He was terrified. Petrified, actually. He shook violently in Matt’s arms for half an hour after the incident. Ricci, our five pound, eight month old Dachshund, was finishing his nightly walk when he turned the corner of our block to be met by two, huge K9 dogs in front of our neighbors house.
Matt saw the dogs and assumed they were on a leash… until they sprinted after Ricci like canine Hunger Games mutations, foaming at the mouth and barking fiercely. Matt ran to Ricci and picked him up in one swift motion and raised him above his head so the jumping dogs couldn’t eat him. Once the owner retrieved the dogs and apologized for not having his mutations on leashes, Matt realized that Ricci lost control of his bodily function and defecated* on his hands, his shirt, and the leash.
After a bath and some coddling, Ricci seemed better. However, something changed. He became a different dog after that incident. Every time we leave our house for a walk, he yelps wildly like he’s possessed or suffers from rabies at the sound of their bark.
I saw a gentle, loving dog morph into an angry, rabid creator because of fear.
As Matt recounted the story for me, a chill ran down my spine. I empathized with Ricci. No, I’m not five pounds and my legs are [thankfully] longer than his. But I felt for him because fear changed him… as fear changes us.
Fear can overtake us and turn us into cold shells of the person we once were. We yell and shout things we don’t mean out of protection and defensive means so as to not be perceived as littler, weaker, or fearful. We perhaps feel unprotected and outnumbered against our enemy. But we’re not.
Standing behind us is a protector, someone who can scoop us up with we feel like we’re being attacked and clean us up when we make a mess of our life.
1 John 4:18 tells us that perfect love casts out all fear. Ricci—yes, I know he’s just a dog but for metaphor sake, bear with me—is loved. He doesn’t need to fear because he has a protector like God protects us [Psalm 18:2], shields us [Psalm 91:14], and heals us [Luke 9:11].
We can rest in knowing that we don’t have to fear. We are protected.
*Mom, I used the word defecate and not poop just for you. Yes, I know you’re proud.
Aw, poor little Ricci:( So glad we have a loving God because fear has crippling effects.
Your post today makes my heart lurch…for Ricci and for myself. Fear can be paralyzing if we let it, but thank God for the love of Christ that gives us peace, love, soundness of mind and boldness.
I am sharing you post on my blog today.
I love the metaphor… but this happens in real life that is when little ones were traumatized by others / older people (predators) during the times of their lives when they don’t know or understand yet that they have a Protector…
Such a good post.
I love reading everything you write! (no pressure lol) I hope your puppy can snap out of that funk. I had a similar thing happen to my little jack russell, its been a couple months and she is still scared. It is heartbreaking. Thanks for the post!
Have you read The Flinch, it’s a free e-book. Short & a great read about fear. Great post
This is great Bianca…so very true….Thank You!!! I hope Ricci gets back to his happy place but he’s in good hands till then. =)
I know about fear and yes it is very overpoweringand yes it does make you do things or say things that make matters worse. But God can come and change all that and restore. Thank you for the reminder. If you get a chance watch the documentary called “Buck” it will move you because that deals with fear too. (If you have netflix its on there.)
I need help. I’m struggling with something and I don’t know what to do. I’m hurting so bad. My husband has come to me maybe about 5 times and told me that he has fallen into searching for porn online. It happens when we are fighting that he has done this and I have tried my hardest to love him past this and pray for him. I go to the Lord with my hurt and I have tried my hardest not to get angry with him and take my hurt that has turned into anger out on him. Until yesterday when he told me that he did it again, it broke my heart and I could not help but let him know how I feel. He did but understand, he didn’t even take the time to. I don’t think he realizes how much this affects me and our marriage, from the things that he says its like he thinks it only affects him. I am still clinging to the Lord with my hurting heart. Please pray for me and if you can give me some advice as to how to deal with this.
Liz,
Please know that I’m praying for you. I feel your hurt through your words and know that this very moment I’m praying for a breakthrough in your marriage!!! God is bigger than any addiction and can intervene.
Secondly, I hope you attend a bible-teaching, grace-filled church. Call them and see if you can meet with a pastor for counseling with your husband. Something needs to be done that’s bigger than just you telling him his choices hurt you. Another voice speaking into this might help get through.
Praying for hope, healing, and intervention,
B
I will pray for you too:(
Liz, I hear you and completely understand. Praying for you. I was married to a man for 18 years who could not stay away from the porn. Things escalated three years ago and now we are divorced. I understand the pain porn causes to a wife.
great post! Yes fear can change you…sometimes for me it just makes me withdraw or avoid situations…thanks for the encouraging scripture:)
1. Your poor husband! I would have been gagging.
2. I really like this post, but, more than that, I LOVED how it was written! Well done. 🙂
Wow. Way to take a simple happening and turn it into a life lesson! Loved reading this! You are so gifted! Blessings to ya’!
Fear definitely does have power. I’ve been battling fear in a certain area of my life and waging war with Scripture. But it’s not always easily won. I’m thankful my God loves me despite my weakness.
Thanks Bianca ! Another post that hits home!
Great visuals you created with your words, Bianca! I never knew that humans could outrun dogs! We have two legs, they have four and they’re used to the chase. But I’m happy ya’ll were able to rescue your adorable puppy! 🙂
great story & message… i needed this today!!! xo