Joe came to our family as a rescued stray, wandering down the middle of a road. He was scruffy, had fleas, a broken tail, a missing foot, and was blind in one eye. But Bill has never expressed a deeper love for anyone. Is it really love? Did Bill hold back this kind of affection from all other creatures and people, only to pour it all into such an unlikely animal? Does that even make sense?
Bill has always strived to be a good example, no matter the challenge. He’s always been keenly aware of trends. He wanted to be the best student in school—and he always was. He was the first to buy property in up-and-coming neighborhoods, turning neglected homes into vibrant spaces. In my opinion, Bill is singlehandedly responsible for revitalizing communities, being the first to invest in a house and spark change.
But I can also attest to Bill’s high expectations when it comes to the people he spends time with. If you’re unkind, bigoted, or neglect your role in keeping the community intact, Bill won’t waste his time. He’ll move on.
Bill wants a clean house, a clean car, and will drive an hour for the perfect haircut. But somehow, this scruffy little animal, who can barely see and struggles to chew, has captured the majority of Bill’s affection.
Having had dogs of my own, I get it. But Joe, somehow, takes the prize. Why? I could list reasons why Joe should be miserable. In fact, his hardships should have erased any trace of joy by now. But Joe is filled with joy. Despite being old, broken, and recently losing his remaining good eye, Joe remains as playful as the most spoiled puppy on earth. With his bad eye, he may see some light if it's bright enough—but let's face it, Joe is legally as blind as a bat. And still, within days of losing his sight, Joe was ready to play. He wagged that crooked tail, flashed those three good teeth, and barked.
No human could endure what Joe has been through, and even if they did, they’d never want to play again. Think about it: Joe hasn’t seen his family in years. He has no idea what happened to them. He was either abandoned or escaped. Consider the injuries he’s had to overcome. If Joe kept a record of his life, he’d be bitter by now. So what does this say about Joe? To me, it says his superpower is forgiveness.
What does Bill see in Joe? He sees the one being he’s ever known who can endure anything life throws at him without losing his joy.
Joe isn’t just a collection of misfortune. He embodies the ideal human spirit. As Joe often says: “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” That comes directly from The King James Bible—a book we read, but seldom follow.
Of course, it’s love. An unbreakable bond that will remain in Bill’s heart for the rest of his life. A few years with Joe will always hold deeper meaning for Bill than decades with the rest of us.
