What Dogs Teach Us About the Kingdom of Heaven
Sandra Wolfe
This book was written specifically to Christian dog lovers who may not realize that a dog's heart and soul emanates a shining witness of Heaven's virtues, or how they portray fascinating parallels of discipleship qualities to their master. In reality, they are much more than 'just a dog'.

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book excerpt

While delivering a speech to a jury in 1855, George Graham Vest coined the phrase “dog is man’s best friend.” The majority of people most likely perceive this ageless expression as the single defining attribute to these beautiful creatures. The reality is that a dog’s spiritual characteristics extend far beyond that traditional view. Dogs have numerous Kingdom of Heaven strengths and virtues that even those who deem themselves dog lovers rarely think about or perhaps Christians have never contemplated. As the Lord Jesus taught throughout the gospels that “the greatest of these is love”, this chapter discusses the aspects of friendship love that occurs amidst people with people, a dog and the master, and the Son of God, Jesus Christ, with the world of man. The comparisons noted in this portion of the book specifically parallel the disciple “Whom I love”, John, the beloved. Before delving into the divinity traits of the dog, what attributes between people characterize the highest of friendship love? How deep is the love of a real friend portrayed? What endears a person to one unrelated by blood? Although there are probably many more, a friend that becomes dearly beloved is a loyal companion through life’s journeys; present at the time of rejoicing and the one found side by side in the valley of suffering. This caliper of person may choose to be close at hand more in times of trials and tribulations than celebration for that is when support is most needed. Outside opinions and murmurings by others have no effect or can influence the heart’s desire to remain steady and faithful to the friend that needs them. The nature of this person is to act; not solely express beautiful heartfelt words that become lifeless without true application. A highly prized friend extends a hand of abiding companionship based entirely upon a heart who desires to do so without care of outer appearance, residence, occupation, financial status, etc. All conversations are held in the strictest of confidence without condemnation and a heart quick to forgive while offering sound advice, wisdom, and direction that brings forth great trust to the relationship. By comparison, a dog’s love is fiercely devoted with a loyalty of the highest standards and everything they do is because of it. Their lives revolve upon all things and in all situations that involve the master’s daily walk. Ready to take up the call of protector, guardian, and companion to the depth sometimes never experienced by or with a person. A friend for all times and seasons. They bow their will to the wishes and instructions of the master. They seek always to be in the presence of the master through whatever crossroad life may take them. Dogs live in eagerness to please to find favor in the praise of the master. A dog wishes that the master never go where they cannot follow. Dogs learn the boundaries and rules set forth by the master and their love and devotion set the path of obedience. In the gospel of John, 21:25 records; “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.” The importance of the statement is that John, one of the twelve disciples of the Lord writes this in first person, eyewitness testimony; he knew it to be so. With that said, the Bible was not compiled to give an account of how much people personally loved their dogs. Instead, the scriptures are about the gospel of salvation, the ministry and teachings of Jesus and how they affected individual lives, the law, a nation of people, the prophets, etc. However, there is no doubt that people are people and were the same as now although nothing is recorded regarding any special love bond for a dog or any other beloved pet. It is a strong and personal belief that the divinity traits discussed throughout this book were as real during biblical times as evidenced today. This conviction further extends to the very moment of its creation that God placed these heavenly virtues within the heart and soul of dogs. Just like every parent passes some inherited trait onto a child, God certainly does the same for all He creates to reflect something of Himself whether it be in plants, animals, the heavens, or mankind. These likenesses were meant to be a constant reminder and life lesson to those who dwell upon the earth of His never failing presence, existence, love, mercy, grace, and righteous judgments. Man was further gifted with a created desire to worship intended for His perfect purposes. Since this is true, then the heart is created to love God with all the might and strength of it. The mind was first to seek earnestly and learn of God. The eyes are to be ever focused and fixed to follow His ways. The ears of man are created to pay heed and listen for His voice of direction, and the mouth to utter praise, worship, and thanksgiving into Heaven’s gates and courts. Dogs perform all these things for the love of the master, just as humans are to do all these things for the love of God.