A Dog's Life

A Dog's Life, by Steve Ridgell

Remington is my Golden Retriever, and we have a good life together. I know it sounds odd to some of you, but we really have a good relationship. I take care of him. I have since he was a puppy. I provide shelter, food, and watch out for him in ways he does not even understand. I really do love him.
I also should confess that I like the way he treats me. He adores me. I can see it in his eyes. I can do no wrong. He completely trusts in the fact that I will take care of him and do what is best for him. He is so excited to see me when I get home. His tail wags so hard he shakes all over. Sometimes he even has to bark just to let me know how happy he is.
Remington is completely devoted to me. By extension, he is completely devoted to my wife, to my grandkids, and to anyone I let in the house.
He is protective of our house. He even warns the birds and squirrels to stay away. He would do anything I ask him to do. He would die for me.
I know he is not my equal. He cannot think on my level. I doubt he understands why he has to stay in a backyard. Yet he minds me. He is not a perfect dog. Sometimes he needs a little correction and a little discipline. But he is my dog, and I love him.
It occurs to me that Remington has helped me understand my relationship with God. In that relationship I am like Remington and God is my master. He takes care of me, provides for me, disciplines me for my good, and loves me unconditionally. He is so far superior to me that I do not even recognize it sometimes.
And I can learn from Remington how to treat my Master: with love, adoration, obedience, and trust.
It is a dog's life, and I would say that Remington and I both have it better than we deserve. You can too.
I never realized how much my dog would teach me...
steve@hopeforlife.org