about this.

Dogs look to us as their "masters" much like we should view God as our Master. Dogs generally work tirelessly to please their master, and take great pleasure in doing so. We should follow their example.

[NYer]

Dogs look to us as their "masters" much like we should view God as our Master. Dogs generally work tirelessly to please their master, and take great pleasure in doing so. We should follow their example.

I totally agree. Over the past 18 years, I have adopted and fostered several basset hounds. Along the way, I organized the first Capital District Basset Hound Waddle. We began with a handful of dogs and today, it has become an annual event with 100's of hounds attending. Monies raised go towards a rescue group. Following the death of my last hound, I needed to step back and reassess the situation. Then, last September, my daughter noticed a basset hound on the web site of our local shelter. One look and I was down there the next morning when the doors opened. Lilly joined our family the next day and life is good again. She just turned 6. Of all the bassets I have known, this girl is by far the sweetest. She absolutely loves going for walks and greeting everyone she sees, be they human or animal. She is gregarious and filled with joy. How anyone could give her up is beyond me. She is now my constant companion.

Lilly

[Hardraade]

Scripture mentions Dog all the time. Only backwards. Discreet, like.

[Emperor Palpatine]

If humans were half the glorious creatures dogs are this would be a much more perfect world.

[Emperor Palpatine]

That was so profound it brought tears to my eyes, Joe.

My Akita and I thank you.

[KGeorge]

Me,too. I can’t talk about this right now.

[trisham]

Thanks, Joe. :)

[austingirl]

Dogs are the best bump.

[trisham]

We have friends that rescue Bassets. They’re wonderful people. :)

[floralamiss]

Truth and beauty. You never cease to amaze me with your insights and the manner in which you express them. You are a treasure, my love.

[floralamiss]

... and so is Ranger. :-)

[Joe 6-pack]

Actually, Ranger came up with that, darling. I just had to type it for him....

[JoeProBono]

[Mrs. Don-o]

There is a dog in the Book of Tobit: "So they went forth both, and the young man’s dog with them."

Tobiah has two ompanions on his journey, the angel Raphael and a dog. See, nothing but the best.

[TheConservativeParty]

Thanks for the ping!

[TheConservativeParty]

Aw what a sweetie Lilly is! I have rescued 2 dogs so far. I recommend it to every dog lover. Puppies are fun, but to rescue an adult dog is to gain a wonderful friend for the rest of his grateful life.

cheers