It is officially the Dog Days of Summer! These hot, humid days of July & August can feel relentlessly brutal, but together we will beat the heat by enjoying the company of some adorable Saint Luke pups. “Dog Days of Summer," our lighthearted devotional summer series, explores the remarkable lessons we can learn about God and faith from our furry companions. During this series, you will meet some of the canines of Saint Luke and hear from the owners that love them as to the many ways their dogs have taught them about faith. Sit, stay, & enjoy these canine stories from our furriest Saint Luke friends.
This week we continue our series with a special hound. Big thanks to Stephanie Funk for introducing us to Delilah!
Meet Delilah
Meet Delilah, the delightful 6.5-year-old greyhound whose heartwarming story is a testament to the power of love and second chances. Originally a foster, Delilahs spirited personality and love for snoozing and belly rubs quickly captured the heart of her caregiver, leading to her joyful adoption into the family. With a wagging tail and a heart full of affection, Delilah’s exuberant welcome makes everyone she meets an instant friend.
Here is what owner Stephanie Funk had to share about this wonderful hound:
The Basics
Nickname: Bud. D. or Goof.
Breed: Greyhound.
Likes: Oravet Dental Chews, sleep, and belly rubs.
How long have they been a part of your family & how did they join your family?
Delilah is a foster fail in the very best way. Stephanie first fostered her from Linda Ann’s Greyhound Adoption rescue. In April 2020, she decided that she was home and Delilah has been a wonderful addition to the family since.
Lessons about God & faith
What has your pup taught you about faith & God?
Faith and trust are the underpinnings of the relationship— with Delilah and with God. Delilah has also reminded me of the wonder of all the different kinds of dogs He created. (There are over 340 recognized breeds- Isn’t God so creative!?)
How has owning a dog reflected the unconditional love and loyalty that God has for you?
Delilah is always happy to see me when I come home as I imagine God is happy to see me. When she meets me at the door, she is always wagging her tail.
Dogs are known for their ability to forgive and forget. How have you experienced this lesson with your dog?
I accidentally closed the door on her tail one time last summer. It was just a pinch, but she did sort of scream. Thankfully, she seems to have completely forgiven and forgotten the incident.
Dogs have a unique ability to bring people together and bridge divides. How can we learn from their example to foster unity and love within our communities?
Delilah is very friendly to everyone and thus I tend to talk to strangers more than I ever have! While Delilah is quick to make friends with all, she is very friendly to people so I think she likes to meet people even more than dogs.
More friends, less strangers. More warm wagging welcomes, less isolating rejections or indifference. More belly rubs, light hearts and simple delights, less sadness, reservation and seriousness. Amen.