Truths Tanner Teaches

-


Those of you who know me, and/or have read many of my blog entries, have likely ascertained that I have learned lots of life lessons from my beloved canine companion as well as my feline friends. In the past I have referred to these insights inspired by my adopted animals as pet parables.

Lately I have been pondering the numerous truths taught to me by trustworthy Tanner my service dog. Perhaps it may be appropriate to state that these gems were whispered to my heart by the Holy Spirit of a loving God and that Tanner was the instrument of the Wonderful Counselor.

I have decided to compose a series of blog entries entitled Truths Tanner Teaches. (Is it apparent that I appreciate alliteration?)

Frequently, in my relationship with Tanner I am prompted to ponder issues of profound significance. I am grateful for my dog’s loyalty and constant companionship. From Tanner I see the joy of living life with gusto. He performs his duties with diligence and determination and he also plays with exuberant enthusiasm. I am reminded that genuine love is not based on performance. Good behavior and obedience is pleasing to the master (and Master), but poor conduct does not diminish commitment or acceptance. Often, especially on dark early mornings when I’m required to meet Tanner’s need to go outside, I have considered that when we truly love someone we are regularly called upon to willingly lay aside our own comfort or convenience for their benefit.

I have observed as Tanner has persevered to accomplish a difficult task and shared in the joy of the success of his efforts.

In addition, I am continually delighted by the warm response of others (friends and strangers alike) to my irresistibly handsome dog with his gregarious temperament.


So, as I embark on the effort to convey more about Truths Tanner Teaches, you can expect that upcoming posts will include:

• Blessings of a Buddy

• Precious Perseverance

• An Attractive Attitude

• Sacrificial Serving

• Doors of Opportunity




Comments

Faith said…
Those titles are so cute! Can't wait to hear all that God is showing you.
May 4, 2010 at 9:24 PM
Anonymous said…
I'm looking forward to the upcoming "Tanner Truths" postings. By the way, Tanner is quite handsome in his photos and appears to be very winsome. kk
May 5, 2010 at 8:16 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Happy Birthday Tanner!

-
Image
Today is my beloved dog Tanner's birthday. It's a nice time to reflect on how special he is, and how grateful I am to have him as an important part of my life. It's also a good excuse to "brag" about him and share some favorite pictures: This is when we first met. I can hardly believe it has been three years already! Tanner won my heart right away  He can be quite silly! Tanner loves to play... But he does his job when I need him - a very talented dog indeed! He closes the door                                                            Tanner turns on and off lights And we have even had the opportunity to teach children  about service dogs. Tanner is excellent at many th...
Read more

Tanner the Star

-
Image
As I had mentioned, Tanner and I had the privilege to talk to kids about service dogs. It was quite enjoyable. The children were an eager interested audience! I tried my best to explain what a benefit Tanner is to me. Tanner is indeed a special star demonstrating some of the things he does for me.  The teacher has a blog and posted an entry about the event. I'm sharing it with you in case you're interested: http://klette2.blogspot.com/2010/04/marybeth-and-tanner-come-to-visit.html Who could have thought that I would be blessed with such a beautiful service dog and together we would do something which I love ... interact with children.
Read more

Role Models

-
People we can emulate often are very meaningful and significant in our lives. Positive role models can motivate us to pursue excellence. They nay even instill hope for what is possible. In my career as an advocate and rehabilitation counselor, I had the privilege of working with many young people with disabilities to assist them in setting goals for employment and independent living. Often it is especially difficult for disabled youth to plan for their future because they lack a vision for what's possible. Opportunities to interact with happy successful adults with disabilities could be helpful to intill hope and encourage kids with disabilities to dream. I've wanted to be a teacher since I was a child. I absolutely loved playing school and longed to have a real class of students. As a teenager I was thrilled to volunteer in a classroom of primary aged children who were deaf. My heart soared with enthusiasm and expectation as I planned to attend college as a special education ...
Read more