Yes, I had chosen
her. She was so cuddly and cute as a
puppy. And the thought of her staying
one more minute in that crowded, hot pet store crate seemed cruel. Roger had been looking into the breed for a
while and was surprised to actually find one in the store. We went in there pretty often and had never
seen one. When he took me over to see
her it was love at first sight. She
wasn’t your typical Aussie. No, she was
a White! Blue eyes, a few brown and gray
spots on her ear and hind legs, and a pink nose, beautiful! We also knew she would be full of energy and
would need lots of wide open space to run free.
This was not the dog for an apartment dweller, so we were sure the farm would be the
perfect place for her.
But she was older
now and wreaking havoc around the house, scaring the grandkids, chasing the
animals. Our work situation was such
that we weren’t home very much, and because she was so difficult to handle she
spent a lot of time either on a chain or in her crate. It brought me to tears knowing she was having
to live this way. I began praying
that she’d calm down, that I’d see some change as she got older. A friend prayed with me when I got to work
one morning in tears. Roger always said
he wouldn’t have a critter that he wouldn’t pray for!
When I heard myself
yelling at her that day, I could immediately hear the Lord saying the same
thing about me. He chose me. He drew me to Himself. He rescued me. And how often He must be exasperated with me
in my stubbornness! How patient He had
been with me over the years, teaching me, growing me, loving me. Tilly needed my loving attention and
determined teaching, not my anger and exasperation.
I quickly thanked
the Lord for the “slap on the face”, reminding me of His grace and patience,
and began praying about an intentional plan of action for me and my crazy
dog. I had read in my research that as a
working breed they needed to feel useful or they are miserable. It had escaped me that I needed to find ways
to help her feel like she had a purpose other than being cute and cuddly. So, I set out to get some things that would
help me accomplish this with her. Then,
I established a routine so that she would know what to expect. It would be her time to be with us. Our work situation had recently changed, so
this was now going to be possible on a daily basis! It’s just like God to concern Himself with
the things that matter so much to us! And
if it didn’t work out, I’d love her regardless and have no regrets.
In just a short
period of time she has become such a loving and good dog. Her excitement still gets the best of her at
times, but it’s not frightening to the children or destructive, and it’s
quickly reigned in as she learns to listen more and more. My crazy dog and I have learned some
things. So thankful God is patient with
me, ever teaching, ever loving me closer to Himself.
Yes, I chose
Tilly. And it makes my heart glad.
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