Blessing

Her name is Blessing, and she is the most adorable Doberman mix that I know. “A dog named Blessing?” you ask. Indeed, let me tell you her story.

All my life, I have loved and been loved by dogs, and while my husband is not quite as passionate about them, he has ensured that I am always surrounded by my four-legged besties. Before Blessing’s arrival, my two other dogs were aging, and we sensed the sad but inevitable truth of death. Both were older than my son, and we enjoyed watching him grow up with them. He, too, lamented the fact that his companions would soon be gone and repeatedly asked for a new puppy. Although my desire for a puppy was ever present, I wondered how, with my very busy schedule, I would be able to care for one.

What I really wanted was a canine bundle of joy as similar to my old dogs as possible. I knew I was likely wishing for too much, and although I could not ignore the longing, I thought surely it was too much to ask God! One day, while overseas, my husband called me and said excitedly, “Shana, guess what? Our friend has pups, and she is willing to give us one!” I was shocked. First, my friend’s dog was an older dog, and we had long given up hope she would ever have pups. Second, she was our “granddaughter.” But the pups would be just what I had wanted, similar to my old dogs! Despite the seemingly great news, I thought, God, I don’t know how I will care for this dog, but if it is Your will, let it be. Two months later, a noisy, rambunctious bundle arrived. I named her Blessing because I believed her to be an answer to prayer.

God would answer more than one prayer regarding His Blessing. Days after she arrived, despite being vaccinated, she fell ill with parvovirus.

Regardless of the veterinarian’s best efforts, I was given no guarantee she would survive. Again, I prayed, and God answered. Today Blessing is almost three years old and a continuous source of happiness to my family. Friend, today, no matter what the situation is, whether big or small, take it to God in prayer. Remember, if God values sparrows, nothing is too small or difficult for Him!

Shana Cyr-Philbert