Meet Destiny, Puppy-in-Training

Last week, Destiny’s puppy-raiser, Gene Newman, brought her to Joni and Friends in her little Guide Dogs of America “puppy-in-training” vest. Over the years, Gene and his wife Monique have raised nine service-assistance dogs. When I asked about Destiny’s yellow vest, Gene explained, “We want her to associate the vest with working; we want her to get focused and understand that she is about to perform an important job to which she must give her full attention. In other words ‘no more messing around.’” He then shared, “You know, now that I think about it, it’s a lot like Ephesians 6:14 where followers of Jesus are told to, ‘Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.’ When we snap on that breastplate in the morning, it’s like that working vest – a signal that we are about to perform a very important job for the Lord to which we must give our full attention. It’s no messing around… we are God’s ambassadors.” Isn’t it just like the Lord to teach us through the animals He gives us? Be on the lookout for ways your pet teaches lessons about serving our wonderful Creator.