The day that this is “published” is declared as National Dog Day. As a dog lover and owner the fact that there is another day dedicated to dogs is exciting purely because, “dog is [humanity’s] best friend.” I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase before. It is thought that King Fredrick of Prussia coined it in 1789. He believed that dogs were humanity’s best friend because, “the only one that will not betray or deny [them], is [their] Dog.”[1]

I don’t know about you but coming home to my dog is rewarding. She is always happy to see me, no matter how long I’ve been away. She is always up for whatever adventure that comes are way or just chilling on the couch catching up on my favorite shows. And even if I accidentally step on her tail because she has decided to silently sprawl out in the middle of the kitchen floor while I am cooking, she is quick to forgive. There are always one or two in the bunch but generally dogs are loyal and loving to the people who care for them.

I once read that one argument for a dog being humanity’s best friend is much simpler than their behavior. It’s that their English name, dog, is simply the reverse spelling of the one who does not betray or deny us- God.

I have to admit, I kind of like their logic… and I have to argue that dogs are not the only ones who will not betray or deny us when we care for them well. When we build up our relationships with God, (which means to say Jesus’s death and resurrection are how we receive God’s forgiveness and that we cannot live well without it) we receive God’s gift of unconditional love and forgiveness. That is what sustains us for full and flourishing lives.

What do you think?

Comment your thoughts below!

Blessings friends,
Pastor Nicole

[1] Sargent, Lee. "A Man's Best Friend." Sniffe and Likkit: Purveyers of Fine Pet Care. June 18, 2021. https://www.sniffeandlikkit.com/blog/news/a-man-s-best-friend.htm#:~:text=The%20term%20%27a%20dog%20is,him%2C%20is%20his%20Dog.%E2%80%9D (accessed August 25, 2022).