See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise. Isaiah 43:19-21
Several months ago, we decided to get a rescue dog. (A rescue dog is a dog that has been rescued from possible euthanasia after being found as a stray, a dog that has been saved from an abusive or neglectful home by an animal rescue organization such as the RSPCA in the UK or the ASPCA in the USA, or a dog that is simply no longer wanted or can no longer be cared for by its owner. Thank you Wikipedia!)
We decided we wanted a very small, female, lap dog. You know…a girlie dog…a puffy, foofoo dog…not a “man” dog. We started our search. We looked online. We visited every humane society on the island…except one, only because that one is over an hour away.
After several weeks of searching, during a visit at the Hawaii Humane Society, I asked God, “What dog would you have us choose?” I felt a pull to look to the left and I made eye contact with a dog that was larger than we had initially decided on. And he was a male. And he was a “man” dog. I immediately thought, “Can that be right?”
There were several dogs in the same area. There was another dog in the same kennel with this dog but there was a distinct leading for us to get this one particular dog. I walked around the kennel and continued to pray. Again, I made eye contact with the same dog. I knew this was the right dog; however, what God had planned was way beyond what I could ever ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20)
We took him home and found him (Bodhi) to be very intelligent, calm, and exceptionally loving to people of all ages. Several weeks after bringing Bodhi home we began thinking he had more potential than we had ever imagined. I wanted to maximize Bo’s potential to help others. I began doing research to learn what possibilities were available. I was determined! I thought, if a program is not available, I will create a program! Through research I learned dogs can work in many capacities.
Then I came across an article written by Steve Reiman that stated, “For long-term elders, is it not so much the stress of daily problems, but the boredom, loneliness, and lack of control.” My immediate thought was, “Boredom and loneliness? That is something we can change!”
After several phone calls, a meeting was arranged for Bo to be evaluated. He is now a Therapy Visitation Dog and is a registered employee of the Hawaii Humane Society. We report for duty at a long term care facility next month!
We are also working on our Canine Good Citizen Certification. And we will further our education and expand as He leads. (Psalm 37:23)
Check out our Facebook fan page! Please feel free to share so that we can build a network of Therapy Dogs to help one another to gain information, support, and insight.
A powerful aspect of this is…when we adopted our dog, we just thought we were getting a pet. However, God was answering prayer! I had been tempted to feel like I was missing where God was leading me and believing I was getting left behind. I was getting bored and lethargic. Praise God we live by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Praise God, His timing is always perfect. I know I am created to do more than I had been doing. I had checked into several “ministries” but nothing seemed to click. But Luke 16;10! My spiritual momma said, “Isn’t it just like God to use a dog to answer prayer?!” (Isaiah 55:9)
Ask-Seek-Knock and it will be answered!
It doesn’t matter to me how He brings about His plan, I just want to be a part of it! (Deuteronomy 12:7)
Many of you reading this are walking in His perfect plan for your life. Some are still searching. Here is something to ponder…
What is God’s new thing for you?
It’s welling up!
Perceive it!
He’s making a way!
Proclaim His praise!
.JPG)
