Cosmo the Wonder Dog

from Protein Producers Fall 2016

Bilingual, Digital, Audio-Visual Training Modules Improve Technical Knowledge of Feedlot and Dairy Workers

By: Dr. Greg Quakenbush, Geissler Corp., & Dr. Doug Ford, Production Animal Consultation

My wife Jan Ford is an avid bird lover. She is the most meticulous, caring, gentle caregiver in the world. When it comes to caring for any kind of critter, she is the best. Chickens, turkeys, guineas, pheasants, peacocks, exotic ducks, and an occasional scouring calf, you name it.

As a connoisseur of fine fowl, Jan begins ear marking the pages of her poultry catalogs, strategically selecting her new clutch of fine feathered friends. All of this begins in late winter with the anticipation continuing into spring. After the order is placed, each day she will methodically mark off the days on the calendar; much like a hunter or fisherman waiting for opening day.

To add to the excitement of the adventure she will periodically stop by the local feed stores for a bag of popcorn and a peek at spring’s little peeping friends chirping their way around a 400 gallon galvanized water tank, bedded with wood chips and adorned with fifteen heat lamps.

Jan cannot sleep for two nights before the fated day. Finally the notice comes from the Post Master, “My chicks will be here in the morning, YEA!!” Jan will rise 2 hours earlier than normal and fix her hair “extra special.” She will wear her best jean shorts, a sexy top, appropriate jewelry and a splash of the perfume that I gave her the Christmas before.

Being the best poultry outfitter west of the Mississippi, the new chicks will come home to the Trump Towers of chickens in Snyder, CO. Everything is a go, full tank of gas, car cleaned and spit polished. “I think I am ready.” A final glance in the mirror, touch up the lip gloss, and adjust a few hairs in her bangs. It’s very important to make a good first impression with new arrivals, just ask Dr. Tom.

Watches were synchronized and her mission came off without a hitch. Driving home at 35 MPH (you can’t go too fast) she finally turned down our quarter mile long driveway. She backed the car up to the Guantanamo Bay/Gitmo unloading area, showed her clearance I.D.’s and began to unload her precious cargo. Every detail was perfect.

Finally I showed up to help and our cargo was safely checked in for the day. Security check point Charlie was downgraded from a level 6 to a level 1.5. This is where our tale takes a turn. How could we know there was a traitor in our midst?

Nine years ago we acquired Cosmo the wonder dog along with a parcel of land we were purchasing. She is a Chihuahua, blue heeler cross, and is Jan’s most trusted friend. For the most part she is a sweet, loveable, and devoted little dog. One major flaw in her Cain and Abel personality is her desire to kill every little thing that chirps, peeps, and squeaks. Over the years this hasn’t always been an ideal situation.

As we finished up a few details Jan looked around and said, “Where’s Cosmo?” We reluctantly went into the nursery and our worst fears became reality. When we had turned our attention in another direction Cosmo deliberately and without regard for any consequences began snatching up baby chicks one by one. She would take them out of sight, bite off their head and proceed to the next victim. Before we interrupted her mission the mortality resembled one of Dr. Wade’s feedyards.

Of course Jan was devastated, heart broken, and sick to her stomach, but mostly mad enough to relocate Cosmo to planet Mars with one kick of her Nike flip flop. Eventually, Jan forgave Cosmo and let her again chew on her bone under the dining room table, or occasionally sleep at the foot of the bed, or ride between us on the console when we went to check cows.

Life was good for several years. But on occasion, Cosmo’s sneaky nature would get her in trouble, usually when she thought we weren’t looking.

Fast forward, two weeks ago a pair of Jan’s prize peacocks hatched 5 precious little babies. They are Jan’s pride and joy. Saturday afternoon Jan was doing some detail work in their pen, convinced that Cosmo has learned her lesson, Jan would let her in the pen (always supervised) and there was never a hint of any bad behavior.

Cosmo was previously found guilty, convicted and served her time; she was a rehabilitated blessing to society. Wrong. Jan turned her back for 30 seconds, long enough for Cosmo to return to her unrestrained dog nature. Luckily Jan only lost one peacock chick. As we went through the emotions of the situation, my thoughts were directed to spiritual matters.

God loves us so much and he wants the best for us. Since He is God He is not surprised by our pride, disobedience, sneaky nature, or our double mindedness. He knows our core nature (sin), our weaknesses, and the spiritual consequences of our actions.

He is faithful and forgives us time and time again often for the same crime. All he really wants is for us to turn our eyes, heart, will and trust towards him. He wants us to sleep at the foot of his bed, to chew on our bone under his dining room table, and to ride on the console while he is checking cows.

It goes back to the core values Dr. Nels has shared with us: “Integrity- Choosing your thoughts and actions based on values rather than personal gain.”

Doing the right thing even when no one is watching. The pain of discipline is minor compared to the pain of regret.

One more thing. Cosmo was forgiven because she belongs to Jan and is loved. We are forgiven and loved also, if we belong to Jesus Christ. Forgiveness is not free; it came at a bloody and painful cost. God himself paid the price in full. What a great thing it is to be free of condemnation. Just ask Cosmo.

Isaiah 53: 5-6: 5But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed. 6 All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.

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