Buddy and I went for a four-mile hike today. It is a glorious day...sun is out but cool ocean breezes...glorious. Today was a great day...until I saw the bulldog incident.
Now when Buddy and I walk, we have an arrangement. Whenever we see another dog and their owner walking, we always go to the leash. He has almost come to expect it and comes back to me to get on the leash. When we do not see another dog, he is free to run ahead and sniff and pee where ever he'd like. But what I love about Buddy is...he always looks back to check where I am...always comes back as soon as I call...he is always right beside me when he gets really tired. Buddy is mature and very well behaved...for a dog.
Today we encountered a guy walking with his bulldog. He was short but powerfully built...like he could pull the guy where ever he wanted to go. As Buddy and I approached, Buddy in a "heal" position...very well behaved, the bulldog made a dash at Buddy. You could tell he was thinking here's some sucker I can bully around and show him that just because I'm short does not mean I'm not a bad dude. Just before he got to Buddy and the end of his leash, his owner gave him a very violent jerk. Into the air the bulldog flew and landed on his back on the other side of the trail. Another violent jerk and the dog was up on his feet and being pulled in a direction away from Buddy and I. No words were exchanged...nothing was said...I was kind of stunned.
Now don't get me wrong...I'm not one of those guys who think animals have more rights than humans...that dog was probably a pain in his owner's butt all morning and he just snapped. That dog will not need to go on doggie prozac or see a doggie counselor (though a trip to see the dog whisperer might be in order). That bulldog's neck was so strong and so tough...he'll be just fine.
No what bothered me was in a flash I saw a bigger picture. I saw a little bit of me in that bulldog...and I saw a little bit of what I'd like to become in Buddy. I knew right away that it was an example of the difference between Law and Grace...I knew there were times when my master had to jerk me back away from something that I wanted and yet could not have...and there were times when he allowed me to be off the leash and enjoy all that he had for me. Sunday the pastor taught a great message about the Law vs. Grace...I got to see it today in Living Color...HD...Big Screen. The Law shows us how bad we really are...Grace shows us how good He really is. I'm glad Buddy is my dog.
Now when Buddy and I walk, we have an arrangement. Whenever we see another dog and their owner walking, we always go to the leash. He has almost come to expect it and comes back to me to get on the leash. When we do not see another dog, he is free to run ahead and sniff and pee where ever he'd like. But what I love about Buddy is...he always looks back to check where I am...always comes back as soon as I call...he is always right beside me when he gets really tired. Buddy is mature and very well behaved...for a dog.
Now don't get me wrong...I'm not one of those guys who think animals have more rights than humans...that dog was probably a pain in his owner's butt all morning and he just snapped. That dog will not need to go on doggie prozac or see a doggie counselor (though a trip to see the dog whisperer might be in order). That bulldog's neck was so strong and so tough...he'll be just fine.
No what bothered me was in a flash I saw a bigger picture. I saw a little bit of me in that bulldog...and I saw a little bit of what I'd like to become in Buddy. I knew right away that it was an example of the difference between Law and Grace...I knew there were times when my master had to jerk me back away from something that I wanted and yet could not have...and there were times when he allowed me to be off the leash and enjoy all that he had for me. Sunday the pastor taught a great message about the Law vs. Grace...I got to see it today in Living Color...HD...Big Screen. The Law shows us how bad we really are...Grace shows us how good He really is. I'm glad Buddy is my dog.
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