Almost eight and a half years ago, I shared this on my blog:

Nanci and I are enjoying our first week with our new Golden Retriever puppy, Maggie Grace, who is nine weeks old.

She’s pretty adorable, so I keep pulling out the camera. These are two slideshows, one of which I posted on Facebook Monday night, the second of which I haven’t posted until now.

God graciously links the hearts of people to their animals. That was his plan from the beginning. You’ve heard of therapy dogs? Most dogs are therapy dogs, to the families they’ve been entrusted to. Maggie has already been therapy for us. We thank God for her.

“The godly care for their animals” (Proverbs 12:10, NLT).

First slideshow of our Maggie, 2:13 min.: 

Second slideshow of Maggie, 2:26 min.: 

Here are a couple of photos of Maggie as an eight-year-old (equivalent to about 60 human years, so she’s catching up with us). We love her more than ever, even as she’s slowing down a bit (but she can still dig and chase rabbits with the best of them). Maggie is hanging out with our dear friends’ Steve and Sue Keels’ rapidly growing six-month-old pup Bo, a goldendoodle. He has become to the Keels a wonderful friend and therapy dog after the loss of their son Jason six months ago. I took these of Maggie and Bo when they had a play date at our house a few days ago. Thankfully they didn’t have to social distance with each other or with us!

Nanci and I often share with each other dog photos and videos. Dogs have brought us much joy and laughter, and both are great gifts from God. Some quotes about dogs, hope you enjoy them:

“Scratch a dog and you’ll find a permanent job.” —Franklin P. Jones

“It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.” —John Grogan 

“Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made.” —Roger A. Caras 

“Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.” —Groucho Marx

“Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog.” —Franklin P. Jones

“When an 85-pound mammal licks your tears away, then tries to sit on your lap, it’s hard to feel sad.” —Kristan Higgins 

“Be comforted, little dog, thou too in the Resurrection shall have a tail of gold.” —Martin Luther