M.R. Wells - Dogs to the Rescue: Inspirational Stories of Four-Footed Heroes

HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS

EUGENE, OREGON

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Verses marked MSG are from The Message. Copyright by Eugene H. Peterson 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

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Cover design by Left Coast Design, Portland, Oregon

Cover photo bluecrayola / Shutterstock

Published in association with the literary agency of Mark Sweeney & Associates, Bonita Springs, FL 34135.

The information shared by the author is from her personal experience and the personal experience of others. It should not be considered professional advice. Readers should consult their own health care and dog care professionals regarding issues related to their own health and safety and the health, safety, grooming, and training of their pets.

All the incidents described in this book are true. Where individuals may be identifiable, they have granted the author and the publisher the right to use their names, stories, and facts of their lives, including composite or altered representations. In all other cases, names, circumstances, descriptions, and details have been changed to render individuals unidentifiable.

DOGS TO THE RESCUE

Copyright 2014 by M.R. Wells

Published by Harvest House Publishers

Eugene, Oregon 97402

www.harvesthousepublishers.com

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Wells, M.R. (Marion R.), 1948-

Dogs to the rescue / M.R. Wells.

pages cm

ISBN 978-0-7369-4956-9 (pbk.)

ISBN 978-0-7369-4957-6 (eBook)

1. DogsReligious aspectsChristianity. 2. Dog ownersPrayers and devotions. I. Title.

BV4596.A54W445 2014

242dc23

2013013797

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To all my old and new friends, both two-footed and four-footed, who provided inspiration and stories for these pages, and to my loving Lord, who wove it all togetherthis books for you!

I should have known that I couldnt write a book about Dogs to the Rescue without being rescued myself. It was a rescue of the heart. I was renewed by being reminded afresh of the hugely sacrificial love of so many dogs and humans, and of our Savior God. I am unspeakably grateful to every person and dog in these pages, and to my incredible team at Harvest House Publishers. You have given me a paw up in more ways than you know. A special shout-out is due to my agents, Mark and Janet Sweeney, and my editor, Rod Morris, for their invaluable support. I am also deeply grateful to Dottie P. Adams, Nicole Overbey, DVM, and Pastor Jim Leonard for their review and suggestions.

Most of all, I am grateful to God. You, O Lord, are the source of all rescue and all life, and the reason for this book!

Contents

C aleb the Korean jindo dog was already starring in two stories for this book, so I didnt expect last nights email from his human. Pamela wrote, Too bad your book is done because tonight Caleb saved me, Zoe, Louie Belle, the chickens, and our house.

Zoe is Pamelas other dog. Louie Belle is the cat. Apparently, about midnight, Caleb begged Pamela to come outside. She finally gave in and followed him, turning on the yard light. She and her husband, Jay, who was then at work, have four chickens housed in a movable chicken run with a coop attached. Caleb circled the chickens enclosure, and Pamela noticed that they were all crowded together by the little gate at the end of the run. This was not normal, since chickens enter their coop as soon as it is dark and wont leave it at all until daylight. Nor would they be bird-brained enough to expose themselves to the freezing-cold winter weather.

When she investigated, Pamela saw that the chickens hanging heat light had somehow come loose and fallen to the ground. Jay had just reseeded the yard and covered everything with straw. Since the coop had no flooring, the heat light was lying directly on the straw-covered grass. The bulb had a cage around it, but the heat light had fallen so the bulb was touching the straw. That straw was smoking. If it had caught fire, Pamela noted, the flames would have spread via the straw right across the yard to our wooden deck and then quickly to the house. God bless my smart pup for telling me something was wrong. And thank God that I listened to His furry messenger.

The great irony in all of this is that Jay makes his living as a fire captain . He is on the job for 24 hours at a time. While he was off saving others, his own house might have gone up in smokebut for the stellar instincts and quick action of a faithful dog.

This great story is a capsulated version of why this book was written. Dogs are a gift from God and a means of His rescue. They seem to sense things we humans dont. They are often willing to do what we cant or wont do for ourselves or each other. And in the caring, faithful, ongoing way they love and help us, they point us to God and His rescue.

I knew I would be blessed in gathering stories for this book. I didnt have a clue how much! I have been humbled and inspired, not just by the dogs in these tales but by the incredible people who team with them. I pray these stories will grab your heart too and draw you close to your dogs, your humans, and our unfathomably loving God who made us for each other and Himself!

Mica, Becca, and Marley

Becca, Marley, and Mica are a trio of pint-sized toy joys who are dearly loved furry companions and writing buddies.

Becca is a beautiful apricot-and-white Pomeranian fox. She loves to go trick and treating, performing for goodies. She also loves giving doggie kisses and getting belly rubs.

Marley is a gorgeous sable-and-white papillon mix. Hes the resident doggie man of the house. He delights to watch over his womencanine, feline, and human. An empathetic little guy, he is right there with a comforting smooch if he senses his mom is upset.

Mica is a stunning sable-and-white poshie (Pomeranian/toy sheltie mix). She adores everyone and never met a four-foot she didnt want to play with. But her favorite partner in doggie crime is Marley. She could wrestle and chase with him all day.