There was once a little boy, and his name was Charles, and he had a dog whose name was Brave. Now, Brave could swim well, but Charles could not swim at all.

One day when Charles went to the river with some boys to bathe, he put his arm round Brave’s neck and made the good dog swim with him across the river.

This cute little story and illustration brings to my mind the faith and trust that we put into our dogs, especially our children. Our dogs become part of our family. We depend on them for many, many reasons and they often have a special purpose in our lives.

Whenever I think of the loyalty of a dog I remember my Dad’s dog, Zip. He had taught him to fetch the crackers from the lazy susan for him. Whenever he’d sit down in his rocking chair and tell Zip it’s time for a snack, Zip would run into the kitchen, open the lazy susan and find the Ritz Cracker box. He’d bring the box to my dad and they’d sit and share a few crackers. It’s a memory that will always bring a smile to my face as I remember them sharing a snack together.

I’d love for you to share an experience or memory you have of one of your dogs.