My friend was dying right before my eyes and I couldn’t control myself anymore. I started to cry and he did too, perhaps sensing that the end was near. Now unable to stand, I helped him lie down for the last time.
I knew it was close when the whimpering stopped. Now the only sound was my own whimpering, as I cried uncontrollably. His eyes rolled up, his tongue fell out of his mouth, and he was dead.
I knew at that moment that I could never, ever, be a veterinarian. My dream as a 15-year-old boy was now shattered, having witnessed the death of a dog that wasn’t even mine. Volunteering at a medical research facility was fun until I had to help put down my favorite playmate, an unnamed dog I had been caring for.
From that moment on I became guarded when dealing with the animals, especially the dogs. I was determined not to allow myself to become too close to them, knowing that sooner or later they’d perish for the sake of science. And, worse of all, I might have to help again.
Unfortunately, over the years I’ve experienced the death of many pets. And, without exception, it hurts. A lot.
That’s because if you’re like me, pets become part of the family, especially dogs and cats. And, if we’re honest, isn’t it true that sometimes, well, they’re better companions than humans? Come on, you can admit it—I’ll keep your secret.
But why is that? Why is that our dog or cat can sometimes be just as good—perhaps even better—than human companionship? Not all the times, of course, but why is that sometimes Rover or Kitty is all we need?
Yes, they’re usually soft to the touch, and yes, they don’t talk back. And it’s true they typically don’t disappoint us as much as humans do, and sure, they’re less expensive to house and feed.
But I think the real reason they capture our hearts so much is they love us, accept us as we are (warts and all), and like to be with us. I mean, let’s be honest, how many humans love you, accept you (warts and all), and like to be with you?
Maybe it’s just me, but there aren’t too many humans who would pass that test. On the other hand I’ll bet I could walk into any animal shelter, randomly adopt a dog and, in time, it would eventually turn into my faithful companion.
If my theory is right, then what does that say about us people? Why don’t we love one another, accept one another (warts and all), and want to hang out with each other? Why are dogs sometimes better companions than humans?
For what it’s worth, I think it’s because we’re flawed. Specifically, we—okay, me—don’t love others like I should.
Because of that, we—okay, me—needs to work on treating people better. And I know just the place to go for biblical guidance: The so-called “love chapter” in the New Testament.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”1
Are you following the thought? Do you want to be a better companion? Do you want to compete with Rover?
Then be patient, kind, don’t envy, don’t boast, don’t be proud, don’t be rude, don’t be self-seeking, don’t be easily angered, don’t keep a record of wrongs, don’t delight in evil, rejoice in the truth, and protect, trust, hope in and persevere with the other person.
I don’t know about you, but that list overwhelms me—there’s just too much to work on. I’ll never be able to compete with the family dog. For what it’s worth, I’m going to pick just one thing to work on. And when I get a better handle on it, then I’ll choose another, and then another.
Is this a lot of work? Absolutely. But if we want to be better companions to our family and friends, we have to roll up our sleeves and go to work.
Are you really going to let the family pet get the best of you? Me neither.
“Love never fails.”2
1 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
2 1 Corinthians 13:8
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