Sorry I'm Late

I am sorry I'm late posting a new episode in the unsung hero/ine blog! We had a very sick dog, Max, who went through surgery, successfully I should add, for cancer.
Cancer is the illness we all live in fear of. When an animal has it, the process is just as hard to watch--because there is no discussion, no rationalization of treatment, just pain and strange states of being. The first week, we held Max all night, to ease his pain. Now he is totally back to normal, his own sweet self, loving and giving always, guarding us in bed at night with a watchful eye. And while his family is his "everything" there is no reproach to that painful period. Just a return of how things were.
Dogs are reminders of God in so many ways. Particularly for me, my dogs remind me of how I am to love God--fully and faithfully. And then too, how God loves me, fully and faithfully.
Scripture on dogs sends some mixed messages about them. In Matt.7:6 we are told by Christ not to give what is holy to dogs. In 2 Pet:2:22 is the famous return to vomit statement. But in Eccl. 9:4 says a living dog is better than a lion! And the woman who grabbed Jesus robe reminded him that even dogs are fed with crumbs from the master's table.
So there are some good statements about animals found in scripture. Animals can be examples for the good. But most of all, Jesus taught us to look with our hearts to the good in others. And also, how God cares for the least of things. Each blade of grass is known to God. And my good dog Max, well he was blessed with healing by our Gracious Lord. Max is the unsung hero today, and as with all of us, it is by God's Good Grace.