Sopstories

A Gift of Love

I watched Marley and Me last night. I felt the movie was only passable. However, when the protagonist had to watch Marley being put to sleep, I was reminded of my first pet Pawdles.

Pawdles came to us just before Christmas 2004. He was already intended as a present for my daughter’s best friend. Before Pawdles, I was adamant that no pet would ever be allowed in the house. But Pawdles melted my heart. His picture will tell you why. So when the friend’s mother objected the gift, I opened my home and heart to the little “beast” as my husband would call it.

Pawdles brought us much joy. Every morning, when my domestic helper went upstairs to wake my daughters up, the jingles of his tiny bell can be heard. As soon as the airconditioning is switched off and the door opened, Pawdles would scamper in, and jumped onto Sam’s side of the bed and would lie then in the cool comfort of the quilt. He was superlatively greedy, but picky as well. So whenever I have my fruits, he would jump onto my lap, and waited impatiently for some.

One afternoon, Sarah and her friend Desiree brought Pawdles down for a walk. Pawdles was in a leash, and he was really timid every time he ventured into the open. I suppose he could smell dogs and cats and birds about. At the same time, a neighbour brought two Golden Retrievers for a walk as well. One was in a leash, the other not. After all, she only had one free hand – the other was holding a cigarette. I was walking behind them, when suddenly the free Golden Retriever bounded towards me. It was a friendly dog which meant no harm – but he was humongous. Immediately I shouted to my daughter to carry Pawdles. But it was too late. The dog saw the hapless bunny and made a dash for it. Because Pawdles was on a leash, there was no way Pawdles could run away on time. Before we knew it, the dog had my poor bunny in its jaws. It was only then that the owner managed to get the dog’s attention, and we could retrieve the poor bunny, still wet from the dog’s saliva, and shivering.

Almost crying from fury, we ignored the neighbour’s apologies and went up to give Pawdles a good cleaning and to examine him for injuries. Amazingly, he was not injured. Rabbits are very timid creatures, and they often can die just from fright – so we had to monitor it in case that happened. I was furious. But somehow, during that time, a still small voice spoke to me. What appeared to be the jaws of death may really be harmless. And in as much as you love your pet, I love you much more, and will rescue you. I wept. I knew He was talking about my health challenges and His assurance of safety and healing.

Yes God speaks in so many ways. If only we will listen.