As many of you know, our dog, Hank, passed away last summer as a result of dilated cardio myopathy, better know as DCM – a serious heart condition. He was a rescue, as were so many of our dogs during the last 50 years. And while we were fortunate enough to have Hank with us for almost seven years, he had a tough life and we like to think that we gave him the best possible chance for a good life with us. Having been surrendered twice by the age of two, Hank was a handful and was one of the more intense rescues we have been involved in.
We are somewhat known in the dog world, with my past experience raising funds for the local humane society and the number of canine companions we have adopted, as well as the rescue efforts we have supported. We know a number of trainers as well, and have stayed in touch throughout the years with them. In fact, years ago, I was involved in training, but not to the degree that I was ever any good at it like some of my friends.
Anyway, since Hank’s passing, we have been considering if we would ever have another dog. Hank’s death was terribly difficult for us and it was important to remember all the good times in the midst of his final illness. I, for one, have been content to consider life beyond having a four legged companion. But lately, we have started to lean on friends who are experts in the world of training and showing dogs – to help us at least consider getting started with the next member of the Toussaint clan – if there was to be one.
Several months ago, a rare opportunity presented itself for us to secure a healthy, well bred, black Labrador from New York State. I’ll spare you the details, but it was too soon for us and we took a pass. We decided to wait until the new year and then consider what was available. About a week ago, we were again approached about another opportunity about pups from another litter. Again, we declined, but asked about Eva, the phenomenal dog we first heard about, but never met, months ago. To our surprise, she was still available to the right family.
We met her last Tuesday, two days before Thanksgiving, and we were asked if we would like for her to visit for the weekend. For sure, we were a little wary, but agreed – and she arrived early Friday afternoon. In a way, the house was alive in a way it hasn’t been for some time. Make no mistake – Eva is now six months old and was still quite a handful. She is crate trained and has had about four months of foundation training. Janet loved having a house guest and I was intrigued by the idea as well.
Eva went home today. It already felt strange to have her picked up and watch her saunter down the driveway to begin the ride back to The Farm, where she lives. We have talked about her visit and have decided that we want her to live with us – to dwell with us all the years of her life. Our house guest is becoming a family member. How great is that!
The word “dwell” is an interesting word in Scripture. It really means to “pitch a tent”. There are numerous verses about Jesus dwelling with us, or for us to dwell in the house of the Lord. Imagine Jesus living right next to you on the front lawn in a tent that He has pitched there. As I was walking Eva late last night, on the front lawn, all I could think about was Jesus in that very place. It was about 4:00 a.m. and the world was dark and quiet. Eva and I were bonding on the front lawn. It seemed strangely familiar. And just maybe, Eva is a divine gift for us. I sure hope so…
Our verse for tonight is from John’s book of Revelation. John tells us, in Revelation 21:3-4, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” What an awesome verse letting us know that God will “dwell with us” and that it will all be okay in the end.
My encouragement this evening is that God desires to dwell with us forever. He is with us, camped out right next to us throughout all eternity. My prayer is that in our deepest sorrows, we will always depend on God to come through for us and provide a path forward that renews our hope. Just maybe that happened for Janet and me this week. Welcome, Eva! Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…