Kaz, our latest rescue Sometimes people think that my wife and I are "animal nuts". After all, we love and care for many animals. But living in the country with plenty of room, and knowing that so many wonderful animals are not taken care of as God commands, it just seems to be the natural thing to do. We have dogs, cats, horses, birds (both fowl and exotic), fish and even a frisky little ferret.
Where do we get so many of our animals? The answer: rescue organizations, particularly the dogs. Many of you may not know this, but there are animal rescue organizations throughout our great land who labor daily to find a good home for wonderful animals. Most of them specialize in a particular type and breed of animal and they evaluate them to insure that they are a dog that will respond to love. Frequently you can foster one to try them out and make sure that they are suitable for your home.
I've always found that rescue dogs make the best companion because they are appreciative. Most have been mistreated or homeless and they merely seek the security of a loving home and master. Once the bond is made, they are loyal beyond belief and bring so much joy to life.
This big "fella" in the picture is Kaz, a three year old Merlequin Great Dane who was a replacement for Goliath, our first Dane who had died. I never thought I would want a dog as large as a Dane, but that was before I met Goliath. Kaz is smart, energetic, and would be a lap dog if we'd let him. And while he's my buddy, he truly is my wife's boy. He loves her dearly and follows her everywhere on the farm. I never have to worry about her as long as he is nearby.
When we got him last year he had been through five different homes in the past two years. He was confused and very introverted. I think he just figured that he wouldn't be with us long. He was never a "bad boy", I just think that sometimes city folk bring home a big dog on a lark and then realize that they aren't equipped to handle them. And you must allow for their size and the occasional mess. Danes do drool a bit and sometimes they track in some dirt, so if your plan is to have a Better Homes and Gardens house they may not be for you. But if love, fun and devotion is what you seek, they are more than worth any inconvenience they might cause.
Kaz is a gentleman, always responds to directions and loves to play. In particular, he loves to play with Molly, our little rat terrier. These two are like Mutt and Jeff, and Molly, the mutt, is clearly the leader. He follows her everywhere and I don't have to worry about her safety with Kaz around. The only ones worried about safety in the neighborhood are the raccoons and possum, although Kaz is really more interested in the chase than the capture. These two great dogs have free run on our property and they are very good at not leaving our boundaries.
So if you are looking for a wonderful pet who will truly love you and be devoted to you, forget the fancy pet stores and investigate organizations that rescue and place animals. They have many types of dogs, even pedigrees like Kaz, who are looking for a family. Just remember, they take time to train and bond with you, but once they do you have a friend for life.
Dear Lord, Bless all of the wonderful dogs that have found loving homes through rescue organizations and bless the wonderful people who volunteer their time in this endeavor. Help me to spread the word about these great friends and help these beautiful animals to gain the life they so much deserve. We ask in His name, Amen.
Dogs: what a wonderful addition to God's Creation. He surely knew what He was doing when he created them. Halleluhah!
More about Kaz, Molly and other wonderful animals in my new book, Honey, We Shoulda' Bought the Ark, in production now with Outskirts Press. Should be available in the Fall.
Where do we get so many of our animals? The answer: rescue organizations, particularly the dogs. Many of you may not know this, but there are animal rescue organizations throughout our great land who labor daily to find a good home for wonderful animals. Most of them specialize in a particular type and breed of animal and they evaluate them to insure that they are a dog that will respond to love. Frequently you can foster one to try them out and make sure that they are suitable for your home.
I've always found that rescue dogs make the best companion because they are appreciative. Most have been mistreated or homeless and they merely seek the security of a loving home and master. Once the bond is made, they are loyal beyond belief and bring so much joy to life.
This big "fella" in the picture is Kaz, a three year old Merlequin Great Dane who was a replacement for Goliath, our first Dane who had died. I never thought I would want a dog as large as a Dane, but that was before I met Goliath. Kaz is smart, energetic, and would be a lap dog if we'd let him. And while he's my buddy, he truly is my wife's boy. He loves her dearly and follows her everywhere on the farm. I never have to worry about her as long as he is nearby.
When we got him last year he had been through five different homes in the past two years. He was confused and very introverted. I think he just figured that he wouldn't be with us long. He was never a "bad boy", I just think that sometimes city folk bring home a big dog on a lark and then realize that they aren't equipped to handle them. And you must allow for their size and the occasional mess. Danes do drool a bit and sometimes they track in some dirt, so if your plan is to have a Better Homes and Gardens house they may not be for you. But if love, fun and devotion is what you seek, they are more than worth any inconvenience they might cause.
Kaz is a gentleman, always responds to directions and loves to play. In particular, he loves to play with Molly, our little rat terrier. These two are like Mutt and Jeff, and Molly, the mutt, is clearly the leader. He follows her everywhere and I don't have to worry about her safety with Kaz around. The only ones worried about safety in the neighborhood are the raccoons and possum, although Kaz is really more interested in the chase than the capture. These two great dogs have free run on our property and they are very good at not leaving our boundaries.
So if you are looking for a wonderful pet who will truly love you and be devoted to you, forget the fancy pet stores and investigate organizations that rescue and place animals. They have many types of dogs, even pedigrees like Kaz, who are looking for a family. Just remember, they take time to train and bond with you, but once they do you have a friend for life.
Dear Lord, Bless all of the wonderful dogs that have found loving homes through rescue organizations and bless the wonderful people who volunteer their time in this endeavor. Help me to spread the word about these great friends and help these beautiful animals to gain the life they so much deserve. We ask in His name, Amen.
Dogs: what a wonderful addition to God's Creation. He surely knew what He was doing when he created them. Halleluhah!
More about Kaz, Molly and other wonderful animals in my new book, Honey, We Shoulda' Bought the Ark, in production now with Outskirts Press. Should be available in the Fall.
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