Boy Jesus And His Dog

By Frank Di Silvestro

Boy Jesus and His Dog is an inspired story of the imagination. The story, which takes place in Nazareth, is about the love that Boy Jesus and his dog, Angel, share with each other in a time when most dogs were wild and unfamiliar with the human-dog bond we have today. Boy Jesus, sometimes guided by his Heavenly Father, gradually develops a relationship with Angel that is spiritually moving and shows how boy and dog are prepared to sacrifice their lives for each other. Dog lovers, who have loving relationship with their pets, will be especially touched by the unconditional love between Boy Jesus and His Dog.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 12, 2018
• ISBN: 9781640793798

Book preview

Chapter 1

When Mary and Joseph wondered where twelve-year old Jesus might be, they were certain he was either with his friends Joshua and Rebecca, who were his age, or in Joseph’s carpenter shop or he was feeding the wild dogs. They knew that feeding wild dogs with discarded scraps of food was a dangerous activity for a mere boy. But they were at ease concerning their son’s safety. They knew why the rapacious dogs were so receptive to his caring ways. Jesus fed them with a special kind of love and patience that calmed their wildness. But Joshua and Rebecca were scared to death about f eeding the wild dogs. When Jesus went out to feed them, they were struck with intense fear. They refused to go with him. Jesus understood. He was keenly aware that the bloodthirsty canines were ferocious and could in a flash attack a human being. Day and night in Nazareth and the outskirts wild dogs in noisy uncontrolled packs haunted the streets, alleys, and garbage dumps. When humans approached them too closely, they snarled with the intention of maiming them. Because these dogs were pests and scavengers, Israelites loathed and viewed them with total disgust. They were filthy and likely to cause disease. So the people felt justified in treating them cruelly. To be sure, they would have killed these feral animals, but they served a good purpose. They daily devoured the garbage and waste thrown into the streets. And they fought ferociously with jackals, leopards, wolves, and vipers that occasionally came down from the hills to prey upon livestock.

Many years went by before the descendants of these wild dogs became tame and man’s best friend. From time to time, however, an amenable dog was domesticated. Shepherds made occasional use of dogs to help guard and handle their sheep. But most dogs in those ancient days generally distrusted human beings. They had no familiarity with the human-dog bond we share today. Yet, in spite of their savagery, they developed a trusting relationship with young Jesus. Only he could safely approach them.

Chapter 2

Now Jesus had a remarkable experience. An angel with a dog cradled in his arms came to him in a dream, saying, Jesus, this dog needs your love. Always take care of him. You’ll find him alone in an alley near your home.

When Jesus awoke he was filled with excitement. He couldn’t wait to get to that alley. The early sun was shining brightly on his white-stone house and this always made him feel good. He loved the way the glowing whiteness of the stone buildings in the sun made Nazareth from a distance dazzle like a precious jewel. He had a quick breakfast of a handful of some bread and cheese, and two cups of water. Then he put the scraps of cheese and bread in his leather bag and slung it over his shoulder. As he hurried out of the courtyard, he passed his mother. She warmly smiled and said, What’s the hurry, son?

I had a wonderful dream, mother. I’ll tell you later.

When he found the stray animal in the alley, he was astonished. For he not only found the dog the angel had told him about, but he recognized this particular dog as one of the wild male ones he had taken a special liken to. This dog had occasionally shown signs of wanting to develop a lasting relationship with the kind boy. Jesus had worried about the dog’s helpless appearance. He was the scrawniest canine that ran with the pack, always falling behind as he tried to keep up with the others. When their eyes would meet, the dog’s warm gaze emanated a deep love that touched Jesus’s heart. He had felt this dog needed him more than the others did. He had wished for the opportunity to help the animal beyond just feeding him scraps of food. The angel in his dream had now given him that opportunity.

As Jesus stood alone with the dog in the alley, he dropped some cheese and bread in front of him, saying, I know who you are. And you know me. We’ve met before. From now on, we’re going to be the best of friends.

Hungrily, the dog devoured each morsel as Jesus studied him closely. Though he had been familiar with the dog’s general appearance, he now made sure to take in the animal’s every feature, not wanting to forget exactly how he looked. When he noticed on the right side of the dog’s neck a small black spot that stood out against the dog’s tan coat, he knew he had a perfect identification mark. For in those days, most dogs looked alike, resembling a small modern shepherd with a long tail, short pinned ears, and a black and tan coat.

