I know we’re called to love our neighbor, but does that extend to their dog?
Can we get a ruling on that?
Let’s say you’re jogging. And your neighbor’s small dog chases you into oncoming traffic and they do that thing where you pretend to be surprised that a barely domesticated, unleashed animal would give chase to someone who is sprinting by their house what’s your move their as a Christian?
That I’m aware, non of the disciples ever got bitten by a dog in the Bible. Sure, Jezebel got eaten by dogs but that’s a completely different situation. I’m not talking about evil queens.
I’m talking about jogging bloggers with names that start with a J and end in “on Acuff.”
I’m of two minds on the issue:
1. Let it go.
At worst, you get a scar and a mildly interesting story. (“Mildly” because no one at a party will be riveted by your story about how a Pomeranian tried to death roll you gator style.) Don’t overreact. Don’t shout out “Get behind me satan!” Don’t mace him. Don’t install your own electric fence in the dead of night when the family goes out of town. Let it go. Or, turn the other cheek if you will and accept the bite.
2. Assume that dog is a Pharisee
Perhaps that dog has been money changing in the temple. I’m at work all day, for all I know that dog has been running crooked commerce schemes in the church. He’s got beady little eyes. Who knows what’s really going on in that tiny, menacing heart of his. Maybe that dog is a Pharisee and he’s always calling out minor infractions on the neighborhood’s golden doodles even while he uses the bathroom in other people’s yards. It’s hard to read a canine’s entire story in 14 barks delivered at a feverish pace, but that could be what’s going on.
Neither way seems to work that well.
In the first I have to make a trip to the hospital.
In the second I have to make a whip.
How fast would you be picked up by the po-po if you’re the guy running in your neighborhood with a homemade whip you made to clear out temple dogs.
I’ve given the situation my all.
What do you suggest?
Does “love your neighbor” extend to your relationship with their dog?
