It was a calculated move on her part. 

Running errands in the Target shopping complex she saw that PetSmart was having an adoption day. 

OR – maybe she knew there was an adoption day thus the need to run errands in that same shopping complex. 


Regardless of the why she went, as soon as she approached the dogs, she saw the perfect one. In her words it was “just what she had been looking for.” 

The problem? 

The spouse was NOT currently in search of a new pet. Already having 3 dogs, 1 cat and an iguana, he simply did not see a need for yet another animal. 

Yet, she had a gut feeling that if her husband SAW this beautiful dog that desperately needed a family, his heart would grow into the idea. So the dog went home with her. 

Years later, the dog and her spouse are inseparable. Literally. 

He lies in bed with his head on the pillow, the dog is right beside him, posturing just like a human would be. 

It doesn’t matter what she does to care for the dog, when her husband walks in the room the dog only has eyes for him. 

When asked what the catalyst was for his falling in love with the dog he replied,
“Because she liked me more than my wife. Seriously though, she is just a happy dog, always so friendly to me!” 

It’s funny what affection and adoration does to change our minds about things/situations/people.

In this season of Christmas, what if we generously offer our affection and adoration to one another in new, unique ways? How might hearts change if we smile and offer one another our hand?

“It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you… yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand.” -Mother Teresa