Because of the angel in his dream, Jesus instantly knew what he would name the dog. Angel’s your name, he said. An angel of the Lord brought you to me in a dream and that’s why I’m naming you, Angel. The dog looked at him as if he understood his words Angel, that’s your name, he repeated. Then, dropping his voice, he tenderly said, I’ll always take care of you just as the angel told me to. I’ll make sure you get food and water every day.

The dog let out a few soft barks and wagged his tail as Jesus grinned. He knew Angel was expressing his appreciation. He moved cautiously toward the dog with his hand outstretched to pet him. I love you, Jesus said softly. I love you.

Unexpectedly, the animal became defensive. His tail ceased wagging and his body stiffened. He withdrew a few feet from Jesus, growling softly at the human being before him.

Oh, you’re afraid, Jesus kindly said, pulling his hand back. I understand. Come, I’ll show you where I live. The dog’s eyes were fixed on Jesus as he was slowly walking away. Don’t worry, I won’t get too close to you. Follow me, he said over his shoulder. The dog warily followed him, keeping his distance. Jesus stopped in the entrance of his courtyard, hoping Angel would enter with him. But the dog began to gradually retreat as his eyes remained suspiciously and steadily on the boy.

So you don’t completely trust me, Jesus said. Wait here. I’ll be right back. He hurried into the courtyard and immediately returned with a bowl of water. As he placed it before the dog, he tilted the bowl so that Angel could see the liquid. Don’t worry, while I’m away feeding the other dogs, your food and water will be right here every morning. See, it’s just for you. Go ahead, drink. You must be thirsty.

As the dog circled the bowl to examine it, he barked approvingly. He then lapped every drop of water. Satisfied, he glanced intently at the boy to thank him. Then he quickly turned and ran away. Jesus watched him, transfixed with happiness for some intense moments as the dog hurriedly disappeared in the distance.

Suddenly, with an exhilarated feeling surging through him, Jesus broke away and found his parents and excitedly told them about his dream and his experience with the dog, which made them quite happy. Then he went to see Joshua and Rebecca to give them the good news.

Chapter 3

The next morning, Jesus put some small pieces of bread and cheese in one bowl and water in another. He placed the bowls on the ground outside the entrance to the courtyard. Then he slung his bag of food scraps over his shoulder, humming and whistling merrily to himself as he walked to the outskirts of Nazareth to a field where the wild dogs would gather to be fed by him.

When he returned home, he was thrilled to see that the bowls were empty. He was sure Angel, and no other animal, had been there. Angel was here! he shouted with glee. He rushed into the courtyard looking for his parents. He saw them feeding the chickens. Mother! Father! he cried out joyously, Angel was here! The bowls are empty. He ate all the food and drank all the water!

Oh, we were so delighted to see the dog, Mary said to her son.

You should’ve seen how he gobbled it all up, Joseph said. I think he was afraid we’d interrupt him.

But as soon as he finished, he ran away, Mary added with a touch of sadness. We wanted him to stay. He looks like such a gentle dog.

It’s a mystery how he ended up with that pack of vicious dogs, Joseph pondered, shaking his head in bewilderment.

Yes, it is a mystery, Jesus agreed as a hen gathering her chicks under her wing warmly held his attention for a moment. I guess he ran away because he doesn’t completely trust me.

In time, you’ll gain his trust, Mary assured him.

And remember, Joseph said. The Lord chose you to care for the dog.

That’s why the angel came to you in a dream, Mary sweetly reminded him.

A faraway look came into Jesus’s eyes. I’ll never forget that dream. Angel needs me. He’s weak and underweight. And I think he’s afraid of humans. He’s used to running wild.

Joseph placed his strong right arm around Jesus’s shoulders, saying, You have to be patient. I was anxious like you when I was your age. I know how you feel.

Mary moved closer to her son, saying warmly, Don’t worry, son, Angel will know that he can trust you.

Oh, I can’t wait! Jesus suddenly felt quite optimistic.

Chapter 4

But in the days that followed, Angel’s routine remained the same. After satisfying his hunger, the dog immediately ran away. Boy Jesus returned to the alley a number of times, hoping the dog would be there. But he wasn’t. He thought