On Dogs and Pets

Our kids have always wanted a pet, and we have been telling them that we just didn't have the time, energy or room for a cat or a dog.  "Maybe in Africa", we would say, thinking that it would be better to have a cat than mice.  Sadly we are in the same place here in Africa, no space, no energy and no time, and on top of that, Chadians don't usually keep animals like this as pets.  Instead they roam the streets, looking for whatever they can to eat, and trying to avoid getting mistreated by boys here, or other animals.
The other day a group of boys brought a dog to our door (a stray no doubt) in hopes that they could "sell" it to us.  She was a cute puppy, and not too mangy or scrawny.  Our kids knew that they wouldn't be able to keep it, so when they said no, the boys began to kick it and throw rocks at it.  After many blows, John Hardy, whom God has given a great love for animals,  picked it up and brought it into our yard and we gave it some water and rest from the chaos outside our door.  It was hard to say no, but there was still no place for a dog in our home.  We took a few pictures, pet the dog, and then gave her back to the boy who brought her here.  Maybe some day we will have some animals to call our own, but not yet.