puppy – Blue Collar Theologian

Happy Birthday, PQ! Photo taken by Mandy Sweigart-Quinn.

It is hard to believe that the PQ puppy is 3 today (March 31, 2022). I absolutely love this doggie; it will be a sad day(s) for me when he meets his demise! Like the previous two, I have learned more about myself through PQ this year. I have learned that I am still impatient. I still get frustrated when he doesn’t listen or when he barks at nothing! PQ still has NOT met a leaf he doesn’t like. Leaves totally distract him, I confess it’s amusing to watch! I have also learned that PQ’s well-being matters to me. I still called him an “awful wretched beast” at times; however, with traveling more this past year, I have learned that I miss him if I don’t see him for a few days! PQ truly is my fur baby!

I am thankful that while I am impatient, God is patient! I am thankful that when I get distracted chasing leaves and other frivolous things that God redirects my path. I am thankful that our Good Shepherd doesn’t yell at me out of frustration! I am becoming more aware and grateful each day that when I meet my earthly demise, I will see and be with Jesus forever!

I am thankful for each person, animal and plant that God has given me the opportunity and responsibility to care for and love. I am thankful for ALL the love and kindness that people show my puppy PQ. It amazes and humbles me how happy and excited people are to see PQ, even those who only meet him for a moment at the park, on the street, in Lowes etc.

Dear reader, I pray that you will take a moment to celebrate those who matter the most to you today. I am so thankful for all the love and support that you give to me and my family; please know that it is reciprocated. PQ will be spoiled today. From meeting Nathan for lunch to having dinner with friends, I am so thankful for the opportunity to celebrate in the midst of all the chaos and turmoil that the world is facing. With all my heart, thank you for journeying with PQ, Nathan and I these last three years!

Lord God, thank You for PQ. Thank You that You have called us to care for Your Creation from the environment, to animals, to plants, and those created in Your image, humans. Lord God, may we rise and honor the call that You have placed upon us. Lord God, help Your people to love well all those whom You have entrusted to us. Help us to serve others in a manner that is pleasing to You and that glorifies You. Lord God, thank You for this reader! Lord God, reward this reader for their love and kindness for me and my family! Lord God, thank You and praise You for all of those who pray for me and my family. Thank You God for opportunities to celebrate. May we look for ways to do good, cheer others on and celebrate Your goodness even in a world gone mad. Thank You Lord that for the believer in Christ, this world is not our home. Thank You that our demise will not end in torment but in victory. Lord God, for the reader who does not know You, may today be their day of salvation. Thank You again Lord for this reader! Lead us and guide us today! In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

PQ waiting to play in my workout room! Photo taken by Mandy Sweigart-Quinn

PQ giving Nathan kisses before work. Photo taken by Mandy Sweigart-Quinn.

PQ giving me the no more pictures stare! Photo taken by Mandy Sweigart-Quinn.

PQ watching me eat lunch. Photo taken by Mandy Sweigart-Quinn.

PQ NEVER gets tired of having Pops (my dad) rub his belly! Photo taken by Mandy Sweigart-Quinn.

Big brown eyes! Photo taken by Mandy Sweigart-Quinn.

Today is my Cavapoo’s second birthday! I have learned SO much about myself through PQ and the pandemic this past year. Through PQ, I have learned that God, Nathan and my parents are INCREDIBLY patient with me and that I often do not extend the same grace and mercy as they do to me.

I never understood what it meant that a dog was man’s best friend until having my own puppy. I also did not understand loyalty until having a puppy. I will confess I do tell PQ when I am exasperated with him for various things such as NOT listening that he is “an awful wretched beast!” (This “beast” weighs less than 9 lbs and is afraid of EVERYTHING!) I am sure that over my 39 years on God’s green earth my folks have thought the same thing of me at times!!!!

God has used PQ to teach me about interruptions and how to manage distractions (which is a test I am continually failing, arg!). I do take my responsibility to care for PQ seriously. I am thankful for all the people whom God has allowed in my life for me to care for, pray for and love!

Father God, thank You that Your care for us is perfect. You deal with us justly and fairly even when we are unjust and unfair. Lord God, thank You for the joy PQ brings to people, including me. Lord God, thank You that You are so incredibly patient. Lord, may we seek You and care for all that You have entrusted to us in a manner that pleases and glorifies You. Thank You Triune God for Your love for us. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

I usually video PQ; however, here are some pictures of PQ over the past year if you are interested!