It was love at first sight, a surreal tingle that sent mini electrical impulses through my body, but in a good way. He was a ball of fluff in my hands, and my heart melted the moment I asked the store owner to take him out of the store window puppy crib so that we could play. When I picked him up and our eyes met, I heard that still small voice from within say, “His name will be Peter.” Completely fitting, as he looked like a miniature version of Peter Cottontail, and it was a week before Easter.

I wasn’t in the market for a dog, and as someone who has fundraised for animal charities, my preference would’ve been to rescue an animal in need. God brought Peter into my life at a time when I needed comforting the most. I was distraught over the passing of my cat that happened several months earlier, but I had no clue what was in store for my physical and mental health over the next year. I have managed depression since I was teen, but a combination of endocrine imbalances threw my body for a loop. I had so many wonderful blessings around me –a new home, marriage, and a new dog, but also several stressors in my profession, health, and family. I simply shut down on several levels and found myself curled up on my couch with Peter snuggled up next to me, day after day for much of that year.

There were times when I struggled to get off that couch for more than a bathroom break and to eat, but I had to take Peter outside to potty train with some frequency. He got me up and forced me to take in a few minutes of God’s refreshing –sunshine, fresh air, birds chirping, and somedays even a short walk. Even on the days when I lost my will to live, Peter kept me going. I loved him so much that I couldn’t conceive of harming myself. What would he do without me? Little did I realize that God loved me so much, too. He used Peter to remind me of that love.

People are amazed when I say that this little dog has the ability to help redirect my thoughts. When a negative thought pops into my head, sometimes Peter will get up from across the room and come over to me for no apparent reason. He gets my attention and distracts me so that I stay mindful of my thinking. He’s done the same when I am emotionally upset or stressed out over something. He places his paw on my lap, jumps up on me, and gives me a comforting look that says, “It’s going to be okay, Mama. I’m here for you.”

Peter has helped me harness my creative energy and pursue my passions. He and I have fundraised for various animal charities over the years. He is a registered emotional support animal and a registered pet-facilitated therapy animal. Prior to COVID, we volunteered at assisted-living communities and schools. Peter even inspires me to write. This dog has a special way about him, and I love seeing him share it with others.

Dogs are God’s gifts to us, but they’re with us on borrowed time. They’re here to teach us, protect us, and love us unconditionally…much like God does. While parting is such sweet sorrow, the gifts that they leave with us are beyond measure. There is no greater gift than love, and we are better humans for having experienced it.

I am a better person for having been blessed by Peter. Thank you, God.