INSPIRASUNS

Yesterday we had our final women’s luncheon of the season. It was special and my goodness the participation 🙂 . You see we had “Max” and “Tessa” visit. They are members of the Naples Police Department K-9 unit. Max is a 2-year-old golden retriever and Tessa is a 3-year-old black Labrador, and I can tell you they are precious.  Max is trained in crisis care and Tessa, well she is trained in explosives and firearms detection.

These “officers” sure brought out a crowd. It’s the end of the season, and our part-time residents have already begun the trek back up north for the summer, but we had a full house to see these special pups. It’s amazing to me how just the thought of seeing dogs can change a mood. As we waited for the officers to arrive yesterday, the place was buzzing. Everyone was talking about the dogs coming, and they couldn’t wait to meet them.

Sure enough, when they arrived, the smiles and “awwws” were on full display.  Everyone was excited to learn more about these special K-9’s and more importantly, they wanted to spend time interacting.  Once the presentation was over the officers made their way through the tables of attendees letting the dogs meet everyone. My goodness, you would have thought they were celebrities.  People knelt to nuzzle Max, the golden, while Tessa was all excited to get pats and snuggles as well.

The magic that these special animals created yesterday in that room was so noticeable. Everyone had a genuine interest in what they do each day of course, but it was the connection they made with everyone in the room. Many people told me afterward how wonderful it was to spend a few hours with these dogs. What is it about animals that make people happy?

Father blesses us with all living creatures. The companionship that they provide, well there is something very unique about it. I think dogs have a way of just silently understanding their “humans”.  Their loyalty and unconditional love, well it’s priceless.

This morning I give thanks for Max and Tessa, and for all the loyal pets out there. Father knew what He was doing when He placed them here with us. Well, He kind of knows what He’s doing all the time, but he hit it out of the park with our pets 🙂 .

If you’d like to learn more about Max and Tessa, here’s a link to an article in the local paper. Ya, they are precious.

Have a great day friends, and hey, give your pets some extra snuggles this morning!

Job 12:7-10
But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.