My calendar of events flashed a forthcoming occasion that is of interest to me as a dog lover. It will be on March 23, which is Puppy Day.
The event may not be observed in the country, but in the United States and a few other parts of the world, it is a widespread special occasion, particularly among canine lovers.
There is one related event that is marked also in the U. S. and other countries, a bigger celebration – the National Dog Day on Aug. 26.
Both events highlight the value of our fur friends, our lives.
Thinking of dogs, I remember getting from my social media account an article which I am sharing with you this week. It came from a friend, Dr. Ric Patricio, whose article on ‘ghost barangays’ around the Mt. Kanlaon area we featured as our cover story last month.
Dr. Patricio is an educator, agriculturist and an international consultant.
He is a dog lover, too. He told me he has six furry friends: three – a Labrador, a golden retriever and an aspin – in his home in Pavia, Iloilo and another three – a Japanese Spitz and two aspins in La Castellana.
His article, which is anchored on a spiritual dimension, is titled “Feed My Dogs.”
I am taking the liberty of sharing Dr. Ric’s article here because of its spiritual blessing, particular in promoting the gift of kindness. It reads:
“Peter was grieved when Jesus said unto him the third time, ‘Lovest thou Me?’
“Peter replied, ‘Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love Thee.’ Jesus saith unto him, in John 21:17, ‘Feed my sheep.’
“The verse is primarily about caring for Jesus’ followers, but its principle of compassion, provision, and responsibility can also apply to animals, including dogs.
“The Bible teaches that humans are entrusted with the care of all living creatures (Genesis 1:26, Proverbs 12:10). Feeding and caring for animals, including dogs, aligns with this responsibility.
“Jesus’ command to ‘feed’ His sheep emphasizes love and care for others, which can extend to how we treat animals in need.
“Kindness to animals reflects God’s compassion. Just as sheep depended on a shepherd, dogs depend on humans for care. Providing for them can be seen as an act of faithfulness to God’s call to love all His creation.
“In Matthew 15:27, a woman tells Jesus, ‘Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table,’ showing that even dogs were acknowledged as part of God’s provision.
“While John 21:17 directly refers to spiritual leadership, its message of care and responsibility can remind us to be good stewards of all God’s creatures, including dogs.”
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One recent Sunday afternoon, Dr. Ric said he and his wife, Hope, visited Cabagna-an, one of the barangays turned into ‘ghost villages’ in La Castellana. The villages are located within the 6-km. danger zone radius of the active Kt. Kanlaon.
It was an afternoon where he had an opportunity to exercise stewardship. “We compassionately fed the stray dogs, ensuring they had a warm meal and a moment of care,” he wrote.
Dr. Ric’s write-up made me recall one of the well-loved quotes of Francis of Assisi: “God requires that we assist the animals when they need our help. Each being (human or creature) has the same right and protection.”
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The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. (Proverbs 12:10) | NWI
