Dekker Speaks Out About God and Prayer
Today Dekker expresses his views on FOMO, decluttering, prayer and God. A real mixed bag, but then some days he can be quite scattered. So can I!
If this is your first time visiting Dekker’s page, you may be surprised to learn of the extended talents of this remarkable service dog.
He actually has his own section on this site which you can access from the tab above.
On the first Sunday of every month Dekker weighs in on the problems of people around him and will respond to comments (or questions) left in the comments at the end.
Dear Dekker,
I struggle with what people call FOMO, the fear of missing out. It causes me to take on more than I have time for and to eat more than I need. I wish there were a pill I could take to get rid of FOMO. Do you have any advice for me?
Thanks, Fearful Francine
Woof, Francine!
You don’t need a pill even if there were one. I have had FOMO all my life, as has every animal I’ve ever known. If we didn’t have this fear we would never have survived the wilds. Have you ever watched crows when they spy roadkill? FOMO is their master.
I had to go through a lot of training to learn how to listen to a new master. I do well until after supper when I begin to wiggle all over. I am afraid I will miss my evening treat if she doesn’t stop talking.
I turn on the charm, I wag my tail, and sometimes I squeal just a little bit. But she holds the line and in the end I know I am loved.
My best advice is to find a new master and leave FOMO to the crows.
Dear Dekker,
My wife is going through a decluttering jag and has really cleaned up around here. I am afraid she might start on my stuff next and tell me I have to eliminate things that mean a lot to me. What do I do if this happens?
Thanks, Not-So-Neat-Nick
Woof Woof, Nick! I know exactly what you mean. I have a lot of toys that probably look like trash to some people but only because I love them so much and carry them everywhere.
My person does not get rid of the things I love, but she has taught me to put my things away. I even got a brand new toy box that makes it a lot easier.
I know the command “put it away” very well. It is one of my favorite games to play. She points to a toy, tells me ‘put it away’ and I get to run with it to the box and toss it in like a basketball. It’s a great game once you learn to play.
Do you know how to play this game? Give it a try. Not only is it fun, but there is a treat when I succeed. I wonder if your wife knows about treats? You might suggest it.
Dear Dekker,
Do dogs ever pray? I believe God created me and I believe that God created dogs also. I would think that there must be a way for you to communicate with God. How do you do that?
Thanks, Praying Pete
Woof Woof, Pete.
I have many ways to communicate with people but I don’t know about God. Mostly I use my eyes and wag my tail and people tell me how beautiful I am and that they love me.
I heard my person say that God is love, but some people talk about God as a person. I always sniff people so I will know what God smells like, but no two people smell the same.
However, you asked about prayer. Of course, dogs pray, but we pray with our bodies instead of words. Have you ever done that?
I can just look at my person and she knows I love her. I am so thankful for her that I dance and bounce up and down, and when I need something I lay my head in her lap and she responds every time. Maybe not with what I want but she always stops and listens. Isn’t that prayer?
Dear Dekker,
I like to go to church, but sometimes I don’t get anything out of the service. I want to know God better, not just sing songs and listen to dry sermons. Should I keep on going?
Doubting Dan
Woof woof, Dan,
I go to church every Sunday with my person and I lie down and fall asleep. It seems like such a safe place to let go of all my weekly duties and just rest.
Sometimes the music wakes me up. I’ll stand and stretch and nod my head to people nearby. It makes them smile. And then I settle down again feeling very peaceful.
I don’t think it matters that I don’t understand what is happening. I am happy to be with my person. Do you have someone you could bring who may need a ride? Being a companion to someone else who needs you is a great feeling.
At one point they get up to go get a treat but I don’t get one. My person always gives me a piece of kibble when we leave, though. I know I am loved.
And love is what I try to be for others. You don’t need church to be love…but it seems like a wonderful place to start.
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