Jennifer Marshall Bleakley - Pawverbs for a Dog Lovers Heart: Inspiring Stories of Friendship, Fun, and Faithfulness

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Pawverbs for a Dog Lovers Heart: Inspiring Stories of Friendship, Fun, and Faithfulness

Copyright 2020 by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley. All rights reserved.

Some of the stories were previously published in Pawverbs: 100 Inspirations to Delight an Animal Lovers Heart by Tyndale House Publishers in 2020 under the ISBN 978-1-4964-4105-8. First printing by Tyndale House Publishers in 2020.

Cover photograph of dog by Jack Brind on Unsplash.

The photograph of the author with her dog, Gracie, copyright 2019 Greenflash Productions Photography. All rights reserved.

Designed by Ron C. Kaufmann

Edited by Bonne Steffen

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ISBN 978-1-4964-4727-2

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For Aunt Judy.

Thank you for getting me my first dog and for being one of my best friends.

EVERYWHERE I LOOK THESE DAYS, it seems there is a picture, story, article, or post about a dog. The world is finally understanding what we dog lovers have always known: Dogs make the world a better place. And if we let them, they have much to teach us about life, about ourselves, and even about God.

I think that one of Gods greatest kindnesses to mankind was giving us dogs. Canine companions are quick to forgive, always willing to play, and content to just sit with us. They provide us with living, breathing safe places to which we can retreat. These loyal friends love us unconditionally and ultimately point us to God, who is the embodiment of perfect friendship and love.

Ironically, I was afraid of dogs when I was a child, as I share in Hi, Donnie, the first story in this book. Although I didnt have a dog to call my own until I was married, many members of my family had wonderful dogs who enriched my life. Dogs have taught me powerful lessons about contentment, speaking up for myself, not taking myself too seriously, the importance of making time for play, and the power of being present with others.

The more I have observed my dogsand the dogs Ive been blessed to knowthe more Ive learned from them. Not just life lessons, but spiritual lessons too, glimpses of the divine hiding in the ordinary. In fact, uncovering meaningful moments in the midst of everyday life actually motivated me to write this book. My goal was to showcase how our canine friends teach us and point us to truth and hope.

Pawverbs for a Dog Lovers Heart is a collection of dog stories, each based on a real dog and highlighting a principle or lesson found in the book of Proverbs. Several of the stories are about my own dogs throughout the yearsincluding my current Golden retriever, Gracie. Most, however, were submitted by friends, family, coworkers, and even strangers who now feel like family. Some stories took place a long time ago and were written from memories and recollections, with names and identifying details changed for privacy, and a few timelines have been adjusted for a more cohesive story. But the heart and integrity of the stories are all based on true events.

At the end of each story, you will find a Paws & Ponder and a Paws & Pray feature to prompt you to go deeper into the story and see a spiritual truth that might impact your own heart.

My ultimate prayer is that within these pages you will find inspiration, laughter, healing, hope, and some new friends. And that you will be encouraged to paws and pay attention to the divine moments tucked inside of your ordinary daysdivine moments that may just come running toward you with muddy paws.

Much love,

Jen

: HI, DONNIE

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

PROVERBS 13:12, MSG

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

Her uncle Ron and aunt Nancys German shepherd often accompanied them to family gatherings at Jens grandparents house. Jens 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 dads leg, trembling. As much as Jens relatives assured the little girl that Donnie wouldnt hurt her, she wasnt convinced. Consequently, her aunt and uncle always kept the shepherd outside and away from her. Their consideration helped, but it also magnified Jens 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 Donnies paws, and ask him to roll over.