I look at my 12-year-old rescue dog, shaggy as ever, having had another accident as dogs are known to do (especially after having just moved), and I wonder what was God’s purpose in giving us pets.  I cleaned up the accident, put the mop away, and patted her on the head as if nothing happened.  Then it hit me, God gave us pets to provide us with endless opportunities to show kindness and grace.

“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” Proverbs 12:10 (NIV)