I smiled as I remembered the tale of Louie’s rescue, which my granddaughter, Evi, shared so poignantly with her little sister, Mea. This storytelling episode happened some time ago when the girls were riding in the backseat of my car (how the tables have turned). Yet, once again, Louie’s story tugged at my heart as I thought about our little dog wandering the streets and wooded areas, not knowing where he was or where he should go. Some kind soul caught him and took him to a shelter. It is even sadder to think that despite the shelter’s efforts to find his family, no one came to take him home. Louie was unclaimed and unloved—that breaks my heart.
Since he first came to live in my home, we’ve had our challenges, but I chose to love him. I gladly claimed him as my little pal and made sure he knew where home was. Every time we walk, he’ll look up at me with those big, brown eyes, and I’ll ask, “Do you want to go home, Lou?” With a spring in his step and dogged determination, he’ll prance all the way home with little guidance from me. I have been unwavering in working through life’s tough spots with him to build a relationship of trust, and it has paid off in huge dividends of joy for Louie and me, as well as for Evi, Mea, and thousands of children who have come to know and love Little Louie.
Being unclaimed and unloved is not limited to rescue pups. The number one need for every human is to be known and loved. Many people in our lives have suffered through this emotional pain of never being truly known or truly loved. They are often close friends, students, teammates, bosses, or neighbors. We never know who they are because, in today’s shallow society, we don’t take the time to learn about people’s lives. We often wonder what is wrong with individuals who act out, but in many cases, they may have been unclaimed and unloved and are looking for others they can trust. PAWS, and don’t lash out.
Before we pass judgment on others, let’s please take the time to learn their stories. People are fascinating, and everyone has a unique history. Once you invest the time to learn about someone and get to know them, you’ll see them blossom and grow. We can help others build trust and learn to recognize their strengths. Be the friend, parent, or neighbor who is unwavering in working through tough spots to build a relationship of trust. This effort will pay off in huge dividends of joy and love.
As you read this blog, I want you to know you are not unclaimed or unloved, no matter what has happened to you in the past. God is unwavering in His love for us. It is up to us to joyfully accept and receive such love.
Louie has taught me so much about love, determination, and seeing past people’s tough exteriors. I am never without a lesson from this little pup. But as for you, dear friend, know you are loved!
Happy 11th Gotcha Day (9/15), little buddy!