Why I decided to help a smelly, toothless, mean dog

Refocusing (Day nine)


More than one year ago, we decided to take the children to the park. The day was beautiful so we knew other children would be out playing, which would be great for our kids.

When we arrived, we saw a little girl with a piece of cardboard box with this message written on it, “Dog for free.” The dog was a dirty black and white shih tzu. The older gentleman, his wife, and young daughter (or granddaughter) said they needed a home for Puff, the name of the dog.

Our children started asking if they could have the dog, so I called my husband and explained the situation to him. “It’s your call, Stacy,” he said.

I debated in my mind whether or not to take on that responsibility. Plus, I am not a huge dog lover so my decision should have been easy, right?

Well, the children won. Puff was now our Dog. His owners cried about having to give him up. Touching, I know. But guess what, Puff was moody, smelly, and not the cutest.

After bringing him home, Puff claimed our bedroom doorway as his special spot, and I grew to like Puff, even with his missing teeth, bad attitude, and repulsive odor.

In order to prevent him from stinking, Puff underwent surgery. I remember him looking so pitiful. Doug ended up being the main person, as usual, to take care of Puff.

We invested a substantial amount of money on Puff to make sure he remained healthy and looked decent.

Unfortunately, we recently gave Puff away, but I will never forget that experience.

The theme of this story

A few years ago, someone told me that I loved to take in “strays”, meaning people. She said I always try to help people. I guess my encounter with Puff was a clear example of what my friend said to me.

I always try to help others since God helps us all the time. “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way…” (Isaiah 56:6). Nevertheless, God sent His Son to die for us, so we can have abundant life and no longer be like orphans or stray animals.

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