Let’s Blend Two Dogs

When Stan and I married we created a blended family. Along with Stan came Juneau – an Australian Shepherd/Dalmatian mix. Along with me came Jake – a chocolate lab. They were near the same age, but that was where all similarities ceased. Juneau was wary of new people and new dogs. To say the least, Jake and I weren’t on Juneau’s favored list. Jake, on the other hand, didn’t know the meaning of animosity; as far as he was concerned everyone was his friend. And that was only the start of differences between the two.

Juneau could sense a thunderstorm coming before the rest of us knew there was a cloud in the sky. He would cower on his rug, and by the time Stan and I could hear the thunder, Juneau’s poor body was trembling like a teenage boy headed to his first prom. Jake was sacked out on his own rug, the only moving part being his quivering upper lip as he blew snoring breaths past it.

Juneau was cautious about what he ate; often sniffing it several times before ever indulging. And sometimes he didn’t – as if whatever was offered wasn’t anything he wanted to waste his calories on. (If only I could be so disciplined!) He was a dainty eater, too. A large hamburger was chewed off in half a dozen bites. Not so with Jake. He would eat any chance he got and whatever was available. It wasn’t good enough to have the chocolate cake pushed back on the counter – it best be on top of the refrigerator or hidden in it. And a hamburger – you better look quick. One big gulp and it was on its way down the dark abyss.

Juneau was protective of “his space” unless it was Stan that was intruding within it. When I would walk by as he rested on the couch, he often narrowed his eyes and gave a warning growl – just loud enough to make sure I heard it. It didn’t matter who would walk by Jake – friend or stranger – that his tail didn’t start thumbing vigorously as his hazel eyes pleaded for a good long rub behind the ears.

Once Juneau finally grasped that Jake and I weren’t leaving he began working through his depression and little by little he began interacting with us. It was comical to watch his Australian Shepherd instincts kick in as he herded Jake around the house – from one room to another, occasionally snipping at Jake to steer him right where he wanted him to go.  Jake, even though he had thirty plus pounds on Juneau , played along. To him it was just more attention that he welcomed.

As I think about how Juneau herded Jake to make him go this way or that way, I am thankful that God doesn’t snip at us or push us in the direction He wants us to go. Instead, He leads us gently, inviting us to follow Him. In Psalms 18:33, King David proclaims, “He makes me as surefooted as a deer, leading me safely along the mountain heights.” Who couldn’t use a little guidance and leading when maneuvering through a difficult situation? King David was oh, so thankful for His leading, and so am I!

Until next month, keep on readin’ and I’ll keep on writin’.

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