I’m the kind of gal that you will always find with a pup or two, or more.. by my side. While animals can be a load of work they are also our best buddies and most loyal companions. 

Our dogs LOVE to swim and due to the busyness of life we had not taken them to the lake for a good year or so. Our newest addition had actually never been. 

This last weekend we decide to load up the car and take a trip to the lake. Our dogs thoroughly enjoy themselves but it was a bit bitter sweet for me. 

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We have 3 dogs, Jake our 14 year old yellow Labrador, Favor our 5 year old red Labrador and Hotch our 1 year old Catahoula Heeler mix.

I watched as Hotch played and jumped close to shore because he was too chicken to venture into the deep, his leaps into the air looked similar to that of a deer. Favor swam and swam even carrying Hotch on his back a few times. Jake struggled more than I had anticipated and it pulled at my heart strings. I knew swimming would be a bit of a challenge for him in his older age but I wasn’t expecting it to be as hard as it was for him. 

In the past Jake and Favor would race each other out to their ball to see who could grab it first and bring it in the fastest. They just couldn’t get enough of it. Jake has always been a strong swimmer. 

The long walking distance to the lake was struggle enough for him that he was tired by the time we reached the lake. Nevertheless he did get in and swam his best, with me by his side helping to hold him up when he got tired. He desperately wanted to swim after the ball with Favor but knew he could not. 

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Watching your beloved pets age isn’t easy. While I’m sure we probably had onlookers wondering why we would even try to bring our older dog to the lake, I do not regret taking him. As much as it hurts to say, I know that will most likely be his last swim at the lake, and I am glad we could take him to enjoy what he loves. 

Jake is still with us, he has a will to live like no other dog I have ever seen. He is hard headed, stubborn and tests my patience most days lol but he is slowing down more than I like to admit. He has had a very good and rough life in many ways, he is a warrior and my special puppy whom I love dearly. 

I have often wondered why our animals are only with us for such a short amount of time. I still haven’t found that answer but I have learned to appreciate the time we have with them. 

Animals teach and show us love. They provide emotional support and companionship. Animals reveal the inner workings of our anxieties and mannerisms, as they respond to life situations based upon our body language and inner self. 

They grow us and strengthen us. 

I believe God, through the love of animals, helps us to appreciate and enjoy the time we have with those around us, to not take things for granted, to embrace each day. 

I pray my dogs are taken up with me in the rapture and I never have to lose them here on this earth. If they come to a place where they are satisfied and ready to go before then I know I will see them again in Heaven.

I hope you experience God’s unconditional love through the companionship of an animal at least once in your life. 

Much Love, 

Jess