Fear

Last week, we visited Hatteras Island! During our visit we experienced the "invasion" of Frisco Beach by strange looking objects. Mom and Dad called these scary creatures "Kite/Wind Surfers!" At one point, there were about 20 or more in the waters of the beach, coming inland towards us.

I am usually a pretty cool dude. Mom has exposed me to lots of loud and strange looking creatures. I am accustomed to hospitals, air planes, and fire alarms among a few things. However, these colorful and erratic moving objects made me crazy. I "drug" Mom to the dunes and hid in the sea grass. I really wanted to go back to the beach house, but Mom wanted to get some pictures. Mom wasn't scared and did not understand what was wrong with me. She tried to tell me these scary creatures were just humans enjoying the beautiful day, but I did not buy it. I am still not convinced! Everyone is afraid of something and for me it is Wind Surfers and jet ski's.

Have you ever been afraid? How did you handle your fear? Did you have someone to comfort you during the time of intense fear?

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Pray For Nanuq

Poor Nanuq is having a tough week. First, he was told by our vet that he is "overweight" and must go on a doggie diet. For those of you who do not know Nanuq is "very" afraid of thunderstorms. Mom and Dad have spent lots of time working with him, but he still gets scared. Monday night we experienced severe thunderstorms. At first, nanuq was sleeping peacefully. We were all excited to see his progress. Then, an earth-shattering thunderbolt struck! Poor Nanuq awoke and began pacing and panting! Every time we would get him settled another large bolt of lightening and thunder would come. At one point, Nanuq wanted to get in the bed with Mom and Dad and they let him. Soon, he became anxious and leaped off the bed, injuring his leg.
Mom and Dad have him on pain/anti-inflammatory medicine and are trying to keep him calm until he heals.

Thank you for joining in prayer with us for Nanuq!

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

Sitka's Anticipation

As the snow melts and the time moves forward I find my furry self anxious. I am to travel to Manikin-Sabot tomorrow to see the Orthopedic Doggie Doctor. My parents were told to bring me prepared for surgery.

SURGERY...Yikes!!! I have been there and done that. It is not fun!! I have another problem. Just like humans, I have fears. I get very upset when crated and I do not like to be far from my Mommie.

People assume I am "the perfect dog" because I am obedient and an avid therapy dog. I, like my human friends live my life striving to do the best I can, but I am not perfect. I love my family, the job GOD has given me, and every adventure and twist life brings.

This evening will be my last meal before going to the doctor tomorrow and facing whatever the visit brings. My parents are giving me lots of love and attention, however I am still a bit anxious. I did not sleep well last night. I demanded Mom take me out at 1 AM and then I did not want to come back in. I just could not get comfortable or satisfied. Mom was not thrilled about an hour outside in the middle of the night in the bitter cold, but she loves me and we made it through the night together.

I am thankful for parents and friends (furry and human) who love and pray for me. God bless each of you as you continue to seek GOD's will for your life no matter how difficult your journey.

Praying for healing, restoration, comfort, and peace.......

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

There's A Mouse In The House

Last night, as we all settled around Mom's big chair for a relaxing evening, Dad said, "there is a mouse." Our home sprinted forward from peace and tranquility to an eruption of fear and trembling in seconds. Our Mom is known by most to be calm and confident, but when someone mentions "mouse" those descriptions can aggressively be thrown out the window.

While Dad appeases mom by chasing the 1/2 inch long mouse around our bedroom, Mom called in the cavalry including our human Marine brother, Seth, his wife Jen, and Wil. Each of them said, "It's just a mouse" with a smile on their faces. Meanwhile, Mom has scaled the furniture and is sitting in the middle of our king size bed.

Nanuq (Samoyed), Trouble (Toy Poodle), Macy (elderly, deaf, cocker spaniel), and I did not see any need to pursue the human chase around us, however Mom was so upset we decided our efforts would be best spent trying to calm her down. Nanuq, Macy, and Trouble joined Mom on the bed and I assumed my position beside the bed.

Despite all efforts, the mouse outsmarted our human family and left Mom curled in the middle of the bed refusing to move. Each of us stayed in our positions throughout the night. We awoke to find our 12 pound Cat, Sox with the furry invader dead, his prize proudly in hand!

We each had a job to do and we did it well. My doggie siblings and I comforted our Mom through an emotionally difficult and scary night while our kitty brother pursued the furry invader. Although our human family was not much help in comforting Mom or catching the invader, we pursued and fulfilled God's purpose for our furry lives.

God has a plan for each of us, human and creature alike. I am thankful my furry family was able to comfort, love, and solve our Mom's need. No task assigned by God is too small or unimportant. We take our furry jobs seriously and look forward to serving God until the furry end of time!

Woofs and Wags,

Sitka

"Overcoming Fear"

In September 2007, I spent two days in Blackstone, Virginia. I was invited to be a part of The Blackstone Arts and Crafts Festival for petting and to bring awareness to "Dog Therapy." Upon arriving, my parents and I found our place in the children's area between the baby chicks and the alpacas.

Many humans of all ages, sizes, and conditions came by to see me. Some folks told my parents they had seen an article in the local news paper (Courier Record) about me and came just to see me. Each human I met was unique and special. However, one precious little boy will always have a special place in our hearts; his name is Josh.

Our day was over and Mom began to walk me while Dad loaded our SUV. During my walk Josh ran up to me and I quickly put myself in what my parents call "gentle down." Mom dropped to her knees as she often does when a small child wants to pet me.

As Josh began hugging and laying on me, Mom noticed scars around his mouth and face. Josh's mom watched him carefully as her eyes filled with tears. She began telling my parents about his injuries.

We learned Josh had been attacked by a dog and flown via helicopter to MCV. During Josh's recovery he received over 300 stitches and multiple cosmetic surgeries to repair his mouth and face. His mom said, "after the attack Josh has been terrified of dogs and would scream when he saw them."

Josh and I became friends. God used me to allow him to realize not all dogs are bad. At one point during our visit Josh actually laid backwards across my neck resting his head and neck on mine. God gave Josh the ability to trust again using an unusual source.

God often uses unusual or unique vessels as His source of healing in our lives. I am thankful once again He chose me, furry ole Sitka to be a living vessel for His love.

Woofs and Wags,
Sitka