Dog Day Afternoon
It looked like a cross between a micro pig and an otter that had been beaten repeatedly over the head with a shovel. “That’s not a dog” I whispered to my friend Robert. “I think the owner heard you Al, why do you always whisper louder than Brian Blessed shouting?”
The owner took no offence at my remark and continued throwing a recently torn tree branch across the floodplain for Mr Snort-a-lot to collect in its goblin mouth. I was taken back by its ability to run to be honest. It was a lot quicker that I thought it would be. Rob and I watched for a few moments on our way to York City Centre for a pint. Before we picked up the pace again, a Doberman dog began galloping towards the scene. “This should be a fair fight” I whispered. (And once again my inability to whisper became apparent.”
But the owner of the tiny Pug didn’t even budge. If it were me, I would have put the dog in my pocket and ran as fast as possible.
I expected the Doberman to devour the Pug like a Millwall fan demolishing a Hot Dog. But what happened was just brilliant. At first the Pug dog continued to play ‘fetch’ oblivious to the potential predator shadowing its every move. Initially the Doberman seemed angry with the Pug, but it soon became confused. And then it just sat down and watched the game of ‘Fetch’ like Rob and I. After a few throws, the Pug carried the branch in its mouth and dropped it at the feet of the mega-dog. And off it trotted with its owner.
I was struck that despite its tiny, slightly grotesque appearance, the Pug was totally unmoved by its surroundings. And to be fair, it was pretty good at running, catching and fetching too. I turned to Rob and commented: “If I looked like that Pug dog, I’d never leave the house”. Rob replied: “We should go back home then mate.”
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
- Philippians 4:6
