IN THE DOG HOUSE by Mary Toll

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5{NIV}

As the moon settled over Paco’s igloo he glared longingly to come indoors. Being nosey, like myself, Paco had crept into the neighbor’s yard by leaping over the fence, and now had to sleep with the bitter results…skunk! Just like my peeping Paco I busied myself with our neighbor’s lifestyle then found myself smelling rotten as well. Bowing to the dangers of being proud, I wasn’t even deserving of Paco’s bone.

The next day near the hose I sponged tomato juice onto Paco’s albino coat. He looked like an oversize Ravioli, lapping the juice off his rump. As though positioned beneath Jesus’ view upon the cross, Paco’s greyhound form represented the devil’s gain upon my soul. As I appropriated the astringent remedy to Paco’s flesh releasing the enemy’s stench, personified Christ’s shed blood and grace for all my sins. Rather than remaining a loser’s advocate racing towards hell’s gates, I was claimed as heaven’s prized trophy instead.

Dodging the flying juice as Paco shook I laughed. “Mommy forgives you baby,” giving him a squirt, “just as Jesus forgave me. And the motive for eternal redemption my pet, is love.”

Declaration…I am redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Revelation 5:9

Today’s freelance Christian writer has been married 33 years, has three grown children and resides in Texas with Paco. Contact