PITCHER

Psalm 23:5-6 NIV [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Pitcher (first named Picture cos someone who gambles named him so , you know when they gamble with picture cards ) was given to the animal shelter. Simply because he was not a perfect dog that could be sold as he had hip dysplasia, with x rays that shows the irreparable state of his limbs and joints due to birth defects. He was abandoned and lonely, at 6 months. Possibly experiencing some trauma too.

We took him, coping with multi Poo Poo and pee pee moments all over the house and his fearful bites at the start, thinking at times whether to return him back to the shelter. But something stirred within us to keep him. He is really handsome ,no? …. Look at those eyes

We wanted to change his name to Koji, Taiji, Emoji, oishi, sushi whatever jap name it would take for a jap shiba but then we realized he still responded to something that sounds like “picture”. #faint

We kept him, after a trial week, with a conviction to pour into the life of this new baby so that it will overflow, give him a second chance so he can be a blessing to others.

Psalm 23:5 came in midst of the many what if’s… especially the fear that we may have to foot future huge medical bills should he need hip replacement surgery ….. became harder when his kidney tests showed signs of kidney failure (thankfully the repeat tests reveal otherwise! Hallelujah!)

PITCHER is his new name , significant of a water jug that can be filled to overflow. Pitcher has proven and reminded of how God’s great love has continually poured into our lives and the baby has brought so much joy and affection to fill many moments of emptiness…. (Yes Annie even puts her hand in this shiba’s mouth just to be gently chewed on as she loves that shiba affection)

He has been a vessel of promise reminders that God will never abandon us, no matter what others may see as us, imperfect, weak, sick, unworthy or unwelcome. God will never fail to fill us with His endless love and blessings even though trials are permitted to make us stronger.

So evident as we watch constantly how the boy struggles to go for long walks or hop like a bunny up and down stairs, how he lives within restrictions of not being allowed to jump or run on smooth surfaces but his determination and strong will power keeps him going.

He is a living testimony of God’s promises and great love ( esp when he clings on to me in morn before I need to leave for work and welcomes me home with great affection and the famous shiba scream for attention). I am reminded of how much God misses me too, and am challenged to give my attention and affection focused back on daddy God. Because ultimately He is the author of true love who pours endlessly into our pitchers till overflow.