“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
A Surprise Rescue in 2014
On 18 November 2014, my life changed unexpectedly. After visiting a client, I noticed an abandoned car. Inside, I found a box of three whimpering, newborn puppies. After a quick call to my mother, I brought them home.
At the time, my wife Kathleen and our son Jesse were surprised. We immediately started a gruelling four-hour feeding cycle using bottles and milk powder. Since they hadn’t opened their eyes yet, they required constant care. I would drop them off at my mother’s house before work and pick them up every evening.
Tragedy and Survival
Sadly, the journey was not without heartache. Two of the puppies did not survive, despite our best efforts and trips to the vet. Only one survived: Ben.
Jesse gave him his name, and Ben quickly became the heart of our family. After his first vaccinations, we started walking in the local park. Remarkably, we have walked that same park together for more than eleven years now.
When My World Turned Upside Down
Ben was always a loyal companion, but I didn’t realize how vital he would become until tragedy struck. My wife, Kathleen, became ill and spent much of her time in the hospital. On the morning of 15 November 2024, she went to be with Jesus.
During the funeral and the week that followed, my mind was empty and numb. When Jesse and Andrea eventually returned to Australia, the silence in the house was unsettling. However, Ben’s presence broke that silence. Whether I was gone for fifteen minutes or two hours, he greeted me with a wagging tail. In my darkest moments, I would simply hug him and cry. He didn’t need to understand; he just stayed by my side.
The Companion God Sent
Loneliness often feels like a rising tide. Whenever that tide begins to pull at me, Ben is there. He pokes me with his wet nose or curls up at my feet while I type late into the night. Because of Ben, I have maintained a sense of discipline. Rain or shine, I get up to walk him and prepare his meals.
This routine has kept me grounded. I truly believe that without Ben, I might have lost my way. He is a living reminder that God provides exactly what we need to stay sane and supported.
Finding Simple Joy
Today, Ben continues to be my shadow. The moment I reach for his harness, he does a “tippy tap” dance of pure joy. One of my favourite daily rituals is when he jumps onto a specific park bench on our way home. We sit there together, I snap a selfie, and I am reminded of God’s simple mercies.
If you are walking through a season of silence, look for the “small mercies” God has placed in your path. Sometimes, they come with four legs and a wagging tail.
A Short Prayer
Father, I thank You for Your love, care, and mercy. You show Your kindness through my family, my friends, and even through Ben. Thank You for never leaving me alone. I love You, and I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Leave a Reply