Rescued!

We are huge dog people, especially rescued dogs!  How huge you ask?  Well, several years ago, we had six dogs at one time, mostly all rescued! 

In addition to the four beautiful babies above, we had our daughter’s miniature Schnauzer and her St. Bernard. I don’t see us having that many dogs at one time ever again. There were lots of challenges to say the least!

I guess you could say that we are a dog family! We all love dogs, but some of us more than others.😊

My daughter used to claim that our small dog, Wile E., was my favorite child!  He wasn’t, but I never have convinced her.  I wasn’t the only one who loved Wile E.!

Jay has requested that when he dies, we bury him in a dog costume so that I will, “at least shed a couple of tears.”  I can’t convince him either! 

However, with the exception of our son-in-law, we are all crazy about dogs, but I think we may be rubbing off on him!

We are especially fond of rescued dogs.  There are several things that come with a rescue dog though.  Normally, the age is estimated and the breed is a hopeful guess. 

As sad as it is, some rescue dogs have been abused and come with certain fears. With patience and understanding, you can help them through the rough times. It is sad to see, but when they come to realize that you can be trusted, they are loyal to the core!

On a positive note, they could already be potty-trained – or maybe not.  The commonalities we have found with all of our rescues over the years is that they are super appreciative, very affectionate, and loyal.  How can someone not love rescue dogs?

We have been blessed with dogs that live a long time, so when we have lost one, our other dogs have become lonely or depressed.  They have always let us know when it was time to bring a new rescue baby home.  

A few years ago, we lost sweet Ten Boom (named after Corrie ten Boom). A few years later, we lost our precious Gracie (yes, she was named after Granny Grace). Wile E. was fine for a while, but he let us know when it was time for a new baby.

Jay had always wanted a Red Heeler and said he got to pick the next dog.  So, we began the hunt for a Red Heeler on Pet-Finder. 

He filled out several applications, but the dogs would be adopted before we could get to them.  We came to the conclusion that it would be easier to adopt a child than a dog! 

There were interviews with both our vet and our references, a virtual tour of our home – inside and out, and the family tree of our past dogs.  We were about to give up when we were approved by Texas Cattle Dog Rescue. 

The very next day, a “Red Heeler” (estimated to be 8 months old) was on their website.  She had been picked up off the street in the Valley where strays run rampant and are many times abused. 

She was sent to Texas Cattle Dog Rescue where she was nourished, treated, spayed, and microchipped.  When they determined she was ready, they listed her, and we snatched her up. She became our family member!  And yes, she was potty-trained!  

She did great for a couple of weeks.  Then she started having separation anxiety when we would leave.  First thing was the unwrapping of half the Christmas gifts. We discovered this as we were walking into the house with our kids and grandkids to celebrate Christmas.  We had to rewrap several packages and replace two gifts!  It didn’t stop there either! 

We experienced torn up carpet, five remote controls demolished, three king size bamboo pillows shredded, the bottom of our couch cushion is duct taped, and our kitchen cushy floor mats are sculpted by the artist we named Ally. 

Although we never had to do it before, we purchased a crate, which looks like a piece of furniture.  She had to go into the crate when we were not there.  Thankfully, she grew to love it. 

If we were ever going to get rid of a dog, she would have been the one.  Sometimes though, all they need is patience, love, and grace! She is part of the family!

Ally has stopped all of those shenanigans and brings us great joy! She is the sweetest little baby!!! I have never seen a dog who loves people (especially babies and children) and other dogs as much as she does. She is quite the blessing!

By the way, we did a DNA test on her and the results were, 61% Akita, 16% Red Heeler, 11% Pit Bull and the remaining 12% is a combination of six other breeds! 

I tell you all this because, we are much like Ally.

• We have Someone Who has, or wants to rescue us.
• We are all strays until we are adopted.
• We have an available home – Heaven.
• We can mess things up pretty badly.
• We will never be sent back. 
• He has patience, love, and grace for us.
• We have our own identity in the family of Christ.

I am so glad we have the opportunity to be rescued by the Creator of the Universe!  He loves us more than we could ever know.

These DNA tests give you so much information. They even give you a pretty accurate physical description of your baby! We have used these cheek swab tests on each of our rescued babies.

Here is the link to the DNA test.

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This crate was a lifesaver. We never have to close the door anymore. This is her “Safe-Space” now! She comes and goes into it as she wants, just to relax. They come in different sizes, and there are many more options to choose from now.

Here is the link to the dog crate.

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We no longer have sweet Wile E, but when we did, we got this orthopedic bed for the times that he jumped off of the bed in the middle of the night. He had gotten too old to get back up by himself.

Here is the link to the dog bed.

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If you haven’t heard (or listened to the lyrics) of Zach Williams’ song, “Rescue Story,” you have to listen! It is beautiful! Listen to it here!

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I will end this with one of my favorite scriptures.

Yes, that really is in the Bible!

Related Posts

How to Take Care of an Aging Dog
Spiritual Lessons from the Dogs and I Peter 5:8

Until next time,

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“When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.” Psalms 94:19