April 2025

Let’s begin this month with a joke. What happened to the dog who ate nothing but garlic? (answer at bottom)

Today I have a true story that is based on a favorite Bible passage. “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones”. Proverbs 16:24

Mickey was a rescue dog living on the river with a mentally ill owner. His little body was covered with sores and bare skin. He had eight infected teeth and red ears from a bad infection. However, his new owner was intrigued with his brave demeanor. He seemed to plow through hardship and survive – even the cumbersome treatments he had to go through for months.

One day, however, after a mammoth surgery, his owner was concerned. Mickey was listless, would not look at her, would not eat or drink. She called a friend who advised “Tell him that you love him and need him to get better. Stroke him and look him in the eyes”. The owner took this advice and Mickey revived.

This is what we try to do on our visits – and it is good advice for anyone. Look those who are hurting in the eyes – give them love and compassion and touch. Do what Jesus would do.

A dog who eats only garlic has a bark that is much worse than his bite!