Dogged Determination

November 2005, when my six-year-old Shetland Sheepdog, Sammy Sosa, sustained a rare injury which left him paralyzed, I was in a quandary. Should I immediately have him put down, or should I give him a chance to recover. Neither looked easy. The first option would involve a very sad Christmas and emotionally dreary winter. The second was a risk that involved time and expense. I talked things over with Sammy’s veterinarian, a kind Christian man, and my mother who is in her early nineties. To many people this would have been a no-brainer decision: Put the dog out of his misery and start over. However something within me told me to give our canine companion another chance.

That process has taken longer than I ever expected and was not without sacrifice. During the month of August Sammy finally began to walk. He’s not very graceful as he moves around on three legs (he has only partial use of one front leg), and he falls down a lot. Still, he is walking!

Through these many months I have learned much about myself, about my dog and about God’s faithfulness. I’ve made new friends of doctors, veterinary technicians and receptionists. I’ve met neighbors who’ve seen Sammy walking in his wheeled cart and I’ve encouraged strangers with disabled pets. I’ve seen my nearly blind mother find new purpose in keeping Sammy company when he could barely move.

I’ve observed the truth of how a weakness can become a strength. Sammy, a rescued dog, has always hated lawn mowers. In fact, before he got sick, his excitement level in pursuit of them troubled me. As he got stronger, chasing mowers became his motivation to move!

Some who read this may find it trivial. So be it. However, I have found the experience to be a time of learning and growth for me. God can use the most unusual things to stretch our perspectives.