Puppy Dog Devotions 75 Fun Fido Facts, Bible Truths, and More!
Michelle Medlock Adams and Wendy Hinote Lanier Illustrations by William H. Hinote
Birmingham, Alabama
New Hope Publishers 100 Missionary Ridge Birmingham, AL 35242 New Hope Publishers is an imprint of Iron Stream Media NewHopePublishers.com IronStreamMedia.com Copyright © 2021 by Michelle Medlock Adams and Wendy Hinote Lanier No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the prior written permission of the publisher. Iron Stream Media serves its authors as they express their views, which may not express the views of the publisher. LCCN: 2021934278 All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotation marked AMPC is taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMPC), Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.lockman.org. Scripture quotations marked CEV are taken from the Contemporary English Version Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission. Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked TLB are taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. ISBN-13: 978-1-56309-441-5 Ebook ISBN: 978-1-56309-442-2 1 2 3 4 5—25 24 23 22 21 Printed in the United States of America
Dedication
From Michelle For Bob B. Bridge—‟BBB” the best writer I’ve ever read, an amazing mentor, a great friend, and the only person I know who might love dogs more than I do. Also, in memory of my late dog-loving mother Marion Medlock— who fed every stray in the neighborhood. I’m sure your heavenly home is filled with many fur babies. From Wendy To all the dogs I’ve loved who’ve shown me God’s love and acceptance in its purest form. I truly believe dogs are God’s special gift to us. They will almost always point us to Him if we take the time to look. And to my dad—the man who is always there when you need him. I’m proud to call you my Pop.
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Contents
Acknowledgments
xi
Introduction
1
1. Afghan Hound
4
2. Akita
6
3. Alaskan Malamute
8
4. American English Coonhound
10
5. American Eskimo Dog
12
6. American Foxhound
14
7. Australian Cattle Dog
16
8. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
18
9. Basenji
20
10. Basset Hound
22
11. Beagle
24
12. Belgian Malinois
26
13. Bernese Mountain Dog
28
14. Bloodhound
30
15. Border Collie
32
16. Boston Terrier
34
17. Boxer
36
18. Bull Terrier
38
19. Bulldog
40
20. Bullmastiff
42
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Contents
21. Cairn Terrier
44
22. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
46
23. Chihuahua
48
24. Chinese Crested
50
25. Chinese Shar-Pei
52
26. Chow Chow
54
27. Cocker Spaniel
56
28. Czechoslovakian Vlcak
58
29. Dachshund
60
30. Dalmatian
62
31. Doberman Pinscher
64
32. French Bulldog
66
33. German Shepherd
68
34. German Shorthaired Pointer
70
35. Golden Retriever
72
36. Goldendoodle
74
37. Great Dane
76
38. Greyhound
78
39. Ibizan Hound
80
40. Irish Setter
82
41. Japanese Chin
84
42. Jack Russell Terrier
86
43. Keeshond
88
44. Komondor
90
45. Labrador Retriever
92
46. Lhasa Apso
94
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Puppy Dog Devotions
47. Maltese
96
48. Maremma Sheepdog
98
49. Mixed Breed
100
50. Newfoundland
102
51. Old English Sheepdog
104
52. Papillon
106
53. Pekingese
108
54. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
110
55. Pomeranian
112
56. Poodle
114
57. Pug
116
58. Puggle
118
59. Puli
120
60. Rat Terrier
122
61. Rhodesian Ridgeback
124
62. Rottweiler
126
63. Saint Bernard
128
64. Samoyed
130
65. Schipperke
132
66. Scottish Terrier
134
67. Shetland Sheepdog (Shelties)
136
68. Shih Tzu
138
69. Siberian Husky
140
70. Standard Schnauzer
142
71. Weimaraner
144
72. Welsh Terrier
146 ix
Contents
73. West Highland White Terrier
148
74. Whippet
150
75. Yorkshire Terrier
152
Conclusion
154
Dog Groups as Recognized by the American Kennel Club
155
Glossary of Competition Terms
156
Notes
158
About the Authors
173
x
Acknowledgments
Much love and many thanks to William H. Hinote for stepping up to help us with the artwork when we needed him.
