The Dog Days of Summer are well underway and we find ourselves amidst the sweltering heat and humid embrace of August. Yet, these relentless days become a source of joy as we come together to share heartwarming lessons from our adorable Saint Luke pups. "Dog Days of Summer," our lighthearted devotional summer series, invites you to embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the profound lessons that our furry companions can teach us about God and faith.
As we delve further into this adventure, we continue to witness the endearing qualities that make dogs cherished members of our families. Through their companionship and devotion, they become messengers of profound truths about our relationship with God. From their unwavering loyalty and unconditional love to their remarkable ability to bring us joy and healing, dogs offer us a unique perspective on the depth of God's love and the transformative power of faith. Let these pups guide us on a path of spiritual growth this summer!
Meet MiNT
Bring on the scratches & peanut butter for this hardworking service dog! Meet Mint, a wise and gentle 10-year-old Labrador retriever with a lustrous black coat. She may be quite particular about getting her paws wet, but is not discriminating in pouring love out to all. Her ideal date is a trip to Starbucks or Handel's ice cream shop for a sweet treat, but there's more to Mint than her love for treats; she holds a vital role as a cherished service dog at a school, where her boundless compassion and dedication have touched the hearts of everyone she meets.
Here is what one of her owners, Amanda Heintzelman had to say about this very special dog:
The Basics
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Nicknames: Minnie Boo, Minnerz, Princess Paws, Wonder Pup.
Likes: Peanut butter, naps, scratches under her service vest, sunbathing, Starbucks “pup”accinos, Handel’s Pup cones, being pampered and adored.
Dislikes: Getting her paws wet, being left behind, visiting the vet, long walks, hose baths.
How long have they been a part of your family & how did they join your family?
8 years! Mint is a service dog, more specifically a facility dog. She is a staff member at my school (Lakeside Upper Merion Vantage Academy) helping students who sometimes struggle with emotional regulation and social skills. I am Mint’s primary handler, so she lives with our family and travels back and forth to work with me.
Lessons about God & faith
What has your pup taught you about faith?
Mint’s work as a service dog has taught us about the transformative power of unconditional love. Mint accepts people where they are, without judgement, and loves them into their more emotionally regulated selves. She does that complex work with no words, only actions and companionship. She sits and snuggles with people when they are having a tough time and gives them a tangible reminder that they are not alone, they are important, and they are loved.
How has your dog made you see God differently?
Mint is a constant reminder of “God’s work, our paws (or hands)”. Mint reflects gentle strength and acceptance in every interaction she has. I’m not sure that she’s made me see God differently, but she’s reinforced some of the attributes of God that I often find most difficult to accept, because they seem too good to be true. She displays absolute acceptance and devotion when I’m at my worst and when I’m at my best and everything in between.
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?
Mint is hands down the favorite staff member at school. She provides a common bond within our school community. No matter who you are, a squirely middle schooler or a too cool senior, EVERYONE can agree that Mint makes school a better experience.
Dogs have an innate ability to sense our emotions and provide comfort. How can this teach us about God's compassion and empathy towards us?
Mint is genuinely one of the most empathetic creatures I’ve ever encountered. It’s amazing to see her enter a classroom, make her rounds to greet everyone (and get some well-deserved treats), and then find the person who needs her the most and lie down at their feet or put her head in their lap. Mint can’t “fix” some of the big problems my students bring with them to school, but she doesn’t leave them to suffer alone. God doesn’t always fix our circumstances or take away our suffering, but he is always with us, and he knows us. Likewise, Mint reminds my students that they are known, understood, and not alone.
Lord God, you have made all living things, and you are even more wonderful than the things you have made. We thank you for giving us our pets who are our friends and who give us so much joy in life. We cherish the pets we have now, and we remember the pets we have loved and lost. May we always be reminded of the joy they have given to us. May we likewise, realize that as our pets trust us to take care of them, so we should trust you to take care of us, and in our taking care of them we share in your love for all your creatures. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
-4 Paws 2 Freedom