Trouble with a Capital L-U-K-E

By Lisa A Wisniewski

Sometimes who we meet upon lifes journey helps determine what, when, where, how, and why we learn. This intricate web of learning connects us to people, places, and things, all of which provide energy, hope, and opportunities for us. Sometimes, we recognize these opportunities, and sometimes, we dont see the real value they create. More often than not, the value created cannot be adequately measured, for nothing can compare to the experience created by time.

Trouble with a Capital L-U-K-E is a true story about time and the value created through lessons learned in a special relationship with a dog. Told from a first-person perspective with transparent honesty, it is a testament to a relationship that required a lot of faith, patience, diligence, and prayer. It is also an example of how God works in ways we do not see to provide the things we need most in life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Nov 7, 2017
• ISBN: 9781973606543

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Copyright © 2017 Lisa A. Wisniewski.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scriptures Taken from the King James Bible.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-9736-0653-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-0655-0 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-0654-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017916953

WestBow Press rev. date: 11/03/2017

Contents

Epigraph

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1     Facing Fate

Chapter 2     Winter Solstice Wonder

Chapter 3     Little Man

Little Man

Chapter 4     Mr. Escape

Chapter 5     Renovations and Reinventions

Chapter 6     Weather Vane

Chapter 7     Baths and Bones

Chapter 8     Better With Butter

Chapter 9     Pantry Pilfer

Chapter 10   Beyond Skin Deep

Chapter 11   Sister Sadie

Chapter 12   Back to School

Chapter 13   Loss of a Lifetime

Chapter 14   Birth of Bugaboo

Chapter 15   Lumps and Bumps

Chapter 16   Cause for Concern

Chapter 17   Brother Bo

Chapter 18   Sibling Spats

Chapter 19   Mr. Tough Guy

Chapter 20   Breaking Point

Chapter 21   Facing Reality

Chapter 22   Habits and Happenstance

Chapter 23   Another Goodbye

Chapter 24   Coming Around Again

Chapter 25   The Down Side of Up

Chapter 26   Tuesday to Remember

Chapter 27   Wednesday Worries

Chapter 28   Song of Silence

On an August Night

Chapter 29   The Mourning After

Chapter 30   Sadie to the Rescue

Chapter 31   Little Boy and Luke’s Ghost

Faith in the Wind

Afterward

In Loving Memory of

Luke, my Little Man

Epigraph

For with God nothing shall be impossible. —Luke 1:37

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the dogs throughout my life who have provided me with valuable lessons in faith, unique experiences in living life, and heartwarming stories; family members, friends, neighbors, teachers, and coworkers for their encouragement, support, perspective, and understanding in helping me find my way; and God for the blessings He provides each day (though I admit I sometimes fail to see them).

Special thanks to the men, women, and dogs in the military, law enforcement, and emergency medical services for the sacrifices they make and protection they provide. Thanks also to my first publisher, Linda Martin of Grelin Press, and to WestBow Press for helping me to publish my writing.

Introduction

All of the dogs I have owned in my lifetime have been special to me for different reasons. Each one taught me valuable lessons in life and faith. Every one of them has a place in my heart and in my history, allowing me to be who I was, who I am, and who I may become.

My first dog was a German shepherd named Old Ralph. He was my first best friend and my first experience with death, passing away from natural causes when I was five years old. Old Ralph set the standard of what it means to be a good dog in my mind. I will always remember him for his loyalty, trust, and companionship, as well as his protective nature and sense of purpose in life.

Next in line was Kelly, a German shepherd who came to live with us shortly before Old Ralph passed. Kelly loved Frisbee and running in the yard. I learned from her how illnesses can change a person’s life very quickly, altering one’s perspective. Kelly passed away due to complications from hip dysplasia. She and I were both thirteen years old at the time of her passing.

My family adopted a German shepherd we called New Ralph in the spring of 1979. New Ralph lived a good life with us until cancer took him away in May of 1990. His lesson to me was one of perseverance and strength despite the circumstances. We went a few months without a dog in the house, and quite frankly, I was lost without a four-legged friend.

In March of 1991, we adopted Princess, a very small German shepherd who became my angel in disguise, saving me from the nastiness of severe depression. Princess was my canine companion for fourteen plus years. Though little in stature, she played a huge part in helping me find my writing skills and my way in life. Princess passed away on March 10, 2005 due to complications from a lung tumor.

