God has given abundantly of his goodness and care

On how man’s best friend is a friend for life

LOLA came into our lives as a yearold working cocker. We first met on a pastoral visit when the family just happened to be looking to rehome her.

Lola looked at me and I at her and there was an instant connection. I brought her home and although my dear wife was at first a little peeved that I had been so impulsive, that soon disappeared as for the past 13 years Lola won the hearts of us all.

Her gentle temperament, the long walks we enjoyed, the unhesitant jump into sea to get the ball at any cost! Her absolute trust and affection was willingly returned with our love and gratitude.

Sadly, these past few weeks her health suddenly deteriorated so much that a hard decision had to be made. On our last night together, she lay on my lap – canine dementia had taken its toll, her balance had finally given way and yet those eyes still held such warmth and trust.

With the gentle and sympathetic understanding of our veterinary practice in Sandy Road, her end came gently – she closed her eyes, free from the confusion and weakness that had confined her.

According the experts, one of the most significant reasons that make a human-dog relationship so strong is the absolute loyalty of dogs.

If you bring a dog home and treat them with care and kindness, you are guaranteed a friend for all of their lives. Another example of this is the amazing work of assistance dogs to the visually handicapped and those adults and children with specific needs.

Then again, how often a dog has become a companion to those who live alone or who have lost their life’s partners, bringing their companionship, new hope and meaning to their lives.

Within this season of thanksgiving is the abiding truth that God though his creation has given abundantly of his goodness and care. Indeed, a children’s hymn says it all:

All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful the Lord God made them all.

I reckon that “wise and wonderful” brings together all those dogs who help as carers, companions as well as those who brought such love into our lives.

Man’s best friend – I’d say Amen to that. Thanks, Lola!