the parable of the dog.....

Almost a year ago, a scruffy, stray dog wandered into our neighbourhood and life. We decided to keep him on a temporary basis, while we tried to locate his owners. a few weeks passed, one family came to see if he was their dog, he wasn't!! Kyle and Brody stared at me with hopeful eyes, (they had just moved to a brand new school and were struggling to make friends) My heart melted. We named him Milo (after much gender, identifying confusion.) At first I struggled with him since he was not potty trained, he was messy, and annoying. One day he snapped his teeth at Ava! (she was sticking her fingers up his nostrils) I had had enough of him. He was pooing everywhere, and the babies were too rough with him, so he would get irritated with them. It was time to let him go. I put something on facebook, offering anyone a free dog. It was a few weeks before someone came forward with a request to have him. I don't know what it was, but I just couldn't let him go! I said "sorry, we are going to keep him after all!" Sometimes, he is annoying.... but mostly he is sweet. He sleeps every night on the boys bed. he loves company, and he guards the kids bedrooms at night. He is actually a good dog. And as hard as it is for me to admit.... I care about him! (yes me.... the one who finds even a goldfish to be annoying,) On Sunday, One of the deacon's came to our house to get the fast offering. He told Mark that a while ago he lost his dog, he then went on to describe Milo to the tee. Then he saw him and was sure that he was his long lost dog! I spoke to the young boy's mother, and told her that if they were sure it was their dog, that they should have him back. She arranged that she would come by after work the following day. I looked at my little Kyle who's eyes were red, with tears swelling up. This was tricky. The rightful owners should have their dog back. He was theirs! He should be returned. Their little boy missed him, he deserved to have him back! That is justice! But what about mercy? How do I tell my children that Milo was going to have to leave them? Then what about the dog? What was fair for him? Shouldn't he get to choose where he would prefer to stay? Were we going to have to have a custody battle over this dog? What would judge Judy do? Was King Solomon going to have to cut him in half? The next day, the lady came to identify her dog. All the factors seem to add up, same breed, same size, same gender, wasn't wearing a collar,...... she took one look at him (we all stared at her in anticipation for her dreaded response) but to our surprise she said ....... "nope, that's not him!!" "PHEW!!!" Milo was getting to stay!! I was not going to have to buy 2 hamster's to replace him! I am sure their is a conference talk within this story somewhere, but for now...... we are grateful that we are getting to keep our favorite dog in the world... "Milo Pugmire" To celebrate, we took Milo to the groomers for a wee trim....... I will add pics tomorrow (P.S when did I become one of these pet worshipers that write blog entries about their animals???") This won't happen again!