Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Major, A Sometimes-Retriever

English Golden Retrievers are bred to run through fields, waters and grasses to retrieve birds for their masters. A long history of ruggedness and obedience follows these gentle dogs. This is my dog, Major. In my yard we have sand, grasses, and wild ferns, which shouldn't be a problem for this hardy dog.












Well, guess again. It's not his white coat that's the problem. He has allergies to certain foods, so he eats Science Diet Sensitive Stomach food. And he is prone to skin allergies which I treat almost daily. He is one of the best dogs my hubbie and I have owned, but high maintenance.

And no, he's not too spoiled. Hey, he's my empty-nest dog, so give me a break.

Anyway, Major chases rabbits and even catches the small ones, ferrets out snakes, yuk, and today even caught a bird. Yes, one of it's wings was hurt, and it couldn't fly. But man, could it run. However, he didn't bite it, but put his paw on it until hubbie rescued the bird. As soon as hubbie pulled Major off, the bird ran away under the fence.

Major's breeding automatically insures certain actions. But, my dog will not retrieve, he likes to go get and not "bring back." Sometimes he won't even go get the object at all. He lacks the training to do work at that level.

"So that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." Colossians 1:10

As a child of God I possess the spiritual history that Jesus gives. But without His instruction, I run helter-skelter chasing "rabbits, birds and sometimes snakes." God in his love for me and His creation, must grab a'hold and make me release until I am ready and trained to work the right way. I have been known to chase a grudge or gripe and not only hold onto it, but step on it to grind it into the ground. I'll not go into the snakes...... Is my skin sensitive? Am I high maintenance for Him?

This post was written at a request from a new blogger friend, Parsley who loves dogs. :)

May I chase only the things God directs me toward and learn to release when commanded. I want to do the work He's saved me to do.

Photos: first and last one by Brenda Knoll the rest by karenevans









19 comments:

Diane said...

Sounds like a sweeet companion for you guys. :O)

Kathy Cassel said...

What a pretty doggy.

Wendy Paine Miller said...

Oh my goodness, I'm in love with those pictures. A serious thought for our next dog. I heart dogs.
~ Wendy

Bina said...

What a beautiful baby!! Our dog is my baby, even tho I was initially against getting one...I wouldn't know how to function wihtout him. Thank you for sharing both the pics and the fabulous insight!!
Hugs today,
Bina

Analisa said...

This post really spoke to me. I could pray the little pray about not chasing after things but just doing the work God has given me. So on time.
Thanks

Analisa said...

that baby is so cute wiggling to the music,one of your lovely grand kids I assume?

Melinda said...

I love golden retrievers! We always had one growing up. And, you are so right .. if we're not careful to follow God's leading we just end up chasing our tails! ;0)

Kathryn Magendie said...

How beautiful! Look at that face *smiling*

Johnnie Alexander said...

Major is so beautiful. I love his countenance* And, as you always do, a thoughtful spiritual lesson and a thought-provoking prayer. Thanks, Karen.

Karen said...

Diane, he's great! A good dog.

Thanks Kathy. He would love your kids!

Wendy, they are such loving dogs and seem to like everyone AND everything! :)

Bina, thanks, they do become a member of the family awful quick. He does teach me things, too.

Analisa, I often wonder how much extra running around I do that is not needed. And yes, that's my grandbaby! He's one now, but I just love that video. Thanks.

Oh Melinda, how appropriate, chasing our tails. I can relate!

Kathryn, yes he does smile, and his eyebrows are so "expressionful."

Johnnie, thanks, we love our guy. Dogs are great teachers, aren't they?

Parsley said...

Love love love this post! Great analogy for us and God too.

Our Golden is surely 'high maintenance' but she's a loyal girl. I just love your dog's coat color. Our girl is dark red and wavy but she's not an English GR.

Thank you for this post and for the inspiration. I would have checked sooner but my internet connection is off and on. ugh!

Blessings.

Karen said...

Parsley, thanks for stopping by again and following! Your kind words are so encouraging. okay, now I need to see a pic of your girl. :) I know what you mean about the internet. We call it the "interntet imp."

junglemama said...

WHat a gorgeous dog!

Karen said...

Christine, yep, we love'im. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day.

blessings*

Jeanette Levellie said...

What a wise analogy, Karen! May I say, "we should all aspire to have a doggy heart?"
Love,
Jen
Audience of ONE

Beth Mann said...

Oh my goodness, he had me at hello! I love the last picture with his tongue hanging out of the side of his mouth (squee!). Great analogy, too.

Karen said...

Jeanette, doggie heart, I love it. Loyal, true and non-judgemental. Luv ya!

Beth, that last pic is one of my favs, too.:) Major teaches me much, thanks for your encouraging words.

Parsley said...

You can see a post about my golden, Rosie here:

http://seasonsofmymind.blogspot.com/2009/09/sick-rosie.html

She wasn't feeling well so it's a little sad but she's better now. :)

Karen said...

Parsley, I'll go read it now. Thanks and I'm glad she's better.