Heartspeak Blog

My neighbor, whom I’ll call V, has two tiny dogs, both chihuahuas, both little balls of energy and friendship. They like me—almost too much. When she takes them for a walk past my house, they tug at their leashes and demand a visit.

I, on the front porch, wait for their greetings—all wiggles and licks and happy yips.

But it wasn’t always like this.

Both little guys had experienced abuse in their earlier lives. What, exactly, had happened? We don’t know.

One came to V extremely shy, hiding wherever he could in the house, refusing to be petted or cuddled.

The other came to her extremely aggressive, growling and snapping if she approached his food bowl, and refusing any overtures of kindness.

With loving patience, V won them over. She provided consistent feeding schedules, comfortable sleeping spaces, and regular exercise in her fenced back yard. Gradually they allowed her to pet them.

She constructed a step-stool for them to climb onto the sofa. They learned to snuggle next to her during TV or reading time. They learned the meaning of safety, security, and love.

In short, they learned to be pets.

Every home should be a good home for a dog or cat or gerbil or turtle. Sadly, some are not. But rescuers can change that, with patience and time and understanding.

Those little chihuahuas had a bad start, but I’m glad they’re living a good life now.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11