Friendship is valuable. Even though we may think that we can make it on our own, we were not created to be alone. After God created Adam, it was obvious that being alone was not ideal. The rest of creation had companionship, but Adam had no one in the world he could call a friend. He, of course, had a relationship with God. However, he needed someone he could spend time with while taking care of the garden. So, God created Eve. More than friends, they were husband and wife. Yet, I believe they were also best friends.
Skyler and Rozsda were best friends. Not long after we brought Rozsda home in 1999, we discovered that he need a canine friend. We introduced Skyler not long after and those two became best buddies. Although they were different breeds, had different personalities, and had different needs, these two dogs quickly bonded and were quite the pair. They went on many adventures together, especially when they escaped the yard. I think Skyler, who was somewhat timid, would literally follow Rozsda to the end of the world. They were inseparable.
The day we had to take Rozsda to put him down (I hate how that sounds) was tough on everybody. I do not know how dogs can sense what is going on, but Skyler knew something was happening. Beagles are usually known for their barking. However, Skyler was unique. He rarely barked. When he did, we knew something was wrong. As we loaded Rozsda up to take him in, Sklyer commenced barking and howling. Someway, somehow, I believe he knew something terrible was happening. That, along with the rest of the events of that day, broke our hearts.
When we returned, Skyler was different. He never was really the same after that. Even though we were able to get other dogs, it was not the same for Skyler. Oh, he would occasionally play and we would see glimpses of his former self. However, I think a part of him died that day, too. Then, one day he escaped on his own and never returned. We searched desperately for him, but we never found him. We were so sad. To this day, we do not know what happened to him.
I miss both of these dogs. Yet, in the short time with them I learned the value of friendship. While they were both loyal to me, they had a unique bond with each other. Together, we had a wonderful family and life.
I think the same is true with our relationship with God. We have a unique relationship with Him. Yet, we also need to have relationships with others. As we build those relationships, with God as the center, we will find a more fulfilling life. When the time for separation comes, it will be painful. However, it will not be final. As the words of the song say, "Friends are friends forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them."
I miss these boys. But, I am thankful for the lesson of friendship I learned from them.
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. ~Ecclesiastes 4:12
