Divine Intervention

Divine Intervention

Eileen Renders

We have heard this action word, I am sure, several times in our lives, yet often it is quickly forgotten. It may be that we have just not realized how, when, or where it happens, or because it has simply not happened to us yet in our lives.

Recently, my husband and I have experienced what we can only describe what could be divine intervention.

By doing so, you will quickly recognize it if, or when you, too, experience this type of mystery.

 I will begin by telling you that since a young child, and on into adulthood, I have loved animals, especially the relationships I have had with my dogs. For some reason, I sort of preferred German Shepherd dogs, yet we have had a darling miniature poodle with a bit of an attitude, but very loving.

My very first German Shepherd, Greta, saved my life when I was about 28 years of age. Walking her around the Apartment Complex that I managed, which was surrounded by woods, she stopped suddenly, spread her legs, and stiffened up so that I could not move ahead of her. She had never done this before, and I did not know why she was doing it then. She would not move. Finally, I bent over to look her in the face to ask what the matter was. I was shocked to see a fountain of foam streaming out of her mouth and her fangs out and prepared to fight!

I followed her gaze and saw a large man in an attack pose, and his eyes were rolling in his head, like someone who was crazed, possibly on drugs. I could not move. I stood there frozen, thinking, “This is my last day on earth”! This huge man looked at my 86-pound female German Shepherd dog and then decided I was not a good target. He turned slowly, then ran back into the woods. I was speechless, I was so humbled and grateful, I could not speak.

I had a German Shepherd puppy who lived about 9 years. Then came Hektor, my children loved him, and he loved them. Hektor and I bonded immediately. I bought him when he was just six weeks old. He was black and silver and grew to be 143 pounds, gentle, smart, and found a non-invasive cancer on my forearm that I thought could be no more than a freckle. Along with Chrissy, our miniature poodle, they got along well.

The years passed, and so did my beloved dogs. My children married and moved away, and we still had Chrissy the poodle for a couple more years. When she, too, left us, I tried twice with a Shelter dog, but each time it did not work out; they were needy and jealous of my husband, and would not accept him. Sadly, we had to re-home and return them to the Shelter.

My heart was sad, I missed their company, but we were seniors, and had to be careful. My husband did not want to try again. I was writing Health articles for the local newspaper, as I am a retired Nutritionist, former Doctor of Naturopathy, and Wellness Coach. I had taught CCD, and now am in Training with the Tribunal in my State. Still, my heart longed for the love, loyalty, and friendship of a dog. Unknown to my husband, I spent my “spare time” searching for available dogs in the area. 

Soon, my husband discovered my search and recognized how I longed for a dog. He suggested a small, older dog, but I felt that could mean little enjoyment due to sickness, and a lot of money. I saw a black German Shepherd mix, a male, 2 years of age. My husband asked me to go with an open mind and look at all the dogs. But I could not get my mind off the Black, shiny German Shepherd. We took him home, he had all his vaccines, and was micro-chipped. I bathed him, gave him some EFA, as he had a bit of dandruff.

I named him “Shadow,” and he bonded immediately with me. We watched carefully to see how he would be with my husband! Lo and behold, he accepted him as part of the pack, and he was a “buddy.”

Divine Intervention, I have been working and living to serve the Lord, and I believe God did intervene. Shadow never jumped up on us. Takes commands from me in a soft voice. He is very affectionate and intelligent. More than that, he is low-key, yet protective. From the first day here with us, he has never taken a box of tissues, a book, or anything off any table in our home. I told him that he cannot come to the table when we are eating, he eats around the same time, but in another room. He obeys and honors that.

He was a stray when brought to the Shelter, 2 years old, and no one was searching for him. How did he fit in so well? How is he so low-key and intelligent, and affectionate! The grace of God!