This week we are celebrating Dixie’s Gotcha Day. Dixie is the terrier mix pup my beloved rescued a year ago. We feel like God put him in the right place at the right time to find her. She has been a wonderful addition to our family.

We hadn’t had a pet in 30 years, so I was a little skeptical. This will change everything! I thought but was willing to try. I was not wrong. Everything did change. But for the better. I didn’t realize having a dog would be so wonderful.

When Dixie came into our household, it was like she was meant to be with us all along. Not only is she cute, but she has the sweetest spirit. We adore her.

I love Dixie, and she knows it, but there is no question that she knows exactly who rescued her. She follows my beloved around like Mary Magdalene followed Jesus.

She wants to sit by him, walk with him, sleep near him, and go anywhere with him. Dixie goes to the church with my beloved and makes visits with him. Everybody loves her. It has been so sweet learning how many people are animal lovers.

When Dixie came to live with us, I asked the Lord to teach me things about Himself through her. He has. I knew if He could use a donkey and a great fish thousands of years ago, He wouldn’t have a problem using a dog in this day and time.

As I have watched my beloved care for Dixie, I have been reminded of how my heavenly Father cares for me. It is a picture of Psalm 23, penned by David. Verse 1: “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” My beloved is Dixie’s shepherd – her true caregiver.

David went on, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” I have seen this played out. Dixie had been living on a bridge for four days when she was rescued. Now she has a safe place to live. She has water to drink and is refreshed because she is safe. She climbs up on the couch for a nap and gives a loud exhale of contentment.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” is verse four. Dixie had been through some things before she was rescued. She’d been hit by a car. Her hair was overgrown and matted. The temps had been in the high 90s for days. We cringe when we think of what she was going through a year ago. She was definitely in a dark valley, but then…she was saved! She doesn’t have to worry about surviving on her own anymore.

Verse 5: “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Dixie was bathed that Gotcha Day, treated for ticks and worms, and x-rayed for broken bones. Now her bowl overflows. She has plenty to eat, with treats to boot.

“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Dixie has been brought to a safe place where goodness and love are abundant. We plan for her to dwell with us for a long time.

We are so glad my beloved stopped that day on the bridge. Just in the nick of time, he saved Dixie’s life. I’m also celebrating my Gotcha Day. It was 54 years ago this week that Jesus rescued me! Does it seem silly to write a whole story about a dog who was rescued? Dixie doesn’t think so