Well… Part 2! Surely I have many readers “on the edge of their seats” waiting for the lessons a good ‘ole dog could teach me! Yes, lasting impressions were made.

1. The way to receive help is not to fret about it, but to ask: I pondered for years about taking care of Ebony. I didn’t even ask people in my family, let alone the larger community.

“See ya later, sweet Ebony Anne…”

2. The dog would live without me: I thought I was the only one who would suffice. It’s almost a pride thing. I was far from providing enough for Ebony. The holding on actually was not the best for her.

3. My ideas are not always better: I thought that my husband’s idea of moving, and possibly giving Ebony up would certainly not bring contentment for me, or us as a couple.

4. Ebony could be happy: She could be happier with a loving family with children. My brother-in-law’s family spoils Ebony, dotes over her, and she is living a dream life. I jokingly often say, that “she thinks she died and went to heaven!”

Joy and total acceptance…

5. Repeated lesson learned: CHANGE will not kill me! The decision of giving Ebony to them was ultimately mine, and my hubby left it up to me. He would not have forced me to get rid of her. This change was difficult, but it was not the end of the world. My goodness, others have horrific problems! I needed to listen to that still small voice.

A picture of the kind of love God gives us…

6. Live with open hands: Yes, a dog brings many people great happiness and comfort in their lives. But I needed to listen to God in this case- to do what was ultimately best for Ebony. Loosen my grip. Allow others to be happy. We spend a lot of time away and boating.  It would be selfish of me to keep Ebony, while she would continue to wait for attention. At my in-law’s home, she lives inside 24/7, constantly receiving love and hugs from their four kids. If a dog could talk, I think she would say she’s elated! It’s a great arrangement for all concerned.

TRUST

 Now I can take Ebony for a “field day” occasionally, visit any time, and see her at family birthday parties which they host. Becoming closer to my sister-in-law through all the interaction we have about Ebony was an added bonus.

So there were lessons to learn, and blessings which came from the tough decision I made in February. That’s the way God works at times. He teaches in unexpected and delightful ways.

(One more thing: A special thank you to my brother-in-law, whom I’m sure would be “just fine” without having a dog…  But he sees past all that, to the joy it brings his family.)

What have you given up, and later realized that it would be ok?