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I’ve always loved animals.

Big animals. Small animals. Tiny animals. Animals I’m allergic to and animals I’m not. I just love animals.

There is something about animals that has always touched my heart. They are innocent in ways we humans often are not. They trust even when they have been hurt. They love unconditionally. They don’t worry about status, success, or appearances. They simply love. I have never been able to stand seeing an animal suffer.

In fact, I can’t watch most animal movies unless they are animated. If there is even a chance that a dog, horse, or some other creature might get hurt, I’m probably changing the channel.

Now, I will admit there was one dog in my life who did not return my affection.

Before I was born, my parents had two dogs. One was named JouJou, a toy poodle, and the other was named Chien. My mother studied French in high school, so both dogs had French names. JouJou is French for “toy” while Chien means “dog.”

JouJou hated me.  You may think that is an exaggeration, but I assure you it is not.

I am convinced she believed my mother had no business bringing a child into the family when they already had a perfectly wonderful furry child in her. From the moment I arrived, she made her feelings known. I would try to pet her, and she would move away. I would try to sit near her, and she would relocate. I even tried pulling her ears once or twice—which, to be fair, probably earned me the growls I received.

I wanted desperately to be her friend. She had other plans.  The picture with this blog is one of the rare pieces of photographic evidence that JouJou and I occupied the same space at the same time without her immediately running away. Somehow, someone managed to capture a brief truce between us. Looking back, I treasure that photograph. Not because JouJou suddenly decided I was her favorite person, but because she was part of our family story, and family—even the furry members who don’t particularly like us—has a way of shaping who we become.  Thankfully, JouJou was the exception.

My family has had dogs all my life. Dogs have been faithful companions through every season. They have welcomed me home, comforted me when I was sad, celebrated when I was happy, and reminded me what unconditional love looks like. They have taught me lessons about loyalty, trust, forgiveness, and living in the present moment.  Perhaps that is why I know God loves animals too.

When I read Scripture, I discover that animals are everywhere. God instructs Noah to save animals alongside his family. The Psalms speak of creatures looking to God for food and provision. The Book of Job describes wild animals with wonder and delight. Jesus points to birds in the sky and reminds us that God cares for them.  In Psalm 104, the psalmist describes lions, birds, goats, cattle, and creatures of the sea, all living within God’s care. After creating the animals in Genesis, God declares creation “good.” Not partially good. Not mostly good. Good.

Creation matters to God.  All of it.

Recently, a tiny baby bird fell from its nest near Memorial Hall. The little thing didn’t even have its eyes open yet and only had a few tiny feathers. Many people worked together to help. Some watched over it. Some made calls. Some climbed ladders looking for nests. Others offered advice and encouragement. Eventually, the baby bird made its way to a wildlife rehabilitation center where it could receive the care it needed.  The full story of that little bird’s adventure—and the people who came together to help—can be found on the Broad Street UMC Facebook page. It is a wonderful example of a church community caring for one of God’s smallest creatures.

Some people might wonder why anyone would go to that much trouble for a bird.  For me, the answer is simple.  As Christians, we are called to care for what God has made.

Sometimes that means caring for people. Sometimes it means caring for creation. Sometimes it means stopping what we are doing to help a creature that cannot help itself.

I love that when The Well worships outside, four-legged friends are welcome. Every time I see a dog sitting beside its human during worship, I smile. It feels right somehow. It reminds me that all creation belongs to God and joins in praising its Creator in its own unique way.

I think we sometimes forget that how we treat animals matters. We talk often—and rightly so—about loving our neighbors, caring for those in need, and treating one another with kindness and respect. But perhaps part of faithful discipleship is also considering how we treat the creatures that share this world with us.

The way we treat animals says something about our hearts. It reveals whether we see creation as something to be used or something to be cherished. It reminds us that compassion is not limited to people. Compassion is a way of living in the world.

After all, if God delights in creation, shouldn’t we?

Maybe our care for animals reflects our gratitude to God who created them. Maybe stopping to rescue a baby bird, pet a nervous dog, or care for a wounded creature is one small way we participate in God’s love for the world.

I still don’t think JouJou ever liked me.  But I loved her anyway.  And perhaps there is a lesson in that too.  See you Sunday!

Peace, Pastor Tracy