My world was changed forever that day. Up to that point in my life, I had suffered the usual losses; grandparents, friends of my parents, older folk. But never yet, had I suffered a loss so profound as that one.
Thinking back, life had brightened for the better on that first day about 37 years ago, almost to this day; the day we met that adorable, just weeks-old bundle of fur. So small was he, that he fit into the palm of my hand. A beautiful creation by God Himself.
Soon he was ours and life carried on for nearly 16 years. And then the first blow. The first loss. The first real anguish and pain.
A few months later, repeating the process of the newness of pet parenthood, our next boy came along. He, this beautiful, perfect little 10-week-old man, would always be my "heart dog". And then, with room in our hearts for another little love, we welcomed our first little girl. Four paws and full of feistiness, she made life a real adventure.
When my eyes were opened to the horrors of animal abuse and puppy mills, I turned to a rescue to make a difference. Even if I could only save one little girl, her life would be perfect from that day on. And truly, her days really were perfect then. Our little family ticked along for a few years and enjoyed so much fun together.
Then, utter devastation!!! My heart dog of 14 years, my beloved now little-old man, the sweetest boy whose four paws walked this earth, suddenly left us.
Shattered doesn’t begin to describe the way I felt. But, that wouldn't be the end. A few months later, my Mother went to be with the Lord, and then mere weeks after that, our first furry girl at age 12-1/2.
Leaving the three of us behind, enormous holes in our hearts, mourning the loss of half of our family, we were left struggling to carry on. Recognizing that the remaining rescue girl was clearly mourning the loss of her "sister", we adopted a sweet 10 pound, two-year-old boy who had been saved from roaming the streets.
As a world-wide pandemic plunged the planet's population into seeming chaos, I suffered my own crushing tailspin when, just a few weeks into the pandemic, cancer took my beloved Dad to join Mom at the Lord's side. But, as God continued in His plan, just a few weeks later we added a 5 month old "fur-ball" scheduled for destruction at a monstrous puppy mill. Once again, God was matching brokenness with brokenness.
Today, we are once again a happy family of 5. With a new rescue sister having joined us 7 months ago, we delight in how they clearly love one another and are blessed with the love we share with them all.
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
~ Psalm 34:18 ~
God's ways are mysterious and we often cannot understand why things happen. But, we must remember that He has a plan and a reason for everything. He gave us our fur-kids' love; if only for what seems to us a short time. But, He also gave us to them. And in having each other, we share a deep and loyal love that will remain in our hearts forever.
My heart aches deeply for all who suffer and grieve from the loss of a beloved pet. My tears flow for the anguish you feel at losing your beautiful babies. But, take comfort in the happy memories of your time together and know that they are safe in the company of all our precious fur-kids who have gone ahead, free to romp and play at the Rainbow Bridge. Take time to grieve; allow yourself to stop and remember. Goodbye tears are just wonderful memories rolling down your cheeks.
And, as some of you deal with your anger, remember that God truly does have a plan.
"Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses."
~ Proverbs 10:12 ~
While we may not understand death and its timing, my dear friends, let love be your healing balm. Your love for those four paws and wet noses. Their short lives are a gift, to be cherished and celebrated. Don't let the sadness, hurt, and anger you're feeling take that away.
I can't promise you that the days get any easier; but the hard ones become fewer. A deep and loving bond like this is forever and your heart will hurt for a long time. Just don't allow it to harden. Let light in, whether through meditation, or prayer, or talking with loved ones, so the joy and love you shared with your fur-kid will continue to flourish within you.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such
things there is no law."
~ Galatians 5:22-23 ~
In life, there will always be death; we all know that. But, knowing the Rainbow Bridge is a resting place for all our precious babies, let us smile and be comforted as we remember each of them today.
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
~ Psalm 147:3 ~
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