Earlier this week our family adopted a dog. Our previous pet, a Jack Russell Terrier named Queso, died unexpectedly this past Winter. She was only four years old. After grieving for a spell it was time for our family to find a new furry friend.

By chance Kathi saw a listing for a beagle from Raccoon River Pet Rescue in Perry that looked promising. We submitted an application, hoping for the best. A few days later one of their adoption agents, Rene, got in touch.

We think you might be a good fit for this particular dog, Rene said.

Come in for a visit.
Meet this furry friend.
See if you agree.

So Wednesday morning, with the kids in school, Kathi and I hopped in the car for the 45-minute ride.

We arrived, met Rene in the lobby. Rene told us of her love of dogs, how many she has at home, their breeds. She then gave us the history of this particular shelter, including when it was founded, who it serves, how it stays so clean.

Over the years Kathi and I have been to more than a few pet rescues in the search of future family members. I found myself thinking yep, this one is pretty clean. Well run too.

Rene told us about a large litter of Papillons that had also recently come in. She lamented that puppy mills often dump large numbers of dogs when they have too many. Left to fend for themselves there is no telling what would happen without help.

Fortunately, these Papillons have something going for them. They are cute! Full grown Papillons are less than 10 pounds, can fit in your handbag, and have those big fuzzy ears. Called the ‘Sweet Sixteen’ by the rescue the Papillon siblings proved popular. Posted online last Thursday night 77 applications for them came in over the weekend, whoa!

Once received Rene then reviews applications, reaching out to people that might be a good fit.

Her description of this initial pairing, of people and pooch, reminded me of online dating –
– Swipe right if you’re interested
– Swipe left if not

Rene’s goal with these pairings is simple. She wants to ensure the pets under her care find a forever home. These animals have all faced either abandonment or abuse. It’s a tough world out there. Rene wants more for them than that.

Kathi and I then asked about our possible dog, a beagle, hoping to learn more. Rene shared they had been found a few weeks ago and taken in. The dog at the time had no tags, no chip, and was skinny. They were about 10 months old. That, she said, was just a guess.

Would it be ok to see her, we asked? Yes, Rene said, grabbing the keys. She unlocked the door that kept strangers out, and dogs in, and went to retrieve the beagle.

Shortly after Rene returned, pooch in tow. There she is! The super-cute beagle ran right to us, smiling, wagging her tail. She then jumped up on Kathi’s lap, licking my wife’s face. Things were off to a good start.

As we got to know the dog Rene watched us interact. We were checking out the dog, pondering what may be. All while Rene was checking us out, still gathering information. She wanted to ensure we were a good match.

Your application said your home has a fenced in yard? Rene wanted to confirm. Yes, I responded, making a mental note to repair a few loose spots in the fence. That would be good for her, Rene said. She can run and play and be safe.

Here, take some treats, Rene said, handing me a few. She loves those. Extending my hand down I offered one to the dog. She took it, staying near as I rubbed the nape of her neck.

The animal had a beautiful cinnamon coat. Our family had talked about possible names earlier, and had the list trimmed to three. That cinnamon color created a clear choice. She would be Churro.

Rene then gave us other advice on things like vet visits, training options, how best to feed. As we chatted I noticed something. Every time Rene spoke Churro looked over to her. Because Churro knows Rene’s voice.

Kathi and I were still strangers.

For the past few weeks Churro had been provided shelter, food, water. She had received required vaccinations, was spayed, and chipped. Here she had been treated well.

And if she ever gets lost again? The chip points Churro home. Back to a place she is safe, protected, cared for. No matter what.

Danger
While filling out adoption papers – yes, we’ll take her we decided enthusiastically – Churro walked over to a nearby lobby window. That window is a view to the cat room; Churro was attempting to make some feline friends. A cat then approached on the other side of the glass. The two were practically nose to nose. The cat swatted at our cinnamon beagle, scaring her. Churro jumped and turned away. Rene, Kathi and I just laughed, it was great.

Churro was less than amused.
Churro then ran toward safety.

Did she run to us? No. She went straight to Rene. She sat right on Rene’s feet, staring at the cat. Churro’s protector clearly had her back.

Because this beagle –

knows Rene.
knows Rene’s voice.
goes to that voice when called.

With Rene this beagle is safe.

I realized our family would need to build this trust, between human and beagle, too.

Home
Paperwork now signed it was official, Churro was ours. Yeah! Now back home we busied ourselves ensuring we were ready to care for our new furry friend.

– Vet appointment scheduled;
– Floors cleaned, small objects removed;
– Food and water shared;
– Fence line repaired;
– Toys and balls introduced;

Last night after dinner our family of five went to the back yard to make smores in the firepit. Each of us took turns with Churro running, jumping, playing.

Each of us took turns calling out Churro! Come here! You’re a good girl! Want to play ball? Come on, fetch!

We’ve just had her three days. These things take time. But slowly –

Churro is learning her name.
Churro is turning her head when we call.
Churro is beginning to follow.

Slowly, ever-so-slowly, our new furry friend is beginning to learn our voice.

Connect
This story is one way to understand today’s scripture, John 10:1-5.

In antiquity the function of a shepherd, and how they protect sheep was a given. The original audience would have known plenty about that.

In the 2,000 years since perhaps some of that assumed understanding has been lost.

We do, however, know about pets. At least many of us. Two-thirds of US households own a pet. Most are either dogs or cats.

From that many of us know what it is to care for them.

I’d suggest that an animal rescue group is a good comparable to the lengths the Good Shepherd goes to care for us. Consider this –

From the very beginning the Good Shepherd takes us in, claims us as their own. We are adopted into God’s family in the waters of our baptism, after all.

The Good Shepherd provides shelter, food, drink. Under their care –

we are loved,
we are valued,
we belong.

The Good Shepherd wants nothing more than to see us laugh and play and run. This always was, always is, always will be the plan.

And when harm approaches? They stand at the gate to keep it at bay, keys in hand. Even when those scary cats on the other side of the glass appear.

Over time we learn to –

Recognize their voice.
Turn our gaze toward them.
Follow where they lead.

Other voices constantly vie for our attention. That is truer now than ever. When we listen to other voices we can get lost, hurt, feel alone.

It’s a tough world out there. The Good Shepherd wants more for us than that.

And when we stray? The Good Shepherd welcomes us back home, arms open wide, nursing us back to health.

This is the voice of Love. No other voice matters more. Amen.