To get a second dog or not to get a second dog? I’ve prayerfully asked this question many times because of worry that Evian, my shih-tzu, is alone too often. Along came Niko, an adorable black and white spotted Chihuahua puppy. He’s staying at my home for a while, as a favor to my daughter.
Niko is pretty well potty trained. So my only concern was that Evian, who is 42 in dog years, would get too rough and frighten or hurt the puppy. On the contrary, 10-ounce Niko terrorizes my 15-pound dog! His playful bark isn’t much louder than a forceful whisper but his teeth are sharp and he’s a merciless pouncer. Evian escapes by hiding in her pet carrier, though sometimes Niko follows her inside. The fiercest barking matches ensue. My dog won’t even eat unless I put the puppy outside or restrain him somehow.
Before I got my answer to prayer, Evian was free to roam the house without fear of assault. Niko proves the adage: Beware what you pray for because you might get it! I also realize my fretting over being away from home too much was needless. Evian was a contented dog until the Chihuahua moved in.
Worrying is just plain unnecessary, according to God’s Word. The Lord wants us to trust Him the same way birds trust Him.
“Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?” Luke 12:24
Ever see a worried bird? Do birds pace nervously, afraid of not finding a worm for breakfast? No! They sing with a joyful sound! We should be at least as carefree as they are, being that we’re the crowns of God’s creation.
Niko is going home soon. Evian will be her well-adjusted self again. I’m more peaceful already. God is watching out for us. He’ll let me know if I should make a change.
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The lesson in fretting is driven home quite sufficiently for this to have been such a "cute" piece of work. My baby, Osa (12yr old teacup chihuahua... very old in doggie yrs) is far-less-than-somewhat well potty trained, so she lives in a baby's playpen that I have to clean up daily. grrrrr. Chihuahuas, especially the teacups, seem to be the worst when it comes to that. And that shrieking scream of a bark. Ugh! I love her tons, but I always say that when she dies I will NEVER get another one. But who knows.... God's got this thing about making us fall in love with our little critters. She just has to go off and ruin my dislike for her by nuzzling me. Spoiled little rat of a dog!
