God Backwards

God backwards, of course, is d-o-g.

I believe all things and people can reveal the ways of the Creator, but there’s something about a dog—a pack animal desiring community, an exuberant companion—that is irresistible.

However, way too many folks elevate canines to some kind of mystical level of wisdom. Lassie always understood Timmy. Marley & Me was on the best-seller lists for a gazillion weeks. People make careers as dog psychics, whisperers or two-legged trainers to four-legged Hollywood stars. Hey, dogs are just dogs. According to a 2007 businessweek.com article, Americans spent 41 billion on pets. Yikes! Ruff!

However, a golden retriever named Hannah owns me. And so I am one of those two-legged dog-loving fools. And this silly page is dedicated to the part she plays in my stumbling, dull-witted life.

Hannah does give me hint of the workings of the Holy. Life is good. It’s great to be part of a pack. Wanna share food? Let’s play. Let’s rest.

So, here’s the dog deal. Sometimes I’ll have a new picture of Hannah on this page. Sometimes, I’ll share a dollop of wisdom inspired by her play or rest or more. Or I’ll have a new quote--Dogma--from a fellow two-legged who admires our four-legged friends.

Avoid this page if you don’t like sappy, saccharine insights. You are warned.

This week's DOGMA:

“If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man.”

Mark Twain.