Father God,

You have given us a world with countless creatures.

What a joy (and what a mess!)

to care for some of them in our homes.

Thank you, Father, for allowing our family

the resources to take on a new puppy.

Scripture tells us you delight

over us and long to give us good gifts,

and I feel the same way watching

my children’s faces light up

over this new addition.

I know that dogs are not a replacement

for human friendships,

but I can’t deny the mysterious way they

befriend us, especially on lonely days.

So I ask, Lord, for you to gift my kids

this kind of connection—

for the uncomplicated love of this dog to

bring them a sense of companionship

throughout their childhood.

May this pet also be a way for them

to grow in responsibility,

serving our family

and another of your creatures, Lord,

with care.

And on the days when this puppy

feels more stress-ful than stress-relieving,

and thoughts of regret or disdain cross my mind

(which they almost certainly will at some point),

would you remind me of the simple

joy this animal has brought my children,

and give me the patience to

do the hard work of caring for them.

Thank you, God, that in a world desperate for peace,

you give us small comforts in the form of silly, adorable puppies.

Amen.