BAD DOG

THe world would be a nicer place if everyone bah the abillity to love as unconditionally as a dog.

I’ve never lived in a city where people loved their dogs so very much. Seattle Magazine wrote about Seattle’s Dog Obsession saying, “With more canines than children living within city limits, Seattle has officially gone to the dogs.” “They put their dogs in backpacks, in grocery carts and restaurant booths.” As I sat with friends this weekend; Clementine, an adorable beyond words, labradoodle sat like a baby on Josh’s lap (Josh is our Sports time out and Mana on the street guy). Clementine is a new, fluffy mass of adorable addition to Josh’s family and it is certainly easy to see how these precious animals can endear themselves to us.

In the Seattle Magazine article; Steve Ulene, owner of the Barking Lounge, a doggy day care facility in South Lake Union articulated , “With all the negative information and the changes in the world and society, to have this being in your life that only wants to give you unconditional love—it’s like a light in the darkness.” From classics like “Ol’ Yeller,” to 2019’s, “A Dogs Way Home,” dog movies highlight the loyalty and non-bias, unqualified love of our canine companions.

Dog’s may be adored and even pampered in some sections of society but in others they are appreciated in a different way. Take a drive a couple of hours out of town to rural America and the little Fido sweaters and poochy rain boots are not the usual fashion. On the farm they are part of the working atmosphere and there’s no room for doggie spa days or jeweled collars.

This weekend someone told me the story of losing his favorite dog, as a kid. Zach grew up in rural Virginia. A dog’s existence, in his young world, was for working the farm. Zack really loved this old work dog. He woke one day horrified that his father had hauled out his shot gun and euthanized his beloved dog after finding the chicken yard raided. The dog was standing by the carefully lined up carcasses of the hens. Zach didn’t even get to say goodbye. Later the facts started coming together. They eventually found the real culprits of the hen house massacre, a pack of neighboring hounds. Zach’s dog had discovered the dogs in the act, scared them off and had lined up the bodies to count. He stood by them, loyally protecting, and waiting for someone to come and aid.

And here’s how all of this plays to the God story today. In our world we’re treating people like bad dogs. Take the police, for example. The Seattle City counsel is bending to demands to defund the police and in Minneapolis a veto-proof majority on its city council pledged to disband the city’s police department. When our schools fail we hear a demand to throw more money at them but when problems are pointed out in the law enforcement sector we go to these drastic measures. It isn’t about helping the institution become better, more effective nor about curbing unfortunate altercations and instances of abuse. It is about shooting a good dog.

Policing is already a challenging job then we add the hate factor. The sentiment of hate is reflected on social media. A friend who has worked as a nanny pointed out that the moderator on a Facebook page for children’s nannies had posted that anyone saying that cops are good will immediately be removed from the page, CANCELLED! On a ferry ride this weekend many passengers made rude gestures at the W.S.P. on board. I got dirty looks when I said to them, “Officers, thanks you for choosing this job and working in these crazy times. Many of us appreciate and are praying for you.” All three stopped in their tracts, shocked. They, then, turned and with huge smiles thanked me. In 2019, 228 police officers took their own lives and in 2020 that number is already at 90 according to BLUE H.E.L.P. an organization, Honoring the Service of Law Enforcement Officers Who Died by Suicide.” We are looking to punish others be it cops, BLM, Democrats, Republicans, Media whomever we see as the bad dog.

We rip down statues because good men had bad things in their lives. Bad dog! George Floyd was described by those close to him as a gentle giant. Major League Soccer team captains wore the name of George Floyd on bands on their arms during matches this week. We understand that Floyd was not given mercy or a fair trail when his life was taken yet society looks past the fact that he also had an ugly past, even being a man who pistol whipped a pregnant lady during an armed robbery. We were all created in God’s image but Romans 3:23- “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”

The God story today and my morning devotion takes me down the Roman Road to Salvation. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23). But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8). If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and belive in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. You will be saved.” Romans 10:9