By Chloe Sun
Since last November, our family has had a new addition – a puppy dog. His name is Chewie because he likes to chew on things — all kinds of things — from food to rocks. I have learned so much from him and I thank God for creating such a wonderful being. Chewie not only enriches my life but also gives me new perspectives on life.
Here are a few thoughts after having him for 8 months:
- Seize the Day: A dog’s life grows seven times faster than a human being. Each day for a human being is like seven days for a dog. Eight months ago, he was a soft and tiny little puppy. Now he has grown to be a big dog. In that sense, every day is precious. Chewie teaches me to seize the time that I have with him.
- Seize the Moment: Chewie does not worry about tomorrow. He lives in each moment. He enjoys sniffing other dogs, plants, flowers, dirt, and people. He likes catching bugs, flies, and birds. He is playful at all times and can be destructive sometimes. He not only smells the roses, but also bites them off. He chews on everything and treats everything as toys. Life is fun for him.
- Enjoy Relationships: Chewie likes us. He wags his tail with excitement at the sight of me. He howls when we leave him. He feels secure in our company. He waits for us to return when we are away. He looks at us with expectation and patience. We are like his precious family at all times.
Asian culture is driven by hard work and accomplishment, yet Chewie inspires me to seize the moment, to have fun with life, and to enjoy other people. I am so thankful that he’s in my life.
Here is a poem I composed for Chewie:
Brown hair, golden and fluffy, shining in the Sun,
Bright eyes, hazel and lovely, glittering with fun.
White paws, like white socks, stepping as a show,
White chest, like white ruffles, glimmering like snow.
Chewie, Chewie, is his name.
Brown life, Brown life, is his fame.
Hello, Hello, my dear dog,
Woof, Woof, I thank God.
Chloe Sun, PhD., has been teaching Hebrew Scriptures at Logos Evangelical Seminary since 2004. Her research interests include culture, gender, and identity issues in the Old Testament, Asian American Interpretations of the Bible, and Wisdom Literature. She lives with her husband and son in Southern California.
aawolsisters.com 
I just have to say this: I never thought I’d see the day when my Hebrew & Old Testament professor friend would be writing (and publishing) the words, “Woof, Woof”=)
And yet — I love it, Chloe! I think we all need lessons on how to take ourselves less seriously.
I’ll have to come over and meet this famed inspiration sometime… Dr. Chewie Sun, Professor in the Love of Life=)
Thanks, Joy, for the comment. Chewie teaches me to love life and to take each day with joy and enjoy it with fun. Hey, I just realized Chewie and Chloe rhyme!
Love the poem, Chloe! Chewie Sun is so lovable the way you describe him! 🙂
this is new, a PhD sharing life wisdom through her dog.
Thanks, Christine and TW, life through Chewie’s lens is indeed wonderful!
I’m glad Chewie is great companion to you and your family. And I really like the poem, especially the ending. =)
Chloe, Chloe, is her name.
Beauty, beauty, is her fame.
Hello, hello, my dear wife.
Ai-yo, ai-yo, what a life!
Eddie, this is so sweet…:)
Introducing the Sun Family Poets, everyone!
Nice Eddie.
Thanks, Carol, I am glad you like it. Woof Woof Woof!!!
Thanks, Eddie, for being so sweet and kind…
What a blast, Chloe!!! You look so happy. Eddie’s response-poem is sooo sweet:) Keep it up, my sister. Who would have thought…?
Young, everything is possible with God (in this case, everything is possible with a dog)!
I also got a new puppy last november! His name is Bear. If God can used a talking donkey, God can surely use a cuddly puppy to speak to us. 🙂 Thanks for your reflection!
Bear is such a cute name for a puppy. I wonder what it’s like if dogs can talk…
Thanks for sharing.