Most of the time they truly like each other, but then there are times when they fight. Well, they fight like cats and dogs! When they think I’m not looking, (or they just forget that I’m there), that’s when it happens. One will steal the other’s food. One will go into “attack mode” for no reason at all. One irritates the other, the other irritates right back. Both of these animals are mine. I claim them both. I feed, protect, and love on both of them. I got more than enough for the both of them. They got it made. And yet, there is something inside of them,…… when they forget I’m there, or they just can’t control themselves,…….. BOOM there goes a swat, a bark, the stealing of food. Why can’t they get along?

A little background on my pets/ fur babies/ 4 legged children. Dudley, the dog, came to us as a little puppy. He was picked from a litter, selected because of his nature of being a companion. Where ever Staci goes, The big Dud goes too. Oh, he’s got a little wolfy blood in him so he hangs around me as well 😉 Friendly, sweet, and a people loving puppy, he’s been around for 9 years.

Katrina, called Kat for short has been around since hurricane Katrina in 2005. (14 yrs old) After the hurricane passed over our property, there was this tiny little kitten about 20 feet high in the tree next to our house. I took pity on this poor, hungry, scared little kitty cat. Poor thing was starving. She was in the tree meowin’ her head off. I placed some food and milk at the base of the tree……… and she’s been here ever since.

Funny thing is, to this day, her meower doesn’t work. What that means is this. When most cats make a noise it comes out MMEEOOWW! Kat makes a noise that comes out like this. MMEEE. Aside from her meower not working, she’s a typical cat. But, she was wild from the get go. It was years before she would let me pet her. She’s very aloof, likes being alone, and is still an excellent hunter. (She’s always brought gifts to us. mice, moles, a squirrel, birds, etc) Would leave them right in the front door step way for Staci to see.

Since both animals belong to me, they have had to come to an understanding with each other, and with me. No fighting. No growling, hissing, swatting, chasing, none of that dog-vs-cat stuff.

For the most part, they have been excellent companions in the Ainsworth household. It’s just when they forget I’m around. That’s why I wonder what they are thinking sometimes. How can they forget that I’m around? I mean, I provide for them, where they live is mine in the first place. Yet, something comes over them and they forget. Their little ole cat and dog minds get filled up with “it’s mine cause I want it” attitudes. Next thing you know, I have to step in with the classic phrase, “Hey, you two cut it out or I’ll whoop both of ya’!”

1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

These two wouldn’t have any love for each other if it wasn’t for me. The only reason they love, (and they truly do) each other is because of me. My love is there because these pets belong to me.

So,……. you see where I’m headed with this. You belong to the Kingdom of God. Doesn’t matter if you got “picked” or He found you in the middle of a storm. You are His. You and I have got it made. God provides for us. We get to live with Him.

But whenever we “forget that God’s around”, that’s when we go back to the “it’s mine cause I want it” way of thinking. Better be careful! You especially don’t want to hear God say, “Hey, you two better cut that out.” Oh, and He will whoop the both of ya. There are many instances in the Bible where people didn’t get along. They were basically fighting like cats and dogs. Why? What were they thinking? Dunno. Basically it always boils down to this. They forgot that God was around.

Live your life focused on God’s Love. Even if you’re a “dog” or a “cat”. Everybody knows who you are. (even if you’re meower doesn’t work). When you and I realize that we BOTH belong to God, it makes for a much more happy family atmosphere. I live because of God’s Love.

Lord, help me to show others Your love that is in me. I love that cat and that dog. This love for my pets is but a small token example of the love You have for me. Could you help me not to forget that You are always around. Amen.

See Ya! Dan Ainsworth wilderness preacher