I LOVE dogs! Not so much cats but dogs are great (that’s just my personal choice). They greet you when you get home wagging that tail with anticipation of a simple touch to the head. They truly are man’s (yeah and woman’s too) best friend. I never want to see a dog hurt, suffering or without a home. Adopting a dog is an admirable gesture naturally. The humane society does splendid, noble things each and every day.

Okay…so now that we’ve got that out of the way: Adopting a child is NOT the same as adopting a dog. ***Lean in close for this one*** –it isn’t even similar! When I tell you I’m adopting a child and your response is “oh that must be just like adopting a dog” I chuckle softly not because you are right but because I am polite. But guess what, you couldn’t be more wrong. As much as I love dogs they ARE NOT people…they don’t have the same feelings, emotions, and trauma that a little human may have. While the intentions are pure, even the insinuation that it is close to the same is…well, truthfully a little hurtful. The experience of being adopted is going to affect them to the very core of their being. This is someone who will hopefully grow up to do wonderful things with their lives and God willing make lasting, impactful changes in the lives of others. Can we admit that this is above and beyond being a best friend? I have a dog that is adopted and trust me the process, paperwork, emotions, and weight tied to adopting a human being just isn’t the same.

So when I tell you I’m adopting do you hear Sarah McLachlan? You shouldn’t. If you do…guess what, this just in, breaking bulletin, newsflash, it ISN’T the same. Although it seems like a simple comparison—it is indeed much more complex. Now if only there was a definition for something that seems simple but is actually complex…

~Eli