When the idea of getting a White Swiss Shepherd was suggested, I jumped at it. I didn’t know anything about the breed; I was just excited about becoming a dog owner. Neither my husband nor I took the time to look up information about the breed. We didn’t know if it was suitable for families, how large it would grow, or if there were any health issues we needed to be concerned about. All we knew was that the White Swiss Shepherd was uniquely beautiful and ‌very protective of its owners. That information seemed appropriate at the time!

The Importance of Doing Research

It wasn’t until we brought Ella home that we began researching the White Swiss Shepherd. Through friends, the internet, and our veterinarian, we learned that these breeds are prone to digestive issues, so what we feed her matters. We also found out that shepherds are “working dogs,” which means they constantly need something to do. So, exercise is crucial for this breed. Without it, boredom sets in, which can lead to destructive behavior. One website recommended two hours of exercise daily. What did that mean for me? It meant that I would have to trek to the park every morning for exercise, regardless of the weather conditions. It also meant that I would be playing fetch in the yard and coming up with creative ways to keep her busy throughout the day. I confess, the idea of dedicating so much time felt overwhelming.

Considering my personality, I am surprised that I overlooked such important information, which could have had huge implications.‌ Thankfully, my situation turned out well, even though my lifestyle had to change a lot. Now, I actually look forward to those walks in the park. I’ve also found ways to keep her stimulated mentally throughout the day. It’s remarkable how life often presents moments when we charge ahead, only to be surprised by what happens next. I wish I could say this was the first time I jumped into something without doing research. Unfortunately, I can’t, and not every situation worked out as well.

Making Well-Informed Decisions & Counting the Cost

 I’m pretty sure that Jesus knows that I tend to be impulsive. That’s why I believe He laid out His own terms of what it meant to be a disciple because of people like me. As I read through the gospels, it is clear that the crowds who followed Jesus loved when He healed them. Or when He gave out free food. Given that, who wouldn’t want to follow Him? Yet, following Jesus means more than just receiving free stuff. To be His disciple, He wants those interested to count the cost. They must be well-informed and then agree to His terms. In Luke 14:25-33, He compares the cost to someone who wants to build a tower. He says, “Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?  For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’

 Jesus is asking us to consider the cost and then make a well-informed decision to become a faithful follower. It’s a lot to think about-nevertheless, look what He did on the cross for us!

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