By: Ptr. Genalyn Concepcion
Delbert is our family dog, and he lives with us on Delbert Drive. I haven’t always loved him—he simply grew on me. His beautiful auburn coat, his big, goggly eyes, and my husband’s hard work at potty training him surely helped. I absolutely abhor #1s and #2s inside the house, but where he failed with our first dog, Sky, back in San Diego, he succeeded with Delbert. I like to think he potty-trained Delbert for me.
Now I love going out for walks with Delbert, and our sunrise and sunset walks are especially meaningful. The irresistible warm glow of the golden hour is truly spectacular.
But being a dog mom is more than leisurely walks, belly rubs, and wide, pleading eyes. Taking them out in rain or snow, picking up their #2s, making sure their hair doesn’t matte through regular brushing, ensuring they eat well and on time, and keeping up with grooming, vaccines, checkups, medications, and so much more—it’s no small responsibility.
Needless to say, our dog is like our fourth child, requiring time, money, and energy. Still, we’re among the estimated six million dog owners in Canada, according to a 2024 survey. Sometimes I ask myself why I’ve gladly taken on this dog-mom role when I could be using so much of my time and energy on other things, like reading and writing—both passions of mine—especially now that my kids have become more independent. But no. We have a dog to look after. One who will never achieve independence.
So why do humans love pets? Well, allow me to copy and paste from Google: Humans love pets because they offer unconditional love, non-judgmental companionship, and reduce loneliness, fulfilling deep-seated needs for attachment and connection. Pets provide simple, pure affection, release feel-good chemicals like oxytocin through petting, and give owners a sense of purpose and routine, making them feel valued and less stressed.
I completely see the sense in all of that, and I think those are the very reasons I’ve grown to care so deeply for Delbert—never mind that I’m allergic to his dander. There’s always loratadine anyway, an antihistamine I take daily so I can live bearably with a dog.
But I believe there’s something more than that long list that turns humans into loving, doting, sacrificing pet parents. Being made in the image of God, we naturally reflect His compassionate, caring, and nurturing nature. God is full of compassion, love, and kindness, and we are blessed to receive—and reciprocate—His goodness.
Christmas is here because of God’s compassion and kindness. He loved us even when we were despicable before Him. We didn’t have to grow on Him. In spite of our sins, He simply loves from the very beginning. We didn’t have to earn His mercy. He IS love.
His love transformed us, and so since becoming His children, we grow in patience, generosity, sacrifice, and kindness. The objects of our love become the people, things, and causes dear to God’s heart: the unsaved, the church, and the needy. Love is indeed transforming. Since falling in love with Delbert, I noticed that I’ve become fond with all other dogs!
Let us intentionally reflect on God’s grace toward us—in our walks, while driving, or riding public transportation. Wherever we are, we can make it our spiritual place of accord (SPA), where we enter God’s sanctuary, taking refuge under His wings, and finding rest and restoration.
Reflection: Are you going through a hardship right now? Remember that there is a God who sees you, cares for you, and loves you. All you need to do is seek Him and enter His rest through prayer and meditation on His Truth—His Word.
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