I believe the biggest tangible example of God’s presence and pure unconditional love manifested to us can be seen through our dogs. Granted, just like people, not all dogs are alike. But if you’ve experienced the love of that special dog, you know what I’m talking about.
What does this love look like in action? A great example is from my special dog, Duffy the golden retriever pictured here.
My mother had open heart surgery and was staying at a care facility. She was in her mid-80s, so the people in the facility were all her age or older. Visiting her, there would be people sitting in the hallways, slumped over in their wheelchairs looking completely lifeless. If there was any eye contact, there wasn’t any recognition. It was really sad.
I brought Duffy in to visit her. It was like the switches were turned on with every person in the hallway. As soon as Duffy walked in and they saw him, they all sprang to life. They held out their arms to receive him. They smiled. They talked. It was truly a miracle. He was extremely happy to provide love and affection.
It didn’t matter who we met, Duffy wanted to meet each and every person. It didn’t matter if it was a two-year-old or 100-year-old. It didn’t matter about the color of your skin. It didn’t matter how tall or short you were. It didn’t matter what you did for a living. Duffy just wanted to give his unconditional love and attention.
God’s love is like Duffy’s love. We don’t have to do anything to earn it. Nothing we can do will make us lose it.
We get caught up in our shortcomings, mistakes, doubts, fears, and allow all of this to swirl within our minds and spirits. Deep down we don’t feel very lovable. But the truth of the matter is, we are lovable. We are God’s beloved. God created us to love us. God is not the great scorekeeper in the sky keeping track of every little mistake that we’ve made.
Someone pointed out to me that the word dog is God spelled backwards. Duffy is gone now. It was a tremendous loss. But I know that his spirit lives in my heart. His spirit was so strong that I have to believe I will see him again someday.
If dogs can love us so much, imagine how much God loves us.
Postscript: This was my favorite picture of Duffy. Loading this post was the first time I had looked at this picture in a long time. He died on All Saints Day, November 1, 2008. This picture, taken in his prime, brought tears to my eyes. His life made such an impact on my life. There is still a huge, gaping hole in my heart. It is such a great honor to share his life here with you.
Did you, or do you have a special dog? Share in the comments below.
Do you have a hard time letting go? I am offering a Prayer for Letting Go and cut number 5 from my Let it Go – 10 Meditative Affirmations to Let Go and Let God, called Letting Go to download for free. Hope it helps.
Jackie Trottmann
April 18, 2024 3:44 pmHi Brandi,
I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful post! Yes, I understand. : ) My husband Robert just lost his battle with Parkinson’s/Dementia on January 30th. The last two years were really brutal for us both. During that time, our sweet dog Loki literally walked into our lives in the park where we used to hike and where Robert proposed. He was a rescue and being fostered. I asked Robert what he thought of Loki and he said, “I think he’s the dog!” We had been without a dog for 5 years (the longest I’d been without a dog in 30 years) when our Labrador, Wilson, died suddenly with a brain tumor. I couldn’t go through another heartbreak. But we were no longer traveling and I really wanted a dog. Now that Robert is gone, I don’t know what I would do without Loki. He is my shadow, my constant companion, following me everywhere and he is the snuggliest dog I’ve ever had. I love this line you wrote: “If my Deuce can love me as much as he does, I wonder if I am even able to comprehend the love of God-probably not but I certainly understand a lot more because of Deuce.” I still have Duffy’s ashes (my golden retriever) on my nightstand. I haven’t been able to part with him. What Loki has taught me is that I can truly find love again. He is the most amazing animal. We had rescued Wilson, but this time, even though we rescued Loki, Loki has rescued me.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Jackie
Brandi Mitchell
April 18, 2024 8:30 amI recently lost my Best Friend and I feel everything you said. My Deuce was such a faithful, loving and loyal friend to me. My heart aches losing him but I can also add that I couldn’t have asked for more. Deuce was a 15 year old black labrador that brought me more joy than anything in this world. He provided more security and affection than I ever realized. He fought hard to continue being with us and it wasn’t until I told him I would be okay did he take his last breath. I long for him everyday but in a weird way I also feel as though he’s everywhere I am. I have always been a Faithful Christian; however, losing him has brought me even closer to God because no longer having the peace and love from Deuce I find myself clinging to God even more so that I can see him again one day. I pray everyday that I have to him half as much as he gave to me. I cry for him but I never want to stop because I fear not longing for him. I am okay and will be because of the love and example of God he shared with me. If my Deuce can love me as much as he does, I wonder if I am even able to comprehend the love of God-probably not but I certainly understand a lot more because of Deuce. Thank you for sharing this post. You don’t understand until you just do. My Deuce was an angel that saved my Husband and I, made my family and I better and more than anything was the biggest teacher of loyalty, love, kindness, all things good and most of all the meaning of fulfilling a purpose here. Since he passed, I have often told myself “As we are supposed to be peaceful, joyful and grateful I think for the first time I truly feel even as we are experiencing all of those things we were never meant to want to stay on this earth. As I’m not ready to go yet because I have two beautiful little girls that are only 5 and 7 I can say that I have begun to understand deeply that getting to Heaven when that day comes will be more joyful than I ever thought before because I’ll get to se those that I love that once had a part in the goodness of good here on earth! ❤️
Jackie Trottmann
May 3, 2021 3:13 pmHi Robert,
How special! I had a Himalayan kitten that was totally attached to me. He only lived to be 9 months old and died of feline leukemia. My heart was broken. I can totally relate with your kitty story.
