Gordon the wonder dog!

We have this dog that we adopted at an animal shelter. I was looking at him today, and can I just be perfectly honest? He is ugly. Really ugly! One of those dogs that you would say "Gordon, bless his heart, he's not too pretty. He's sweet, though!" He has these little stick legs, a huge fat body, and I don't think his head has grown since he was a puppy! haha When we adopted him, the lady said "He's a dachshund mix. He won't get over 30lbs". Sixty pounds later, our dachshund mix is probably a rottweiler mix. haha And he smells bad MOST of the time... Gordon is a mess!
Gordon makes the weirdest expressions you've ever seen on a dog. Whatever expression he is making never fits the situation. When we come home, he bares his teeth and sometimes growls. That's his look of joy. When he is sad or upset, he wags his tail, and his eyes get really bright, as if he's happy. When he is playing, he can get a puzzled look on his face.
Yet we love him dearly! He is a vital part of our family. He is such a faithful companion, never missing a chance to guard me as I take the trash out, or walk me to the mail box. He loves to walk Lindsay to her car when she is leaving, making sure she's safe and all. He loves "porch time" when we sit outside on the porch at night and listen to the owls or watch the stars. He doesn't miss a chance to chase away a scary bunny from our lawn. (what would we do without bunny protection?) And when Daniel comes home...boy oh boy! It's like Christmas. Speaking of Christmas, Gordon loves it. He love to help get out the decorations. Then on Christmas day, he helps us unwrap our gifts, never minding if its for him, only wanting to help out.
As of late, he is graying. His face is looking older. He doesn't get around as well as he used to. He hobbles, and limps. He doesn't hear as well as he used to. Gordon will be 10 years old in August. Sadly, he is growing old. However, he fights it with all his might. He still runs to greet us, brings us his toys to play with, and makes us laugh every chance he gets.
I think I am much like Gordon (skinny legs and all)! I am generally a mess. Not reacting the way I always should when I've done something wrong. Laughing at inappropriate times. Or making a joke, when I should be more sensitive. Thankfully, God can use us even when we are a mess.
I am kind of leery of anyone who acts like they have it all together. You know the type...The 'perfectly manicured poodle' type. If I am faced with the same situation as they are, their reaction would be: "Praise God for this blessing and these blessed people and what He is doing in and through us as we diligently serve Him and bless His name". On the other hand, there's me, the mutt, standing there looking much like Gordon...bewildered and freaked out...and my reaction would be: "Seriously God??? You are going to make me deal with this...again...didn't I already pass this test??? Ok, Lord, ok...I'll do it... You must have a great sense of humor though, and be laughing your head off at me even as we speak..."
Yep, God could not have given us a better dog...he's perfect for our family, a mutt, just like me! :)

 Our friend, Jonathan Cutrell, takes some beautiful pictures. He made Gordon look much better in this picture than he does in in real life. Thanks, Jonathan! :)