Balancing the Internet:Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (SHARE such things). Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:8-9
I’m amazed sometimes at the depths of love and affection we have for our animals. I’m not sure if Facebook or Instagram would be able to generate enough traffic to justify continued existence if people didn’t post all those adorable dog photos and cat videos a hundred-bazillion times a day.
Maybe it’s a simple matter of balance. There’s so much angst and vitriol on line that all the pet stuff is probably necessary to save the entire web from being sucked into a black hole of misery. Or – as one of the guys in my Wednesday men’s group said – pulled into one huge smelly flush.
So, in the name of all that is positive and worth sharing, here are a few words – and pictures – about Scout Labradoodle. You’re welcome.
Seriously old, consummately wonderful, always makes us smile…
Once in a while, and especially when her long coat gets matted beyond an easy brush out, Scout spends the afternoon with her friends at The Dirty Dog Spa. Then, the exact moment she comes home, I have to be quick with the camera before she runs herself through the bushes, buries her nose in something a deer left behind, or rolls in a pile of ripe compost.
Just this morning she followed me onto the deck for coffee, lay down for ten minutes, and returned to the living room with a good bushel of pine straw attached to her undercarriage. She’s like Velcro.
Scout is also – and this makes me sad – becoming a seriously old dog, and she’s not getting around so well any more. We understand that eleven-plus is considered elderly for a large breed, and she is under the care of a really good vet. But, even though she takes all kinds of medicines, it’s a genuine struggle for her to get up when she’s been asleep for a while, or to walk more than a hundred yards from the house, or to climb into the car.
At bedtime we tell her, “It’s okay if you want to stay in the living room and sleep on the couch…” but a half hour later she stumbles up the stairs because she just wants to be with her people.
Scout is also seriously “anti-paparazzi” – but I did manage to sneak a few photos today to help you balance your toxic Internet browsing experience. Enjoy, and as you surf, remember the words of Paul to his friends at the church in Philippi: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—SHARE such things.”
Peace – in every way – DEREK
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