Home Friends and Family Pets Dogs11 Inspirational Dog Stories

11 Inspirational Dog Stories

Animal lovers know that dogs can inspire us, comfort us and make us laugh Guideposts editor-in-chief Edward Grinnan, a well-known dog lover, invited readers to share how their dogs inspired them. Dozens of readers responded with pictures of their own dogs. We've chosen a few of our readers' great pictures and stories with the hope that they inspire you too.

grid view
slide view

list view
slide view

grid view
list view

Guideposts: Janaina B.'s adopted pal, Louis

A Blessed Adoption

We adopted Louis 5 months ago, and since then, he has been a blessing in our home!—Janaina B.

Guideposts: Sandy W.'s Shadow, on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail

Inspired by a Shepherd

Here's my Shadow, a two-year-old female German Shepherd, on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail. She inspires me to keep moving forward every day! Phil. 4:13 That you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you.—Sandy W.

A Dreamy Visit from Max

When my daughter's dog, Max, died, I was terrified that he would be all alone in Heaven. He had always been a very people-oriented dog and would be miserable if he was alone. I prayed for Jesus to take care of him and had a dream: I was in a small house with windows and a screen door, just one room. Max came running up, but I could not go out and he could not come in; somehow we knew that was not allowed. He seemed to be in a hurry to get back to the important things he had been doing, and I could tell he was just fine.—Jane S.

Guideposts: Deb's caregivers Buddy and JoJo were there for her when she suffered a stroke

A Pair of Canine Caregivers

This is Buddy and JoJo. After my stroke, they wouldn't leave my side. They knew something was wrong! Love my furbabies!—Deb V.

Guideposts: Kingston, says Elinor L., brings comfort and love wherever he goes.

A Comforting Gentleman

Kingston is always a gentle gentleman, and he brings comfort and love wherever he goes.—Elinor L.

Guideposts: Jill D. has a loving buddy in her Scooter

A Friend in Need, A Friend Indeed

Scooter has always been my buddy! He has been especially important since my husband passed away. Whenever I am sad and crying, he hugs me!—Jill D.

Guideposts: Debra P.'s dog Willie Nelson gave loving care to children.

A Comfort to Kids

My dear sweet Willie Nelson passed away August 27, 2014. Willie was an angel on earth. He took on my worries and comforted like no other dog I'd known. But his true calling came to light when I took in some children while their mother was incarcerated. Willie latched onto those kids and comforted them as if he had no other purpose in the world. It was almost as if through the caretaking, he was whole.—Debra P.

Guideposts: Norma G.'s Dale, seen here with her son

An Anticipated Reunion

Our beautiful boy, Dale (pictured with my son), was the best dog ever! We lost him on April 24th at age 12. We are so broken-hearted. I truly believe that we will see him again.—Norma G.

Guideposts: Renee G.'s Pomeranian, Stanley, saved Renee and her husband's life one night.

Stanley on the Spot

This is Stanley, our 10-year-old Pomeranian (his fur is wet from his bath). He is a rescue, and one night while we were sleeping, he went into our home office and started barking. My husband went in and found the surge protector on fire. So Stanley rescued us that night.—Renee G.

Guideposts: Toby Matthew is the first pet Marsha M., age 64, has ever had.

Her First Pet

My Toby Matthew, the best buddy this side of paradise. My first pet ever. I received him at age 59; I am now 64. What a gift from the Lord!—Marsha M.

Guideposts: Brett's Lola was half dachshund, half beagle.

A Canine Serenade

We only got to spend four years with our Lola, but she blessed us with a lifetime of love and joy in that short time. She left us in May 2014, but I still sing the silly little songs I used to sing to her. I like to think she can hear them.—Brett L.

SEE 13 INSPIRING PICS OF MILLIE AND THE LIFE LESSONS SHE'S TAUGHT EDWARD