Encourage Me: All Creatures Great and Small

If you’ve ever had (or currently have) animals (of any breed) in your life, chances are that it amazes you just how intelligent they are. Without the use of human language, they can communication with their own unique sound (or gesture) their feelings (about you or their world), and what they need (or want from you). Without animals in the world, I think life would be quite boring (and lack the color) that our animals bring to it.

I have always believed that God has unconditional love for His children because of the gift He gave of His only Son, Jesus, to Earth (John 3:16). Though some people may disagree with me, with all our phobias (and hang-ups), I don’t think it’s possible for many human beings to really love unconditionally.

In His infinite wisdom, I believe God gave that quality to our animals (and pets). I believe this is exactly the reason why when someone loses a pet (they were close to) that it leaves a hole in their heart they may never recover from. They realize that this form of pure love is not granted to many during their lifetime.

I watch very few DVD’s (or movies) about animals. The 2015 drama entitled, Max, took me through an emotional journey that I won’t soon forget. Here is the synopsis:

A precision-trained military dog, Max (a German shepherd), serves on the frontlines in Afghanistan alongside his handler, U.S. Marine Kyle Wincott. But when things go terribly wrong on maneuvers, Kyle is killed and Max, traumatized by the loss of his best friend, is unable to remain in service.

Shipped stateside, the only human he seems willing to connect with is Kyle’s younger brother, Justin. Max is adopted by Kyle’s family. However, Max may be Justin’s only chance to discover what really happened to his brother that day on the frontlines. With the help of a tough-talking teenage girl named “Carmen” (that has a way with dogs), Justin begins to appreciate his canine companion.

Justin’s growing trust in Max helps the four-legged veteran revert back to his heroic self. As the pair race against time to unravel a mystery, they find more excitement (and danger) than they bargained for. Each will also find an unlikely new best friend in each other.

If you have never had an animal (or pet) in your life, please consider it. Some people will choose dogs (or cats) for companionship.

If you make the decision to become a pet owner, I am against getting one from a pet store. With all the adoption centers available, the price is cheaper, and you could help the self-esteem of an animal that has already been rejected once. (In the case of kill shelters, you are literally saving an animal’s life that is scheduled to die.)

My dogs have not been cheap over the years (with their vaccines and dog food). At times their fights and accidents are absolutely annoying. My family has been repaid many a time with the love and laughter our Chihuahuas have brought to our home just when it was needed the most (in the tense moments of life). If you are unfamiliar with pet adoption, why not give it a chance. You might just find out that this was one of the wisest decisions you ever made.