Hank is definitely growing and changing everyday. It's fun to watch him learn and process information. He is a very smart puppy. We went to the vet yesterday and I was told his blindness is permanent and he will need meds the rest of his life. Right now, he has an eye infection probably caused by the fact that he doesn't blink or completely close his eyes when he sleeps. So I have antibiotic drops and artificial tears to put in his eyes to help him out. He can close his eyes, but not all the way and most of the time, he doesn't close them.

It has been a wonderful, exciting learning experience having this puppy in our home. Watching him learn has certainly encouraged me to never give up. Within the three days we've had him, he has learned his way around the house, discovered the toilet (he is fascinated by the sound of the flushing), figured out how to go up and down the three stairs to the back door, and found and is using the dog door.

He is getting more and more playful and puppy-like each day — and more comfortable with his surroundings. The only problem we are having with him is that he HATES being in his crate. Last night he woke up around 2:00 am and screamed the rest of the night. It seems that he was not crated at his previous home. From what I'm told, he was locked in the laundry room with his mother and sister at night. So being left alone in a crate is very upsetting for him. We are working with him, but it's slow going. (Another way God is teaching me patience.)

Patience has always been something I'm not very good at. I have struggled with that all my life and still am. I used to wear a turtle necklace to remind me to be patient. And now that I'm getting older, although I am certainly more patient that I was at 20, I still struggle with it. The health problems I have had in the last few years have gone a long way in helping me. And now I have Hank to continue working on patience. :)

It is a blessing to be able to help animals in need. I love to watch them grow, change, and learn. And as a result, I have also grown, changed, and am learning everyday. Some people take on foster children or help seniors out. For my, my passion has always been animals, especially dogs. Animals have been a refuge for me and probably always will be. So it feels good to be able to help them.

Lots of people have talked about how good it feels to help; to give some of our precious time and money to those less fortunate. And in this day and age of busy-ness, some find it difficult to do much. But I'm finding that it is true that whatever you give, you get back ten-fold. Whether it's time, money, encouragement, love — whatever you give, you get back.

It's hard to believe that when you don't think you have enough time in your day, giving time to something that helps others will actually net you more time (?!?!). I found it hard to believe. But Jesus told us, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38) Jesus didn't specify what you should give, just that if you give, it will be given to you. And it works! I know, because I've experienced it myself. Whatever you give; time, money, affection, support; it will come back to you. Try it, you just might be surprised.

Reverend Claudia "Red Feather" Barber

My teacher and foster puppy, Hank.