When God Answers Prayers

As the spring of 2006 was heating up and I was beginning to walk again, I was worried about my walking partner, my Lhaso Apso, who would soon be turning twelve. Here I am, 5'8", making pretty good strides, and my little dog doing her best to keep up. Georgia's summer heat, even in the early morning or late evening, can be quite stifling.

You may think, "Leave your dog at home," but she's used to walking with me, and she seems to know my schedule-when I'm putting on shoes to go to work, or when I'm putting on tennis shoes to go walking. Anyway, she likes to go walking, and it makes me sad to make her stay inside, especially since she's been there all day.

Well, one evening I did. It was just too muggy, so I was off by myself. BORING!! Yes, I had my iPod with me, but I missed my companion.

My shepherd mix had died the previous December, and I was tossing around the idea of getting another German shepherd. I wanted a big dog, and one that would walk with me.

God answered my prayer, but I didn't recognize it at first. At the beginning of summer break, my husband came home and told me his help had found a puppy out in the pasture being chased by the cows. I told him to bring it to the house, and into our lives entered Gus. He was about ten weeks old, scared, but happy, and do I mean happy, to be with people and other animals. I wondered if he could keep up with me, being just a baby. My little dog didn't seem to mind either, as long as he wasn't trying to lick her in the face.

He hasn't stopped since-keeping up with me and trying to lick my little dog's face.

I've tried to wear him out. He reminds me of a child who doesn't want to go to bed at night, afraid that he'll miss something. That's Gus. I've traveled in a Gator, up and down the driveway (one way is half a mile), through pastures, everywhere, and there he is, running with his tongue lolling out, but with an expression of complete joy.

He's a hyper son-of-a-gun. More hyper than I have ever handled (and I've had lots of dogs in my life). After one tedious day, I asked myself why we always get stuck with drop-offs and strays.

That evening, while I was walking, God reminded me that I asked for him.

I watch Gus run, and I smile. He makes my spirit happy.