A Tale Of Two Dogs

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

ONE LOYAL DOG. One former president. One heartwarming photo on the internet—and suddenly the entire country knew the name Sully, the service dog to late President George H. W. Bush. The image of the yellow Labrador retriever lying dutifully in front of his flag-draped coffin became the embodiment of loyalty and honor to a grieving nation.

The two-and-a-half-year-old service dog had done his job well. He had provided companionship, acts of service, and loyalty to the former president in his final months. Even after the president’s death, Sully remained in his service and at his side. Loyalty and faithfulness—traits that can leave a lasting impression on others, even if no one captures a viral-worthy photo or the world is unaware of an animal’s name or story.

Such was the case with Samson—a black Lab belonging to a woman named Judy.

While Samson may share a name with a rather infamous Bible hero, the world never had reason to know this dog’s name.

Samson never served a president nor aided a war veteran. And his humble act of service was never reported on the nightly news.

But the way Samson demonstrated loyalty and faithfulness to Judy’s family makes him a hero in her eyes.

The midnight-colored Lab adored Judy’s elderly parents, D. L. and Grace, whom he stayed with during the day when Judy worked.

Judy’s dad would play ball with Samson for hours—oftentimes throwing the ball from a chair because the dog’s endurance outmatched his own. If Samson wasn’t playing catch with D. L., he was following him around like a shadow.

But then one day, D. L. became too sick to get out of bed. Thankfully, his “shadow” didn’t seem to mind. Instead, Samson just climbed up next to him. As Judy and her mom, along with the hospice nurses, tried to make D. L. comfortable, Samson remained by his side in the bed.

Loyal and faithful.

Samson was with D. L. until he drew his last breath.

Then after taking a final sniff of his favorite ball thrower, Samson turned his attention to Grace and Judy.

He lay with Judy at night as she cried.

He sat with Grace each day as she mourned.

Samson’s constant presence steadied both of them through the storm of grief and loss. The black Lab helped them find their way to a new normal.

He reminded them of sweet memories but also helped them build new ones.

Sully and Samson.

Two loyal dogs.

Two faithful companions.

Two very good names.

PAWS & PONDER . . .

Why are love and faithfulness so important in this world? Who would you consider a loyal and faithful person in your life? What do you want people to think about you when they hear your name?

Paws & Pray

Lord, you tell me in your Word that you will never leave me nor forsake me. Thank you for being the perfect example of love and faithfulness. Help me honor your name by following your lead and living my life in the same way.

The light of the righteous shines brightly.