Don't Cry Over Broken Windows

Hello, friends. Here's what I have learned today:

Storm windows are great at protecting your house against storms.

Storm windows are not so great as an anchor for your dog tether.

And, finally, the trustees at my church are wonderful.


...I'm sure some of you are wanting the whole story, so here you go. I have a fairly narrow backyard, and no matter where I put the stake for my dog's tether, my dog can still get under the fence. Today I noticed that there was a handle on the outside of the storm window in my kitchen. It seemed pretty sturdy, and it would prevent her from getting under the fence, so I attached her tether to that and went back inside. This was a poor decision. In fact, it was a terrible decision. About half an hour later, I heard an enormous crash from outside. I raced out my back door to find the storm window on the ground, completely smashed.

Thank God, Kensi wasn't underneath the window when it fell! She is completely unharmed, and the non-storm window is still intact, so my house isn't exposed or anything. I brought my dog inside and promptly called one of our church trustees, because I had absolutely no idea what to do about the situation. He came over within a few minutes, took a look at the problem, and not only helped me get rid of the smashed window, he also brought me something so that I can attach Kensi's tether to the house without breaking anything else. He said he'll probably get a new storm window and put it up on Monday. Thank God for trustees! I don't know what I would have done without him!

He also said something that made me feel a lot better: "It's all part of loving a dog." These things happen when you bring anyone else into your life, really, not just a pet. You open yourself up to more problems than you would have if you were alone -- but you also open yourself up to more joy. My dog may have brought my window crashing down, but she's also brought me a reason to look forward to coming home. Without her, I'd probably still have a window, but I wouldn't be having nearly as much fun.