I take my American foxhound, Dude, for a hike through the fields or woods most mornings before work and pray while I walk. 

-Sometimes I let him off his leash, and he runs wildly to and fro, then eventually starts chewing on my sap collection tubing in the woods, foiling my good plans and efforts.

-Sometimes on the leash he lags behind and I have to keep lugging him along.

-Sometimes he pulls forward so hard that his collar chokes him.

-Sometimes he pulls to the side, gets his rope wrapped up in trees and cannot move another foot.

-Sometimes I put him on a really short leash so he won’t get tangled or choke himself, and he still pulls trying to go after some other unseen attraction.

-Often I make him stop so I can loosen his collar, he sits contentedly letting me scratch his ears and neck and listens to my speaking.

-But then he’s off again, immediately forgetting the pleasantness of a loose collar and closeness to me, surging ahead for that mysterious quarry.

-Sometimes he comes back to me and waits to have his collar loosened.

-Sometimes we see a coyote and he frantically jerks to chase it, although it can easily turn on him and kill him if I would allow it.

-Once in a very, very great while he contentedly trots along beside me at the same pace, in the same direction.

-I always lead him back to his warm, dry kennel with fresh water and food. 

Many days the Lord teaches me about my own walk with Him as I observe Dude on the end of his leash.  When I am willing to trot along peacefully by God’s side walking in His ways, then He speaks to me, guides me, coddles me and I can hear His voice.  When I am intent on my own prideful desires (many which could be deadly), then He lovingly pulls me back and restricts me until I once again realize my complete need for Him.  In the Bible, James says “Be patient, establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draws nigh.”

When it comes to caring for a pet with arthitic hands, 4 very simple products can help relieve the pain. Float valve waterers or water drinker valves eliminate the need to turn on faucets and carry water jugs or bottles.  Automatic feeders allow you to open a bag of pet food and pour it all at once instead of daily opening a container and scooping food into a bowl.  A wearable palm brush does not require gripping a brush handle while grooming a pet.