Hi, Donnie - Pawverbs for a Dog Lover's Heart

Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around.

AS A YOUNG GIRL, Jen was terrified of dogs. Especially big dogs—like Donnie.

Her uncle Ron and aunt Nancy’s German shepherd often accompanied them to family gatherings at Jen’s grandparents’ house. Jen’s entire family loved Donnie. Her cousins often fought over who would get to play with him first.

But whenever five-year-old Jen caught sight of Donnie, she cowered behind her dad’s leg, trembling. As much as Jen’s relatives assured the little girl that Donnie wouldn’t hurt her, she wasn’t convinced. Consequently, her aunt and uncle always kept the shepherd outside and away from her. Their consideration helped, but it also magnified Jen’s fear. She began to view Donnie as “the beast” who had to stay outside to keep him from attacking her.

Jen would watch longingly from the back door of the house as her cousins played with Donnie in their grandparents’ backyard. They would play fetch and hide-and-seek, take turns shaking Donnie’s paws, and ask him to roll over.

They all looked so happy, including Donnie.

Jen began to grow frustrated with herself. She loved her cousins and wanted to play with them. She didn’t want to be scared anymore.

Yet every time she decided to face her fear and step outside, she pictured Donnie jumping up on her like he did to her cousin Mike. Or she heard Donnie’s deep, throaty bark and slunk back down into the sofa cushions.

During one visit, Jen was tired of being cooped up inside and missing out on the fun.

She opened the back door and looked out on the porch where her granddaddy was slicing a watermelon. Uncle Ron was sitting beside him, with Donnie lying at his feet.

When Uncle Ron spotted Jen, he stood up and grabbed Donnie’s collar. “I’ll take him inside,” he offered.

“It’s okay,” Jen whispered.

“Donnie, sit,” Uncle Ron said.

She eyed the big dog. His mouth was open, and his tongue was hanging out. His ears were raised, and his head was cocked to the side as if he were studying her. He sat completely still.

Jen began to inch her way forward on the porch. Once she reached Donnie, she cautiously placed her right hand on the top of his head.

“Hi, Donnie,” she said, timidly smiling.

As if sensing the importance of the moment, Donnie lay down, rolled over, and offered her his belly.

“Well, I’ll be,” Jen heard her granddaddy say.

Jen knelt down and rubbed Donnie’s belly—tentatively at first and then with more confidence. Within minutes, her fear disappeared.

From that time on, Donnie continued his boisterous play with Jen’s cousins, but he was always gentle with Jen. Even in her five-year-old mind, she grasped lifelong lessons from him—about patience, not judging others based on their appearance, and what true friendship looked like.

PAWS & PONDER . . .

Are you struggling with a fear today? Lay it before your heavenly Father, and ask him to help you identify and take the first step to overcome that worry. Imagine the victory you will feel after walking through that fear, a victory you will share with the God who walks with you.

Paws & Pray

Father, thank you for being stronger than my fear. Give me courage to take the first step toward conquering my anxiety. I know I will not walk alone.