{even the small stuff}

If you follow my blog, you know this little guy below, Coco. He is actually my daughter's dog. But again...if you follow my blog, you know that she is a busy girl, which means I take on most of the care for him.

He is a sweet dog and lots of company during the day. My family teases me for "talking" to him and are waiting for him to one day answer me! "smiles" But, this sweet little dog has a huge problem.....

Uncontrollable Tinkling!

We bought Coco from a breeder a little over a year ago. I didn't want to start with a puppy, because of the time and patience required to house train a dog. Coco was 2 years old and the previous owner assured me he was housebroken. Once home, we quickly realized he was either very confused with his surroundings, or wasn't trained at all. He had a lot of other problems also. He can't hear thunder clatter and seems to have no sense of smell. He just doesn't seem to have all his faculties. But again, he is a sweet dog, and except the wetting is a good dog.

For the last year, we tried everything to housebreak Coco and it seemed we finally had succeeded around the Holidays. And then about a month ago, he was injured in some sort of accident. As he lay up for several days recuperating, we were lenient on him. Unfortunately, when he was "well," his potty habits transgressed terribly! He was worse than ever. I would leave him outside for a very long time, and he would come right in the house and "go." And he "went" excessively!

One night he wet on the piano, a family heirloom, (staining the wood), and a large rug that was practically new, and I lost it! And I don't care what you use to clean, the smell never fully disappears. That was the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back! I know it is only "stuff," but I do try to take care of what I have and he was ruining our home and most everything in it! David could not leave his bookbag or any toys on the floor, it was all fair game to Coco. I went to bed that night very upset, and in desperation, I cried out to God, "please help me with this situation." I knew my daughter would be terribly distraught if we gave the dog away, but at that point I knew that I was out of options. He would have to go.

The next day, I looked online for doggy diapers, what I felt was my last resort. But they were expensive. Averaging $1.00 a piece, I knew that we could easily go through 5-6 a day or more. And I couldn't afford. So I searched eBay, for cheaper diapers, finding BELLY BANDS for dogs.

They are essentially a diaper for boy dogs. But for me, they are a MIRACLE!
You can use them as are, or line the inside with a cheap feminine napkin, which is what I do. The bands can be washed out and napkins disposed of, so they are cost effective! These bands were a God-send! Coco seldom wets them, and when he does, the bands do not leak. My house smells fresh once again! And my furniture and rugs are dry and safe! The morale around our home has improved as well! {I'm not losing my mind! LOL!}

Now this sounds like a commercial for Doggy Belly Bands, and I guess that if you need them, I do highly recommend!

But my point of this post is a testimony of how God answers our prayers and takes care of EVEN THE SMALL STUFF! In the scheme of life, my situation may have seemed not prayer worthy. After all, it wasn't life threatening, no illness, or financial woe, or family in dire need ...the "serious" things we so often take to God in prayer. But, our prayers of any magnitude are important to God, and He is faithful and hears them. God wants to bear our burdens, no matter how big or small. And He answers even the small ones that may seem insignificant.

"Don't worry about anything, but in everything...let your requests be made to God."

Philippians 4:6

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If you are interested in the dog bands, the seller I purchased from was KINGSWARE on eBay. I am in no way affiliated with this seller, nor do I know them personally. But I was very pleased with the product they offer and service! {The picture above was borrowed from their listing.}

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Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! ~Rhonda :)