My Imperfect Loves - Zeke - Part I of VIII

June 23, 2013

The Sensational Six woke me this morning with yips, yaps, and kisses!  "Wake up, Mom, it's "potty" time!  They all are so exhuberant first thing in the morning.  They don't think about the concerns and worries of the day, they just know that it feels good to be alive, pee on a plant, and eat some breakfast. They teach me so much about living the good life and I love it.

I was drinking my coffee this morning when the thought "my imperfect loves" came flooding through my brain.  I smiled ... a perfect blog subject!

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

~~Psalm 139:14

Because Zeke was so very sick this week, I decided to start my series with him.  Zeke was an abandoned puppy who was found by a young lady by the name of Sarah.  Recycled Poms took him in and he was fostered by Sarah's mother, Laura.  He was a throw-away puppy...

The vet says Zeke is a full blooded Maltese; HOWEVER, Zeke is imperfect.  His mother gave him viral hepatitis, he has light tan markings throughout his white coat, and his spine is a little crooked.  To someone wanting the perfect puppy, Zeke doesn't fit the bill.  Michael and I took one look at Zeke and saw "perfection" ... God's love manifested in a tiny, 4 pound, 9 month old Maltese by the name of Ezekiel

Zeke is our "son of dust" ... he loves to romp and rough-house with his brothers Toby and Kennedy.  He runs as fast as his little legs can carry him following big sister Sadie as they chase squirrels.  He rarely barks but his big brown eyes speak volumes.  He sits beside me as I type on the computer and every now and then nudges my hand for a quick pat on the head.  Zeke seems ... well, magical!

About this time last week, Zeke started acting funny ... lethargic, wouldn't eat.  Monday morning we were on the vet's doorstep when he opened and there began a week of intensive medical treatment via IV.  When the vet gave us an estimated bill, my husband (with a tear in his eye) said, "Do what it takes." Zeke would spend the day hooked up to an IV and come home at night.  For four nights, I cat-napped checking on him and praying over him.  Friends across the country, prayed for Zeke and I cried out to God to save our little furry son.  Wednesday night, I took him outside to potty.  He did his business then fell over into his mess too exhausted to walk.  I picked him up, wrapped him in a warm towel and took him inside.  I knew God could heal him but I was preparing myself for the worst.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding:" ~~Proverbs 3:5

Thursday morning, Zeke looked perky!  What?!  Perky??  Yep, Zeke turned the corner Thursday morning and it's been uphill ever since.  I took him back to be hooked up to his IV and Dr. Arnold checked him and said, he could go home with meds AND they took out his port.  I did the HAPPY DANCE and those praying for Zeke across the country did the HAPPY DANCE.

"Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning."

~~Psalm 30:5

It is Sunday morning and Zeke continues to rally.  He has been eating huge meals twice a day, and has developed a new interest in his toys.  Sadie made a mad dash to the back of the yard today to chase a squirrel and Zeke was right on her heels.  What a beautiful sight.

In a world where people and animals must be perfect, I find beauty in the imperfect.  I especially enjoy hearing and observing the stories of people and dogs who have overcome hardships and found their way to success, love, and happiness.  Zeke is one of those!!  He is so perfect in my eyes ... a creation of the wonderful God I serve.  He was perfectly knit in his mother's womb albeit infected with the hepatitis virus, a slightly crooked spine, and tan markings.  His courage and fighting spirit makes him a hero!

Look for the imperfect and you will find it.  Look for the beauty and good and you will find that too!

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... yes, each and every day!

Miss Dottie

PS  "Even imperfection itself may have its ideal or perfect state."  ~~Thomas de Quincey