Warm Fuzzies with Fernando Ortega
"Give Me Jesus" Songwriter Dishes on His Two Rescue Pups
It was 2001 and we were at our college/youth adult group when the handsome worship leader stepped up to the mic and sang “Give Me Jesus.” The song moved us into quiet reflection before our pastor delivered an inspirational message to us. As time went on, “Give Me Jesus” became a favorite among the group, like it did at many other churches, youth groups, and college Christian fellowships across the country.
Suddenly, everyone knew the name “Fernando Ortega.” I was an early adopter of his music. The release of “Jesus King of Angels” moved the hearts of Jesus followers across the country, sealing Ortega’s musical legacy in the Church.
Still touring and recording, Ortega is releasing his latest EP, For All the Saints, this Friday November 15! (Read on to find out how you fan win a free copy!)
I’ve followed Ortega on X (formerly known as Twitter) for years, enjoying his many photographs of the birds he sees around Albequerque, NM, where he lives. More recently, we’ve struck up a dialogue so I invited him to talk about his two rescue dogs, Joni and Milo, on “Warm Fuzzies.”
What pets currently live with you?
My two dogs, Joni and Milo, have been with me for several years. Joni is eight years old and Milo is five. Both are rescue dogs from the New Mexico Animal Humane Society. Milo has a brindle coat and looks a little like a pit bull, though without the massive jaw. Joni was supposed to be an Airedale Terrier but she clearly is not. She is definitely some kind of terrier, but also seems to have coyote characteristics. I really need to do a DNA test on her to find out. She was born on a reservation in the western part of the state, so they tell me.
Why do you own a pet? (How has owning a pet positively impacted your life, family, and/or mental health?
Pets are an important part of my family life. And growing up we always had both dogs and cats. I don’t have any cats now because Milo and Joni don’t like them. I know it’s a cliche, but dogs are truly unconditional in their love. When I got divorced several years ago, I was so lonely for a long time. Then Ruby (my daughter) and I found Joni. She was and is such a sweet pup. I had hoped she’d make for a good watch dog, but . . . not so much. That’s why I went looking for another dog and found Milo who is also incredibly sweet, but pretty intimidating when he barks. He would never bite anyone, but please don’t tell that to any burglars.
What is something your pet does that makes you laugh?
Milo makes Ruby and me laugh all the time because of the way he stands and sits. His back legs are super-toed inward and when he sits his elbows splay outwards. It looks so funny! But he’s also just an all-around goofball–sweet as he can be. Joni makes us laugh because of her wild hair, which just sticks out in all directions. It’s hard to see in this photo because she’s been brushed.
How has your (or any) pet embarrassed you?
The most embarrassing thing I can think of is the time BOTH dogs got badly sprayed by a skunk in the early evening. I ran off to Walgreens to buy some hydrogen peroxide, dish soap and baking soda (the most effective way to get rid of the hideous scent!). I guess I reeked pretty bad because when I was paying out, the manager yelled loud enough for all to hear “What’s that horrible smell?”. My eyes bulged out of my head but I said nothing. One of the workers said ‘It’s probably the copy machine. Something is overheating inside!”. The manager said “Turn it off!” And one of the girls ran to turn it off. I played into it so as not to incriminate myself. “Yeah - those copy machines can be real smelly sometimes.” I said. I grabbed my purchases and ran out the door.
What has your pet taught you about God and/or faith?
What have I learned about God from my awesome dogs? The first thing that comes to mind is thankfulness. These two pooches love me and Ruby unconditionally, as I mentioned, and when I come home from an outing or an out of town trip they go bonkers to see me. It just makes me so happy and thankful that God has blessed Ruby and me with them.
Now for the big giveaway…if you subscribe to my author mailing list by Monday, November 18, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET, you will be entered to win a copy of FOR ALL THE SAINTS. If you’re already a subscriber, you’re already entered for my giveaways.
“Those copy machines do get smelly sometimes.” 🤣🤣🤣