Praying for People and Pups
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
I have always thought French bulldogs were the cutest things ever! I love to hear them make their little noises; they always make me laugh. Can you imagine having this little pup snuggling on your lap by the fireplace on a cold winter evening? Lori Hatcher (All God’s Creatures) shares her Frenchie story about praying for her pup, Halsey.
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Poor Halsey, like many French bulldogs, my grandpup suffered from a spine disorder. Surgery to remove three degenerating discs left him with a long recovery. He endured months of crate rest (no zoomies), weeks of being carried up and down stairs (challenging for owners and pup), and neighborhood walks in the indignity of a doggie stroller. Finally, he received all clear—permission to walk outdoors.
When I visited, we explored the neighborhoods in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Every morning Halsey trotted out with a glorious doggie grin on his smushed-in face. Ears tuned to every sound and eyes alert for squirrels, he was in his happy place.
On the day I returned home, I made him a promise. “The next time I see you, you’ll be at my house, and you can run around in my backyard.” The only place Halsey loves more than the back streets of Alexandria is my back yard.
Sadly, a flare-up just before he visited put him back on crate rest. No zoomies in my backyard. No long walks through the neighborhood. He wasn’t even allowed to walk around indoors for fear he’d rupture another fragile disc.
One day, he and I sat outside on the screened porch. He stretched out in a sunny spot, closed his eyes, and fell asleep. As I petted his silky fur, a prayer rose in my heart: Lord, this poor pup has been through so much. Strengthen and heal his back. Restore his mobility. Give him a long and happy life.
As I lifted my prayer to the God who heals, a peace settled over my soul. I’ve often asked God to bring about human healing, that day the Holy Spirit reminded me it was OK to pray for my furry friend too. I could bring my requests to God in confidence knowing He saw, He cared, and He would do what was best.
Father, I know it’s not always Your will to heal, but oftentimes it is. Help me remember to bring all my needs to You in prayer on behalf of my human and my furry friends. AMEN.