“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Matthew 7:24-29 (NIV)
When it comes to teaching a dog to be a dog, there is no better teacher than a fellow canine. This week, Sky has been an excellent role model of what it means to be a dog. It is fun to watch Midgie and Bingo imitate her. When she rolls, they roll. When she runs, they run. They wade into the horse trough with her to cool off and corner lizards alongside her. They chase golf carts and bark at bicycle riders. They were pampered little pooches when they arrived to visit their country cousins, but now, they are as red neck as they come. I’m thinking of buying them those bright orange hunting dog collars as a surprise for my family. Today, Sky sent this note to Midgie and Bingo’s families.
Dear client families,
Just a note to report on how we are doing in our efforts to rehabilitate your dogs. Here at Doberman’s Center for Misguided Pets, our mission is to teach dogs who think that they are people how to live their life once more as canines. Both Bingo and Midgie are progressing well. They have learned that there are many delicacies to sample that do not come out of a dog food bag. Barbeque squirrel is not something most dogs ever get to enjoy. And of course, there is the wide availability of horse manure at any time of day. Bingo has not developed a liking for that yet, but I am sure he will in time. He does excel in rolling having developed a love for the smell of dead things. I believe that his new odor is somewhere between rat and snake. Lovely fragrance. He has good taste. Midgie is an exceptional digger. I believe in time, she will make her way to China. You should be proud. You will also be pleased that they are perfecting their ability to howl in the night to wake up their people and then, be quiet and feign sleep as soon as the humans are out of bed. They no longer require a mattress upon which to sleep. A towel on the floor is good enough. The only lesson we have left to cover is knocking over garbage cans, but I am sure that we can work that in before you return home. Once again, your dogs are star pupils or perhaps, they just have a good teacher. Sincerely, Sky
Just like with dogs, the best human teachers are the ones who model the kinds of behavior they hope to inspire. Jesus, the greatest teacher who ever walked this earth taught through words and actions. He lived out His life as an example to all of us who would follow Him showing how even humans can reflect God’s love, grace and compassion to their fellow sojourners on this earth. What about you? Who are you teaching? Even more, what are you teaching? Take a look at those around you. Are you making an impact on their lives?
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