In this and future blog posts I will be introducing you to the four dogs pictured in the image above, who are the main characters in my upcoming book,Tails of Grace and Mercy: Ayla, Grace, Sadie and Joy. Each of these dogs represents a characteristic of God and the lessons learned during the time they walked beside me in my journey from brokenness to wholeness: Grace, Mercy Joy and Comfort.
Today I will introduce you to Miss Joy Bells. Better known simply as Joy.
A Joyful Reward in Place of Sorrow.
As I shared in my previous post, “A rescued dog and God’s mercy” Oh how I grieved over Sadie’s passing. I just knew it was somehow my fault. But in my sorrow God “whispered” into my heart, “Mercy, Mary. Give to yourself, just as you had given Sadie.
And eventually the sorrow lifted and my heart began to hope again, for the fur-bearing love I knew God desired to send me. I didn’t know what He would send, I just knew I did not want to be dog-less…
The Perfect Breed (for me)
So, I began to research various dog breeds and that is when I learned of the English Shepherd. I had not heard of this breed before, so I set about learning about them. From everything I read, they appeared to be the perfect combination of what I like in a dog. They have relatively few health problems, are athletic but not overly hyper, intelligent and loyal, and easily trained. They are eager to please and of a calm and peaceful demeanor when encouraged to rest. The ideal working ranch “employee,” family pet, or personal companion. Also known historically as the Old Farm Dog…
I also knew that I wanted to find a puppy from a reputable breeder. I was led to a local breeder named Deborah. So, shortly after Sadie’s passing I called her. And after a long conversation, during which I learned even more about the breed, I was ready to jump into raising a puppy as soon as possible.
Weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5
Nine months after Sadie’s passing, Miss Joy Bells was born, the day before Mother’s Day 2017! This dog mom couldn’t have been more delighted with the precious gift of choosing which of the 11 puppies would become “my girl”. I was delighted to choose a lovely female shaded sable whom I named Joy.
Currently Joy is eight years old and has truly lived up to her name. Of the many adventures we had enjoyed together our most recent endeavor, with Canines4Christ.org, (described as a ministry of presences) is by far the most rewarding. As a therapy team we visit schools, nursing homes and hospitals, among other places that welcome therapy dogs. And we’ve even received training and certification as a “Crisis Response Team”, which now qualifies us to share love and comfort to first responders, support personnel and victims at certain sites. Most recently we responded to a tragic school accident and along with a number of other teams we were humbled to be able to share God’s love and comfort through our loving canines.
… Count it All Joy When You Fall Into Various Trials…James 5:1
As much as Joy has been a loving comfort to many people over the years she has also been beside me as I’ve gone through many of my own personal tragedies. I lost four very precious friends in the past several years, followed by a period of my own serious health concerns, from which I am thankfully recovered. During those seasons of grieving and healing as much as Joy has comforted me, my greatest comfort by far has been the Presence of my loving God and Savior, Jesus Christ and as I’ve leaned into that comfort He reminds me that … in [His] presence is fullness of Joy…Proverb 16:11.
I’ve no doubt that many of you reading this are currently going through a challenging season of your own. Please know that you are never alone! If you open yourself to God’s comfort and lean into His presence He will fill you with Joy. It may not be the type of joy that makes you want to sing and dance but know this, God promises to sing over you. Zephaniah 3:17
Canines of Grace and Mercy 
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