xi
Introduction
F
rom the time I was a little girl, I always loved dogs. My sister and my brother were much older, so I grew up like an only child. My best friend? My beloved dachshund named Penny. In fact, she was my only friend for quite some time. We lived in a nice neighborhood in a small town in southern Indiana, but there were no children who lived nearby. Once or twice a year, a little girl named Angela would visit her father who lived next door, and that was nice. I looked forward to her visits, but two visits a year didn't make for much of a friendship. So Penny became my best friend. We were inseparable. She was a great playmate. Sometimes, I'd tie a bonnet on Penny's head and drape pearls around her neck. Then I'd put on my floppy hat and my mother's high heels, and we'd have tea parties. Of course, I'd pour real water in Penny's cup and give myself imaginary tea. It was always great fun, and Penny was the perfect guest. Other times, Penny and I would sit in my sandbox, and I would make up stories. I'd tell her all about the princes and princesses who lived in my tree house. And sometimes, I'd make up stories about her. She liked it when I'd mention her name every so often. She'd wag her tail and give me a lick as if to say, “That's good. Go on. Go on.” Penny was a great cheerleader too. When my dad taught me to ride my bike in the alley behind our house, Penny would bark and run in circles, cheering me on to life without training wheels. When I'd fall and scrape my knee, which I often did, Penny would run to my side and lick away the tears. She was always right by my side. On my first day of kindergarten, Penny rode with me in the front seat of my mom's car. As I walked away from the car and waved goodbye to that wet 1
Introduction
nose pressed against the inside of the car window, I smiled just knowing that she'd be waiting for me when I got home. As I grew up, our friendship grew too. I told Penny everything. She was a great listener. She didn't have a huge vocabulary, but her eyes and tail wags spoke volumes. I know in my heart that Penny is in heaven, waiting for me, alongside several other dogs I have loved and said goodbye to over the years—Max, Maddie Anne, and Miller. My love for dogs has been a lifelong love affair. We've always had a dog or two in our home, and we always will. I'm guessing you love dogs too, or you wouldn't be reading this book. Dogs are the most amazing creatures, aren't they? Dogs love us when we are at our best, and even when we are at our worst. And they seem to bring out the best in us. We can learn a lot from our canine companions as you'll see in the pages of this book. My coauthor Wendy (also a major dog lover) and I hope that you'll discover some interesting facts about the many breeds covered in this book, as well as be encouraged to grow closer to God. We have included a few features to make it easier to use this devotional: ● Unleash the Truth is your key Bible verse for the day. You might even want to memorize it. ● Digging Deeper is a section with some questions to ask yourself or maybe even answer in your journal. ● Fido 411 features a fun or interesting fact about that particular breed. ● Weekly Tail-Waggers challenge you to think more deeply about what you've just learned and actually put those lessons into action. Whether you have your own dog to love or you love puppies from afar, we pray that you enjoy this journey of paws-itivity with us. 😊 Michelle
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Puppy Dog Devotions
Afghan Hound
Doggie Stats Hound 25 to 27 inches; 50 to 60 pounds The Afghan Hound is recognized as one of the oldest breeds of purebred dogs. Despite being bred in remote parts of Afghanistan as a hunting dog, the Afghan Hound became a favorite of the royals and the upper class. It was introduced to the Western world in the 1800s.1 The Afghan Hound won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1957 and 1983. 1927.
