A Dog Teaches Us New Tricks
by Betty Hendricks
New lessons are available to
be learned with every new sunrise.
Hill County Paw Pals has a beautiful Shepherd/Labrador mix in foster care and
his name is Trooper. Trooper lives
up to his name as he approaches life with a minor disability and an enormous
heart. He was found in a ditch with
a severe leg injury after he was hit by a car.
Previous to that night, his history is unknown to us but we presume he
was abandoned by his previous caretakers.
As we watch Trooper, we realize how very much we can learn from this
animal that God kept alive that night to inspire us in our daily walk. Trooper never seems to think of what
he can’t do, nor does he feel sorry that he only has 3 legs that are in great
working order. His fourth leg
sometimes seems to do what he wants and sometimes it is just an extra weight to
carry. But Trooper takes it as it
comes and never tries on the role of a victim.
He runs and he plays and seems to find pure joy in the fact that he is
here today. He never thinks to
attack other dogs so he might feel superior.
He looks forward to all the basic enjoyments: eating, playing, and
sleeping on a soft bed. At the end
of the day, he seems content to nuzzle up next to his favorite person and thank
them for making his life better.
The Bible tells us that God created the animals and we are to care for
them. Clearly, these animals are
here also to teach us ways of humility, love for all creatures, and the
appreciation for all that is before us.
As we watch Trooper recover from a dreadful accident that nearly cost him
his life, we are grateful for lessons that come in the form of a loving four
legged creature willing to run as fast as three legs can carry him just for a
kind word and pat on the head.
As individuals and as a group, Paw Pals will grow from the lessons
learned from Trooper. We accept each
positive response from the community as an encouragement to keep going. Sometimes it seems we are only
walking on 3 legs as we progress toward the building of an animal shelter, but
we will remain grateful because we are being propelled forward and are not
moving backward.
As for Trooper, he will be looking for a forever home where his special
needs can be addressed and he will have a soft bed at night and an owner looking
forward to lots of sloppy kisses from a very good friend.
For more information about Paw Pals, visit
helphillcountyanimals.com; email:
hcpawpals@yahoo.com; or call (254)
580-0679.