Katie Sparrow Jean Louise Davis

She was a birthday present to me ten years ago and has been a faithful and loving companion.  As I type this, Sparrow is nestled close beside me.  She is usually next to me, or at my feet as I write.  

Photo by Emmie Davis

Over time her muzzle has turned white and she doesn't move as quickly as she used to.  Still, she greets us when we come home and wants to cuddle in beside us when we sit down.  She has born the abuse of being dressed as the Red Baron, in Christmas sweaters and even a Mexican sombrero.  She has tolerated other dogs visiting, babies growing up around her and our absences as we leave town to hike.

 She is now being loved by her third generation of Davis's, although she steers pretty clear of the youngest Davis who has just learned to crawl and seek her out.

To be honest, Sparrow is not remarkable as a dog.  She can "speak," even "whisper," she can wait on cue and she is totally and completely housebroken, but beyond that her tricks are few. But the joy she gives us is immeasurable.

She doesn't have to do much to cause that joy.  She wags her tail so forcefully when greeting us that her whole rear end wags.  If you scratch her ear, she will turn her head into your hand so you scratch just the right place.  When she sits beside you she nuzzles up absolutely as closely as possible.  And if you are eating, she will watch every morsel of food just in case you drop a piece.

Sparrow's great pleasure to us is her response to our love, her devotion to us and the thrill she shows when we return after being gone.  She loves us because first we loved her.

The pleasure I find in Sparrow reminds me of how the Lord must feel when we turn our thoughts and our attention toward Him.  He doesn't need us in any way, but He delights in our prayers.  He waits for us to commune with Him.  He finds joy in our presence.

I think what I am trying to say was best penned by Wendy Francisco in her poem, "God and Dog."

"God and Dog"

by Wendy Francisco

I look up and I see God.

I look down and see my dog.

Simple spelling G-O-D,

Same words backwards D-O-G.

They would stay with me all day

I’m the one who walks away.

But both of them just wait for me

and dance at my return at glee.

Both love me no matter what,

Divine God and and canine mutt.

I take it hard each time I fail

Bud God forgives, Dog wags his tail.

God thought up and made the dog.

Dog reflects a part of God.

I’ve seen love from both sides now

It’s everywhere, Amen. Bow-wow.

I look up and I see God.

I look down and see my dog.

And in my human frailty

I can’t match their love for me.

Please take the time to watch the video of this song below.  I promise you will be blessed.

Katie Sparrow Jean Louise Davis