I’ve read that dogs can sense a variety of emotions in us humans. They can sense when we are sad and respond affectionately as a way to cheer us up. It’s also a way for them to connect deeply with humans. They also have a good sense of smell and can detect our body odor. They can detect when we are feeling anxious or sad simply by smelling the sweat we produce. I recently read that dogs are the only animals that produce oxytocin. This hormone is linked to bonding and social attachment. This is yet another reason why I believe dogs are so special. They truly are man’s best friend!

So, when my father-in-law was hospitalized this week, I was not surprised that Ella sensed the overall sadness in our home. She wasn’t her playful self. Instead, she looked to me for cues on what she should do. She stayed in bed longer with me and occupied her time by staring out the window. She snuggled up to me more and waited patiently to be fed, which on some days was later than usual. The most noticeable aspect of her behavior was the way she greeted my husband after he returned from the hospital. She was definitely more affectionate toward him.

On Thursday at 3:40 a.m., my father-in-law passed away. Unfortunately, my husband wasn’t at the hospital at the time. When he walked into our bedroom to share the news with me, Ella was right behind him. I already knew from his facial expression what he was about to tell me. He knelt at the foot of the bed, and an incredible sadness just overtook us. Ella jumped up on the bed and put her head on his shoulder. In her inner world, it was all that she knew to comfort him. It was a special moment, one that I will never forget. 

I am amazed at how God provides comfort to His children. He can bring comfort to us through his word, through other people, and through his creations…even through a shepherd named Ella. I am especially thankful that God is the God of all comfort!  In 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, the apostle Paul says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.”

I know that the days ahead will be challenging as we attend my father-in-law’s funeral. Life will certainly change. The house that brought the family together will no longer be, and the trips up north won’t be the same. Yet, the God of all comfort will walk with us. He will provide us comfort — whether through His word, through people whom He strategically places in our lives, or through His creation. He wants us to, in turn, comfort others just as He has comforted us.

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