A New Puppy

Puppy licks, snuggles, and soft, furry paws make me incredibly happy. I absolutely love dogs, having owned more than my fair share of them. Golden labs and beagles are among a couple of my favorite breeds. Some people are really into cats, but I’m a dog person – puppies in particular.

Last week my husband and I bought a Texas Heeler pup. For those of you unfamiliar with this breed, it’s an Australian Shepherd/Blue Heeler mix. In hopes of finding a new pet, we spent the day looking for the “right” puppy. And after looking at several stores, I came upon a little bundle of black and white fur. I pressed my face against the glass, peering in at a fluffy and curious face. His ears perked up and his eyes widened, his little stub of a tail wiggling in excitement.

“Morgan, look at this one.” I motioned to my husband with enthusiasm. “He’s the last one of this breed, and he’s so cute!”

I secured a pet “stall” while Morgan found the manager. And after 45 minutes we signed the papers and purchased our adorable puppy. Needless to say, the decision wasn’t difficult. When we arrived home, Neo sniffed everything in sight. Unsure of his new surroundings, his four furry legs cautiously carried him throughout the apartment. We spent several hours with Neo, playing and reassuring him that he was safe and loved. The following evening he was completely comfortable with us and had adjusted to his new life.

Puppies bring a sense of excitement and mischief to the home. Furry paws and curious eyes greet me each evening when I arrive from work. For those of you who own dogs, there’s nothing quite like coming back to an excited puppy after a stressful work day. Whether its dogs or another house pet, most of us love giving animals a new home. Despite the extra costs, it’s worth the upkeep to have a fuzzy little companion.

After purchasing Neo for an exorbitant amount of money, I realized how much I’m willing to invest in animals. Yet, I’m so quick to pass by someone homeless on a street corner. Why is it that I’m ready to spend hundreds of dollars on a pet but unwilling to give a stranger $5? Perhaps it’s easier to believe that some people aren’t ACTUALLY homeless rather than to drop a few dollars. But the reality is, some of us are willing to invest more in animals than people. I’m ashamed to admit that I’m guilty of this very thing.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12, NIV).

So many people in this world are in need of compassion and love. It’s easy to spend money and welcome a new pet, but we often neglect the people around us. God presents us with numerous opportunities to reach out to others. Maybe it’s inviting church guests to lunch, or buying a stranger a hot meal. But if we’re willing to take the time to love and accept people, perhaps they will be shown a glimpse of Christ through our actions.

Madeleine Lowe writes from Indiana.

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