In May of 2002, I adopted Nikki, who will forever be remembered as my little sweetheart and the rock I leaned upon in my early adult life. Also a German shepherd, Nikki taught me about determination, faith, and really living life. Nikki also played an important part in my house renovation projects and in caring for my grandmother. You can read more about Nikki in her book, Nikki Jean.

Then along came Luke, a Black lab, who was vastly different from any dog I have ever owned. A rebel and a con man on the surface, Luke was a handful from the start. He did everything a dog should not do, was not good at listening, and certainly gave a different meaning to the words canine companion. Free-spirited and energetic, Luke did his own thing with gusto.

However, as you are about to read, Luke did indeed have a heart and was quite the artist. Luke’s lessons to me were life-altering and good examples of how God works in mysterious and unorthodox ways. Living with Luke was at times a challenge, but he managed to paint a most eloquent picture of life that will forever be uniquely his. Luke taught me that being different does not have to hold you back from your dreams and goals. He taught me that patience and hard work are rewarded in time. Above all, Luke certainly taught me the power of prayer.

The following true story is about a journey within a journey, or maybe a very circuitous detour along the way might be a better description, given the events. Each part of this story happened for a reason, though the reason was not always clear at the time. As you read this story, I hope you laugh, learn, and fully experience the value of life’s many relationships, stories, and characters, as well as God’s grace and blessings.

For any readers who have read Nikki Jean, you will know some parts of Luke’s story, but I tried to keep the overlap to a minimum. You will also learn more details about the passing of my dog, Bo, which were not included in Nikki Jean because they did not fit with her story, but were a large part of Luke’s story, and are best included in his own book.

For any readers new to my writing, thank you for your interest and for taking time to read my stories about life with canine companions and faith.

Chapter 1

Facing Fate

Staring at the computer screen, I was taken by his smile. He gazed as if looking deep into my heart, as if he already knew me, faults and all. It was love at first sight, a love deeper, wider, and stronger than anyone could imagine. It was the beginning of a journey that would transform my heart, soul, and mind to a better place, a better time, and a better perspective. It was also the beginning of a roller coaster emotional ride that tested my patience, stretched my imagination, and challenged me to be more than I could ever be (and then some).

Picking up the phone, I dialed the number listed. He was just too cute not to call. I had to at least try to meet him. A woman answered the phone, bringing me back to reality. I asked if he was available and she said yes. She asked if I could wait to visit the next night, and I said I could. My heart skipped a beat as I hung up the phone.

I printed his picture from the Internet and reread his profile several times. He was dark and handsome, very young-looking, and seemed to want to jump off the page with energy. His eyes drew me most to him. They were very clear and bright, almost surreal, inviting me into a charming spell.

Glancing at the calendar on the wall, I noticed it was December 19, 2005. My mind ticked through thoughts of the coming days: Two more days until December 21, then the days would get longer. YES! No more long, lonely, dark nights. Six more days until Christmas. Wouldn’t it be great to have him with Gram, Nikki, and me for Christmas?

I showed his picture to my German shepherd, Nikki, and asked, What do you think, Nik?

She looked down at the paper, then up at me. Her eyes were starry and bright like always. She shifted on her back legs almost as if she wanted to say something, yet could not find the words.

I’m going to meet him tomorrow night. Don’t tell Gram yet, just in case things don’t go well. Okay? I said as I patted Nikki on the head.

I was really taking a leap of faith here, doing something I had never dreamed of doing. Inside, I felt nervous, excited, and restless all at once. My mind raced with questions: What if he doesn’t like me? What if he doesn’t like the old farm house where we live? What if I don’t meet all the criteria required? What will others think?

Though I felt ill-prepared for what I was about to do, something inside said I had to do it. Whether it was faith, fate, fear, or some other stimulus, I don’t know. I do know that what happened in the days, weeks, months, and years that followed is a great story, an amazing experience with life’s good and bad sides, and a true testament to how God knows what we need, how to deliver what we need, and when to deliver what we need to us. His methods are not orthodox, nor common, but rather subtle, almost hidden in the maze of life until revealed to us.

Had I known what was to come next, I would have never entered the relationship—never, ever. It was a good thing I did not know, for I would have missed some of the greatest (and most trying) learning experiences in my life. I also would have missed out on experiencing love and the many trials it accompanies a person through in