We take them for granted. These pets whose bowls we fill with food and water,whose behavior,habits, and presence are more predictable than all of mankind. Once thought to complete a family with parents and children, we’ve cross-bred them, ill-treated, loved- but misunderstood them, and the list goes on and on. However endeared, have we realized their adoration toward us or analytically considered why they are man’s best friend? As I’ve observed and learned the behaviors of my own dog, I couldn’t help to marvel and wonder if she were,indeed, an “angel” with a dog’s body.
Whenever I go to the store, and am gone for a mere 10 minutes, I come home to my pet jumping all over , dancing in circles, and desperately wanting me to reach down and pet her . You’d think I was gone a week or more. I just imagine their time frames and how they’re perceived are much different than ours. And how about when we are hurting? Notice that Bambi look in their eyes? I would think this love would have to be the best.
Let’s define “best”-superlative, the most, an ultimate, nothing lacking! Of course, we know about their smells, food interests- some pickier than others-the medical care they require, the grooming, etc. But animal lovers leave those things out! It may be because when it comes to the way they love us, and want our attention and are submissive to us, there isn’t a relative or friend who would do more. Their loyalty and affection for us is the best, and cannot be compared to anything I can think of on the face of this earth. But how could such a heavenly arrangement be in such a submission to man of this planet?
I suppose we could consider the very genesis of how the animals of the world were to become subdued to the human order. In fact, it was in the book of Genesis,Chapter 2:19-20, where it reads very specifically-
“Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and the beasts of the field.”
How can we dispute the Creator's commune with us as he licenses man the power to subdue animal and plant life giving him reign above these other creations? In that context, it appears that the first authority, (God), lovingly gave man the authorization to name these wonderful companions to our lives. I find that pecking order more than incredible; something very simple but magnificent all at the same time.
Is it any wonder that we hear about dogs being man’s best friend, but how in a much deeper creed we see how unconditional God’s love is and how He decorates our lives with his mercy and generosity in this regard? In a sense, much of what is given us through our canines is comparable to the love and pleasure of God Himself. I know there are many references in the bible to God being merciful to man regardless of our actions or shortcomings. Could the dog’s adoration to us be one sign of God’s mercy on our emotional needs that in any other way, from any other being, would never have been met? His simple love for us so as to reflect the special intent of giving us more of what we need? I would say both , wouldn’t you?
Who else , besides our dogs, could have this unique devotion for us, be there when we need them, alert us of strangers, be aware of our hurts, lick our wounds, and give us an unspoken joy with a will to serve and bless us? I suppose that’s why of all the words of our English language, this special animal’s name spelled forwards could not have been more revelational, then as d-o-g, spelled backwards. Figure that out, and enjoy in awesome wonder!
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Author notes
Although this isn't a poem, I offer a news article written several years ago submitted to our local newspaper, exploring the fantastic exaltation of our canine friends! Hope it fits the rest of the criteria and is considered. Enjoy in any case!
Written November 8th, 2003
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You made " More Than A Dog" a common denominator....!! LOL. You're a fun lady. I'm in Indiana. How far away are you?? Don't say Walawala Washington, or Queensboro, Australia. I'll boofoo the whole deal...lol.
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excellent
Absolutely right on, sister! Glad you directed me to this one. "Funny" isn't it how we were talking about this very thing...hmmm, what a "coincidence".
(Oh, He is having fun now.) I read a book that spoke about dogs in this manner - there is some really dark stuff in it to, in case that bothers you I want to make sure you hear that before the recommendation. It is Dean Koontz's "One Door Away From Heaven". I think it's an awesome book. Anyway, yet another synchronicity linking us here. Wonder what this is all about,huh? Sweet dreams. hugs 
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This reminds me of a joke:
"Did you hear about the agnostic, dyslexic, isomniac?"
"She'd lay awake all night wondering if there is a dog."
All joking asside, cookie ... there is something almost holy in the kinship we can have with a dog. The cynic in me says "holy" as a metaphor, almost, but it is a deep kinship, friendship. I believe there is deep emotion on many complicated levels .. and we allow ourselves to see it, those emotions are a caleidescope .. that make a very multi-sided, but unconditionally "good" personality ..
Nice article, indeed.
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I'm not really a dog person...I absolutely LOVE my cat, Vivien. She's so beautiful and fluffy!
Great job...
!~YS4e~!
Scarlett -
very true, I lost my best friend who was my dog and I said something in my head that a dogs bark is Gods words of hello and never good bye. I dont know if it makes sence, at the time it did for me.
becca -
What a wonderful write, Dianne ... It is perfect. PERFECT. Simply adorable. I love that "Bambi look" - cute.
HUGS ... Myra -
Wonderful article about man's best friend! Thank you for sharing it with us! I don't think it is coincidental that dog spelled backward is god. The description for both is...Unconditional Love!
<3 Maureen
Edited on Nov 09, 2:11 p.m. because ''. -
Oh, and Codie, our fair haired yellow lab, has many moods and colors to her personality I don't fully understand but appreciate none the less. Sprite and I have talked to her since she was a little pup- friends have remarked how she is almost human like. If we tell her to do something in a normal conversational tone, she just goes and does it (to the astonishment of family and friends).
One day we had friends over from work. Codie came over and sat near me as I was conversing with someone, so to give her something to do I asked her "Codie, why don't you go get Dinasoar and Puppy from your toy box." She went away and didn't come back for a while. In fact, my friend and I went outside to sit on the patio. After a while I noticed Codie laying down next to me and next to her was Dinasoar and Puppy that she picked out of a box of over 50 toys.
My friend was very impressed.
So was I actually, even though she had done this a number of times before. -
Oh yes, I quite agree. The only thing keeping us back from realizing their gift to us-- is us.
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Auntie Cookie, what a lovely piece this is not only personal to your own dog but the humble thoughtfulness to the Lord of His love.... in your heart as you write this inspiration through His Spirit....You see things differently with beauty and wisdom..
Such beautiful meaning you have brought about dogs and pets......but even a more personal love the Lord can bring through them for us......never thought about that...What a wonderful entry......Love you,Sherry
Edited on Nov 08, 7:01 p.m. because ''.
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