Jesse and Nikki
Joe Lyons •
January 15, 2025
DIANNE’S DOGHOUSE
Jesse and Nikki
Many years ago, I was a substitute teacher for at-risk teens. On my first day on the job, a scrawny and fearful student, Nikki, came to the door of my classroom. I immediately felt the need to be careful with her, thinking that if she felt cornered she could be aggressive. Was this a child who lived on the streets, starved for food and forced to take care of herself?
Since Jesse, my red Golden Retriever was a Therapy dog, I was allowed to take her with me to teach, so Jesse and I welcomed Nikki and showered her with kindness. The first thing Nikki did was swing her right leg backwards so she could kick Jesse in the chest! I blocked the kick and told her if she ever tried to kick my dog again she would live to regret it. She growled profanities at us, stormed into the classroom and plopped down on the old couch with a grunt. Her arms were crossed over her chest in defiance and she glared at me. A little scary!
“God, please give me the strength to get through this day,” I prayed. I looked out of the corner of my eye and saw Jesse casually walking over to Nikki. Gently, Jesse sat down and looked lovingly at this troubled girl. Nikki scooted to the left on the couch. Jesse did too. Nikki moved farther to the left. Then Jesse, who had never been allowed to jump onto furniture, climbed upon the couch. Nikki moved to the left again so that she was practically melted into the armrest of the couch. Jesse put her head on Nikki’s lap. I held my breath!
For what seemed like hours, dog and child were embodied in a time capsule. Neither moved. Then, I saw a flicker of light in Nikki’s eyes. Silently one hand unwound itself and she laid a finger on Jesse’s head. Trying to look as if she did not care and failing miserably, Nikki relaxed and let the palm of her hand rest on Jesse’s back: They connected…mind and heart!
God works in mysterious ways. We do not need to understand His ways any more than Nikki did. Probably for the first time in her life, she experienced unconditional love through Jesse. I hope that some day she will experience God’s love and discover that He will do what is best for her.
I still pray for this child. That she will remember what she learned from a dog.
Blessings,
Dianne Hammontree