How Do You Handle Correction? Originally used for hunting large prey in both the deserts and the mountains of Afghanistan, the Afghan's long fur coat was needed for warmth. The fact that its coat is lovely is just an added bonus. The Afghan is fast and can run great distances, which made it a great hunting companion. Also, it was able to hold off dangerous animals such as leopards, protecting its owners at all costs. Today, not too many Afghans are hunting or defending against leopards. Instead, they are most likely lounging on the family couch. But, make no mistake, this breed may not want to share the couch with you. The Afghan acts a little bit like a cat, only wanting affection on its terms. Honestly, if the dog world had a supermodel, it would be the Afghan Hound. With its flowing, silky coat, distinct narrow features, and dignified (sometimes standoffish) attitude, the Afghan Hound is a beautiful, sophisticated dog. But this breed has more than beauty going for it. The Afghan
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Puppy Dog Devotions
hound is also quite intelligent and a great problem solver. But it's a very stubborn breed, which makes it difficult to train. Here's what else—Afghans are very sensitive animals. They do not respond well to harsh correction, so when you train them, you have to be gentle. Let's face it. Nobody likes correction—especially harsh correction. But, like the Afghan, we have to be corrected in order to become better. And, the way we receive God's correction and training is by reading the Bible and following His commandments. Without discipline, we can't become the people God has created us to be. Proverbs 12:1 says, “To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction” (NLT). That's pretty clear, isn't it? The best part about God's correction? It's always gentle, and it's always in your best interest. You can trust Him. Unleash the Truth: “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” (Hebrews 12:11 NLT) Digging Deeper: How do you feel when someone corrects you? Do you respond with a good attitude, knowing that correction will help you grow into a better person? Fido 411: Did you know that famed artist Pablo Picasso often featured his Afghan “Kabul” in his paintings? It's true!2 Weekly Tail-Waggers: The next time your parents or your teacher or someone else close to you corrects you, take notice of how you respond. Are you too sensitive to receive correction? Do you react with a good attitude? Ask God to help you grow in this area. Michelle
5
Akita
(uh-KEE-tuh)
Doggie Stats Working 24 to 28 inches; 70 to 130 pounds (Note: Japanese and American Akitas differ in size and weight. The American Akita is slightly larger.)1 Akitas are named for the Akita Prefecture (district or region) of Japan where they originated. They were bred to hunt large game such as boar, deer, and bear.2 Although they have never taken Best in Show at Westminster, Akitas have placed first in the Working group three times. They also excel in obedience, rally, and agility competitions.3 1972
Faithful to the End Akitas are large, powerful dogs, well-known for their courage and loyalty. They love their families fiercely but strangers—not so much. In the 1920s, an Akita in Japan became famous all over the world for his devotion and loyalty. Hachiko was the beloved pet of a Japanese professor. Each day Hachiko walked his owner to the train station in Tokyo and waited there all day for him to return. Then one day, a terrible thing happened. The professor died while he was at work. That day Hachiko waited at the station just as he had every other day, but his owner never came. Every day for more than ten years he waited. During those years, Hachiko became a symbol of love and faithfulness to the people of Japan. When he finally died, the whole country mourned his death. They
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Puppy Dog Devotions
built a statue to honor him outside the Tokyo train station where he had waited so long.4 That kind of loyalty is amazing. Hachiko was faithful to his owner to his dying day. It's a kind of faithfulness that is hard to find in people or dogs. But it is exactly the kind of faithfulness we can expect from our heavenly Father. He is always faithful, even when we're not. It's a sad fact: people can sometimes hurt us or let us down. That's just part of being human. Everybody makes mistakes. The great thing is that God never makes a mistake. He never hurts us, and He never lets us down. He always keeps His promises. We can trust Him. He loves us with an everlasting love. And He is always there for us. His faithfulness never ends. Unleash the Truth: “Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” (Psalm 36:5) Digging Deeper: Have you ever felt like someone let you down? Fido 411: In 1937 Helen Keller learned the story of the famous Hachiko. She was so impressed she brought the first Akita to the United States.5 Weekly Tail-Waggers: Take time this week to look up the following scriptures: Psalm 57:10; Psalm 86:15; Psalm 91:4; Psalm 100:5; Psalm 119:30; Isaiah 25:1; and Lamentations 3:23. Read them and think about what they mean. God is faithful! Wendy
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