Wednesday, June 12, 2013

"Pawprints in the Sand"


The imagery of the poem Footprints in the sand”, by MaryStevenson, has always played out vividly in my mind... 



 When I read this poem, I can almost feel the spray of sea water on my face and the sand under my feet as I walk beside my Father and share the hills and valleys of my life.  I stop to admire the gentle footprints which depict my journey and I watch, in awe, as my own footprints disappear during the darker times of my life. But there is something missing ...

Don't get me wrong, the poem is beautifully written.  But had I written the poem myself, I would most probably, have added another set of footprints – I would have added the little indentations of my God-given canine companions. I can't imagine my world without them.  Their smaller, gentler footprints would be there - assisting the Father when things got tough.  I regard my DOGS as His angels on earth.  For me, “Footprints in the sand” has always included four extra footprints.


A clear example of what I am saying was played out during my “Maxdog”journey. (2000-2010)  God gave me Max – an earthly angel – to assist with my healing process.  He knew how to connect with me in a way which spoke deep into my heart…God taught me of the wonders of His love through my special Max.  It was a time, when I was being ‘carried’ on that figurative beach with the single footprints, but also a time when God showed His love to me through the gift of my beautiful dog.


How often we overlook the joy, comfort and tender devotion of our animals - especially at the times when we are at our most distraught.  They are always present; ever- willing and ready for whatever we bring to them.  To me, they will always be God’s special angels on this planet – to reach out to us when our own species has possibly failed us, but also to teach us about the joys and beauty of this life. They provide the message - there is hope for this world...
 DOG’s exuberance for life is contagious.  Their ability to keep things simple is their very nature.  They bury the past and appreciate the present. 

 So is their ability to ‘live in the moment’, to offer friendship, to welcome guests, to be thankful for food and provision and good health.  They show us how to relish the opportunity of sharing time with others, to play, to sleep, to rest….the list goes on and on.   DOG is an example to us all! 

 Best of all; the time that they spend with us is totally unconditional – exactly like the love of God.  They are aware of, but immune to our frustration and anger, and choose to celebrate every glorious moment.  

In many ways they mimic the ways of the Father who has created them. It is hardly ironic that the name given to them, i.e” D-O-G”,  is a mirror image of the name we give our Heavenly Father.

It is three years since Max crossed the rainbow bridge. His memory lives on and his life continues to teach me and to touch others.  Nowadays, I am blessed with my current pack of beautiful canine companions - Tammy, Toby and little Lexi.  Every day I look at them and realise how blessed I am.  I am reminded of the great love of my Heavenly Father...and I am thankful.

May your life also be touched by your animals - deeply.

sending lotsaluv,

18 comments:

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

OMG....This is such a beautiful and heartwarming post today. You have no idea how deeply you touched my soul. There is truly a connection between our animals and Heaven and our dogs are here to help and guide us through life's journey. One thing I deeply regret is that they aren't with us longer.

Huskee and Hershey said...

Love your post and couldn't agree more.. What my dogs have done for me is beyond what any human can do! They are selfless and give us nothing more than pure, unadulterated love! ❤

Mrs. JP said...

I agree with you about that poem: it is beautiful but there would absolutely be a few set of canine prints gently following along.
You are right about they teach us, living simply,,,I'd like to get just that one!
love ya.

Piappies World said...

Hello MaxMom,

Beautiful post and Piappies Mom truly share your feelings, too. We feel that happiness and love we give her really matters a lot.

You have shown how much we should really live each moment to the Max.

Love,
Piappies Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Max, Wai-Pai & Forgie

My Dog Sam - Ruptured Disk said...

Hi Maxmom, thank you. We four fur-kids are well loved and cared for by our mom and dad and extended family of caretakers who feel as you do.

NanaNor's said...

Hi dear friend, I feel the exact same way about my furbabies and their love and companionship! My life would be so empty without them. I so remember finding you-during Max's final journey and being able to release the pain I felt from losing my Sadie the previous Christmas. You are such an incredible woman and I cherish you Caryl. I do need to email you today.
Sending hugs and love your way!
Noreen

How Sam Sees It said...

Such a beautiful post. My life would be incomplete without dog walking beside me.

Sam

Bobz said...

Beautiful post. Dogs are special, and you are right, they do remind us of a special kind of love.
Thanks for sharing this.
Love you! <3

WFT Nobby said...

Has it really been three years?
Max touched so many hearts all over the world.
Remembering him with great fondness.
Gail.

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Hi Caryl, I agree, our dogs touch our hearts like nothing else. They help heal us to when we're at our lowest and celebrate with us at our highest. I know we will always have a dog in our lives. I hope your memories of dear Max bring you happiness. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Your words,, fall deep into my heart.
I know what your saying and feeling.
What you wrote is beautiful.
love
tweedles

MySpecialDoggies said...

Beautiful post - our pups provide us with so much in our lives.

Woofs
Nadine & goldens Neeli & Elle

Molly the Airedale said...

What an absolutely beautiful post!

Love ya lots♥
Mitch and Molly

Becky Andrews said...

Oh what a beautiful post -- I need to go give Cricket a hug and thank her! So beautiful said -- what a blessed gift they are in our lives.

kks said...

so lovely....so true!
xoxo

sprinkles said...

I've always loved that poem!

I never really thought about it before, but you're so right! I truly think of my boys as God's Angels on Earth too. They've gotten through a lot of really good and really bad times and I can't imagine my life without them.

Mary Lou said...

MAXMOM....
Beautifully expressed. I liked this Blog post. ;)
It was three years ago on June 15th when my Shadow passed. They met each other on dates which were in such close proximity to one another. I wonder if Shadow and Max became Best Friends....? ;op
--Hugs!!--
--Raelyn and Rose

KB said...

A beautiful, heartfelt post. I couldn't agree more about dogs being our angels on this earth.