We lost our lab, Wilson at the end of 2018 and we haven’t gotten another dog or cat. It’s so wonderful to have them and so hard to lose them. But I know that we have to risk to love.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Jackie
Robert L Gross
May 1, 2021 9:23 amI experienced God’s presence and love from a Himalayan cat who lived with us for 13 years. She was so very attentive to my feelings that it was uncanny! When going through emotional pain (even minor incidences; almost trivial in the overall scheme of life), she would come to me, jump up into my lap and face to face, stare -nose to nose- as if to say, “What is wrong? Don’t let this get you down!”
Jackie Trottmann
June 24, 2018 4:51 pmHi Roopa,
Thanks for sharing. Unconditional love!
Jackie
Roopa Hegde
June 22, 2018 3:19 pmYes, thank you so much. I see God in my dog every time I see him. I am so blessed to have him in my life. Priceless!
Jackie Trottmann
May 19, 2018 10:58 amHi Chales,
Thanks for sharing about your sweet puppies! I totally agree. Thanks for reading and for commenting.
In gratitude for our furry loves,
Jackie
Chales South
May 17, 2018 9:00 pmI am 75 years old. I have been so Blessed to have dogs in my life, Spot, Lady, Buddy Bear and and when Buddy died I went for 4 months without a dog in my life. I recently went to our local Humane Shelter and adopted a 6 year dog .. Sissy has brought the light back into my life. I believe that the Love of God and a Dog are connected! They both understand us, accept us and LOVE US!
Jackie Trottmann
October 28, 2016 2:46 pmHi Michael,
Thank you for sharing your lovely story. Yes, indeed. God works in mysterious ways.
Peace to you,
Jackie
Michael
October 26, 2016 1:42 amBefore my beloved wife died she insisted on finally getting the puppy she had wanted for some years. She was not getting Mary for herself but for me. I had not wanted a dog yet alone a sharp toothed handful, but with my wife so poorly I could not deny her anything and anyway if she made her mind up about something then it would happen.
A year on from my wife’s death life is still hard but each morning I must get out of bed and go downstairs to see to Mary’s needs and also receive the unconditional waggy tailed welcome to the day. This makes life easier and I’m sure it is right that God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform.
Jackie Trottmann
August 24, 2015 3:04 pmHi Janet,
Thank you for reading and for writing. Yes, I do have another dog. His name is Wilson. He’s a lab. We were the 4th owners in 2 years. “He” needed us and our love and attention. It took a while for him to make eye contact. I used to call him our J.D. juvenile delinquent because he was quite a handful. But he’s turned into a real sweetheart. It is a testament to what unconditional love can do in reverse. :)
Blessings,
Jackie
Janet Walton
August 24, 2015 1:33 pmI love your blog about Duffy. Too bad he is now gone. I believe dogs are the greatest example of God’s unconditional love. It seems like many Christians do not get the connection, nor do the dog lovers
I think a ministry promoting Man’s Best Friend as a manifestation of God’s love in his creation should be created. I hope you have another dog sharing your life now.
Jackie Trottmann
March 26, 2015 10:42 amHi Juliana,
Thank you for your comment. My best friend asked me, “If anything happened to Robert, would you get married again?” I told her, “No, I would get three dogs.” :) That’s because I’ve been blessed to have Robert as the great love in my life (although, Duffy comes really close!) and I truly believe that I would turn to dogs for earthly companions. So, I hope that you DO feel peace and soak up God’s love through your animals. I know that loneliness is very hard and I will keep you in my prayers. If you haven’t read these posts yet, here is a Prayer for Loneliness and how loneliness can be a spiritual experience – How to Turn the Pain of Loneliness Into Peace and Solitude of the Heart. I hope these help you.
Sending you love and peace,
Jackie
Juliana
March 26, 2015 2:22 amThank you. This lifted my heart. I have rescued dogs all my life and each and everyone has brought something special to my life and my heart. Whenever I am lonely which is often I turn to my dogs. I feed the birds, the swans, ducks and foxes when I walk with the dogs and you’ve reminded me to be at peace and to soak up Gods love when I am alone with his creatures. May God bless you for the inspirational work and words you give to others. Pray for me as I am at a very lonely desolate place in my life right now. And I pray for all you people out there that are suffering too.