I have grown to have a fond appreciation, some might even equate it to Love, for our dog, Max.
Anyone who knows me well, knows how monumental this admission is for me to make. It’s not that I don’t like dogs, they’re just a pain sometimes.
Max as a Puppy
When we were on our adoption journey with Hope, our son Reagan and daughter Katelyn were begging for a dog. I was able to use the excuse that we don’t know if Hope likes dogs, so we need to wait until she comes home to live with us. It was a given when both kids prayed each night before bed, to hear, “Please God, help Hope like dogs.”
The first thing Reagan and Katelyn asked Hope when we arrived back at the airport from China was, “Hope, do you like dogs?” Of course she didn’t understand a word they were saying, but their faithful prayers would ultimately be answered.
Max Knows and Loves His Family
Our family travels a fair amount in our work with Faces With Names. Max starts to get noticeably nervous when he sees the suitcases coming out and being packed. He has stayed with a couple different dog sitters during our travels.
The first one Max stayed at was close to our house; he broke out and made his way back home, and was found sitting at our front door after a couple hours search.
The next dog sitter has worked out great. But after the first visit, Max came home with a few war wounds. He is a little snippy around other dogs. I think there was a Great Dane that ultimately was annoyed by our little ankle biter.
If Our Dog Feels this Level of Trauma, How Much More Do Kids?
I don’t pretend to know how dogs feel or think, but it is visibly noticeable how Max’s demeanor changes when he senses he is not going to be with his family.
What I’ve learned from our dog, Max, is the trauma orphan and vulnerable children must experience when they are separated or removed from their families must be unbearable.
Faces With Names exists so Orphans and Vulnerable Children Will Know the Love of a Family
All is well with Max when he knows he is loved, cared for and with his family. Will you help us make this a reality for orphans and vulnerable children, who right now, at this very moment are feeling the trauma of not knowing there is a family to love and care for them?
Your year-end gift helps us help orphans and vulnerable children know the love of a family. Your online giving must be completed by Midnight on December 31st to get a 2017 tax deductible receipt.
Click Here to Make a Year End Donation Now
Attention: No medical bills will be paid for heart attacks from me admitting I love our dog.
Wishing You a Happy & Blessed 2018,
Eric Mills
