Happy’s Girl

Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

MAKING FRIENDS WAS DIFFICULT for three-year-old Olivia, whose temporary hearing loss during a critical period of her development had left her unable to communicate like most of the other children her age.

Her mother, Jackie, wanted nothing more for her daughter than to experience the joys and giggles of a happy, normal childhood. And yet day after day Olivia seemed to pull further and further into her own silent world. Sadly, it was a world in which playdates with other children simply didn’t exist.

But then Happy joined the family. The pit bull mix had a perpetual smile, and he became Olivia’s closest friend—a very large, very patient, unlikely best friend who was always delighted to play with the little girl he adored.

Often judged solely on his size and the reputation of the breed he most resembled, Happy continually surprised people who took the time to get to know him. His blocky head and stocky body housed the sweetest personality Jackie had ever known in a pet. It was the perfect temperament for playing with a three-year-old.

Jackie continually marveled at how calm, gentle, and patient Happy was with Olivia. He seemed to naturally understand her limitations, and he adapted to her communication style. A push against his side meant she wanted him to lie down, and a push against his rear meant he was to sit. Olivia had a distinct way to call him and he eagerly responded.

And yet, the thing that warmed Jackie’s heart most was watching them play. Olivia would make Happy sit, place a teacup in front of him, and proceed to have a tea party with him. Other times Olivia would give Happy the special command to lie down so she could give him a thorough checkup with her Fisher-Price doctor’s kit. Her daughter never seemed to run out of ideas. Like the time she attached a laundry basket full of stuffed animals to Happy’s collar with a scarf and giggled nonstop when he took her toys on a bouncy ride across the room.

Happy was the ideal playmate for Olivia. He provided the perfect balance of sensitivity, playfulness, and companionship she needed at that time of her life.

Eventually, Olivia’s hearing was restored, thanks to ear tubes and medication to clear the fluid in her ears. She began making significant strides in her communication skills, giving her the ability to make friends.

And yet, Happy still remained her most trusted confidant and closest friend. He was the one who understood her when many others could not, and he played with her when many others would not.

His patience and gentleness created a childhood for Olivia that she will always remember with fondness and joy.

He was her Happy, and she was his girl.

PAWS & PONDER . . .

In what ways does understanding produce patience? What are some blessings you might miss if you are unwilling to be patient? What blessings did Olivia receive from Happy’s patience with her? What are some blessings you have received when you were patient?

Paws & Pray

Lord, you are the all-knowing, all-understanding, and most patient God. Thank you for extending patience to me. Please help me be patient with others. And Lord, just as Happy restrained himself and allowed Olivia to lead, help me to show humility and understanding to others so that I might be a blessing and show them a glimpse of your love.