PTS Tuesday

I recently read a story about a family whose dog disappeared. Family and friends organized a search to find her, but with no success. Each day, the mom anticipated the affectionate thump, thump of her tail lulling her to sleep in her bed. How could she ever make it without her? Then, one day, the TV newscaster announced the arrival of some beagle puppies at the local pound. Late one Monday afternoon, she and her husband drove over to check them out. "The beagles went fast", the animal caretaker said, "but you might want to consider one of our other dogs". Discouraged, she plotted from cage to cage, studying the signs posted on their doors. "Landlord says, 'No Pets'." Or, "Owner too old to care for dog". Above the yelps and barks of at least 50 hopeful adoptees, her husband hollered, "Have a look at this one"! Cleo was 4 years old, and resembled a giant, double-stuffed Oreo cookie. She didn't come close to being a beagle or a puppy. "Older dogs make such wonderful pets", the caretaker said. "This one is already house broken". As if on cue, Cleo cocked her head in the most endearing pose, and extended a fuzzy white paw. Searching for a clue to Cleo's past, the mom read the GIANT handwritten black letters aloud. "PTS Tuesday". What does that mean? The caretaker hung her head, and she strained to hear her speak. "PUT TO SLEEP TUESDAY". "We'll take her! We'll take her" the husband pronounced, as they scooped a snuggling Cleo into their arms. "Let's name her Monday", she suggested. It's been 7 years now, and while they didn't actually change Cleo's name, she'll always symbolize Monday to them. In their time of loss, God rescued both Cleo and the family. And, oh, the joys of adopting a loving older dog. What seemed to be a PTS Tuesday, was really a brand new Monday! How often in my life has God turned a "PTS Tuesday" into a Monday? God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1