God’s Favorite Pet

We are told in Genesis that God created all living things and that he created man in his own image, saving the best of his creation for last.  Sometimes I have to question whether or not we are his greatest creation. I know plenty of people—and some days I am one—who get cranky, hurt others’ feelings, and simply aren’t pleasant to be around.  When it comes to animals, though, that’s another story altogether. You see, I have a theory about pets. I even own a few—a dog, cat, and guinea pig, to be precise.  I never dreamed I would have a rodent for a pet, and I was never really a cat lover until Gypsy meandered into our lives last spring.  Although I would have trouble now deciding which of them is my favorite pet, there was a time when the dog would have won for sure.

There is no doubt in my mind that dogs are God’s favorite pets.  Think about it.  What other animal, or person for that matter, can claim that its name is spelled g-o-d backward?  Notice the little "g"—no dog (or cat or person) can take the place of God in our lives, but isn’t it ironic that dogs exhibit some of God’s characteristics in ways that no other animals do?  For starters, dogs are loyal.  All throughout Scripture we are told of God’s faithfulness, even when we are not faithful to him. “If we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself ” (2 Timothy 2:13).  “Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).  If you have ever looked into the soulful eyes of a dog, you see that compassion.

Dogs also demonstrate a seemingly unconditional love and affection for their owners, which mirrors the love God has for his children.  Dogs are swift to forgive us when we have wronged and neglected them. No matter how badly we treat them at times, they are always eager to love us and to receive our love in return.  I don’t know about you, but when I am at my lowest point and no one seems to understand the pain I am going through, my dog has an amazing ability to comfort me, almost as if she fully understands the feelings I cannot even express.  How like God is that?  Even when we can’t define or fully understand the depth of our sorrow or frustration, God can.  He listens and comforts us like no one else.  Is it any wonder that people love their dogs so much?

Whether your pet is a dog, cat, rodent, or reptile, love your pet and thank the one who created them and you!  “A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal” (Proverbs 12:10).