“They are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.”
Isaiah 56:10
George Washington had a beautiful home overlooking the Potomac River where he kept riding horses, a small flock of sheep and some Doberman pinscher dogs. The dogs were not just pets; they were also guards of the valuable property.
Dobermans, as well as German shepherds, are still excellent police dogs. They are highly intelligent and can be trained for police work. Some city police departments have as many as two dozen or more for emergency work.
Both kinds of dogs are considered top performers for police work; however, the Dobermans are preferred where summer heat is a problem, since they don’t have the thick coats of the German shepherds. They are trained by experts while still pups. When older they are put in the charge of a policeman or guard with whom they will live and develop a strong, friendly bond. The dogs don’t mix with other people or other dogs and have deep loyalty to their master.
One kind of work for a policeman and his dog is to patrol department stores or other businesses during night hours. They go through each floor. The dog is on a long leash, held by his human partner, and goes behind each counter and mannequin -paying attention only to what may be hidden behind them.
The dog’s keen sense of smell immediately detects a thief who may think he is well hidden. Moving close to him, the dog growls fiercely, with its strong teeth exposed, until his master, sizing up the situation, may command “Watch him!” The dog will guard the thief while the policeman calls on his short-wave radio for backup help. If the thief tries to escape, the dog will quickly move in and cause him to change his mind, but will not harm him otherwise.
But this isn’t the only service the dogs do when in these buildings. As they move from place to place, the dog’s sharp sense of hearing and keen sense of smell may lead the policeman to some piece of equipment that is overheating or making an unusual noise. The intelligent dog seems to sense that something is wrong. Often the short-wave radio is used again with a request to send help.
The opening Bible verse, describing dumb dogs, is what the Lord says about those who did not return His love in past days, compared with those who did return His love. Of those who did respond to His love and kindness He said, “Even them will I bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful” (Isaiah 56:7). And that’s where true joy is found today -in the hearts of those who know Him as their Saviour. Just as there are helpful dogs and dumb dogs, there are people who return God’s love and those who do not return God’s love. Which are you?
ML-04/23/2006