MIRACULOUS COMPANION

As I sit looking into his eyes, I can’t help but wonder what it must be like to see things from his point of view. He can’t speak and has no control over his life or situation. He goes through each day completely dependent on someone to take care of him. He can’t eat when he wants to eat and can’t sleep when he wants to sleep. He is told when to sit, stand, jump, walk, bathe, and when to come and go.

When I leave him alone, he doesn’t know when I will return. He sits anxiously waiting and wondering for hours if he will ever see me again. When I return, he celebrates and rejoices as if it is the most amazing gift he has ever received.

When I am sad, he is sad. When I am scared, he is scared. When I am sick, he stays in bed with me. When he is sick, he can’t tell anyone. He is always there when I need him, and he is lucky if I am there when he needs me.

He is loyal to the point that he would give his life to protect mine, yet he demands nothing and expects nothing in return. Life seen through his eyes has great uncertainty and no guarantees. Yet, he cherishes every moment. Love, through his eyes, is not promised, yet he offers his unconditionally.

He is my dog, Myles — my miraculous companion.

Isn’t it amazing how God created such companions just for us? How many people on Earth can you find who will provide the unyielding loyalty, enduring friendship, and unconditional love a pet gives each and every day? Not many. In fact, if you can find one such friend or companion in your lifetime, consider yourself a very lucky person.

As humans, we always think of ourselves as God’s ultimate creation, but we can learn invaluable lessons from the other creatures around us. Myles trusts me completely. He takes no thought for tomorrow. He doesn’t know where his next meal will come from, or if he will have shelter from the cold and the rain. But he will.

If only we could be so trusting.

He may get scolded but he doesn’t run away, he runs to me, seeking — and giving — love. He has no ego; he has only love and adoration.

If only we could be so loving.

I thank God for my miraculous companion, Myles, and for the lessons he teaches me each and every day. Miracles are all around us you just have to open your eyes and see them.

KENDRA AKERS publisher kendra@akersmediagroup.com

DOUG AKERS vice president doug@akersmediagroup.com

JAMIE EZRA MARK chief creative officer jamie@akersmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL // DESIGN

JIM GIBSON executive editor jim@akersmediagroup.com

TIFFANY ROACH managing editor tiffany@akersmediagroup.com

JAMES COMBS staff writer james@akersmediagroup.com

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CIERRA CHAPPELL production manager cierra@akersmediagroup.com

JOSH CLARK senior designer/advertising josh@akersmediagroup.com

ANTHONY CASTO senior designer/editorial anthony@akersmediagroup.com

TINA MORRISON production director tina@akersmediagroup.com

TABATHA ARCARO-ORTIZ

RICK BOSSHARDT M.D.

RICHARD BURGUET PAT BURKE

MICHAEL FREEDMAN D.O.

FRED HILTON

WENDY LYN PHILLIPS RICK REED ELLEN B WILCOX

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CALEB WAYNE JENSEN graphic designer caleb@akersmediagroup.com

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Kendra Akers publisher publisher

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