I write this note with a very sad heart and swollen shut eyes, as Cecil and I had to take our beloved Dakota boy, our almost 11-year-old collie, to the vet to be "put down". He fell asleep in my arms and died very peacefully. He is no longer with me, my faithful, loyal companion and friend, and my heart is heavy. I laid on the floor with him all night last night and prayed for all the many hurting people and situations God brought to my mind, and it occurred to me that grief is grief, sorrow is sorrow, no matter if it's loss over a beloved pet, a house fire, a family tragedy, divorce, pain and suffering, disease, you name it. God cares abundantly and unerringly about every detail of our lives, and I am comforted in knowing that. Dakota was the perfect dog, and God brought him to me 10+ years ago after enduring months of depression and anxiety. HE KNEW I needed soothing, healing, and comfort for my battered soul.
And so I grieve over the loss of my precious, beloved, old boy, Dakota. I shall miss not having him at my feet as I write my books. He has been there for all dozen or so of them, and I will feel the void of his absence when I jump into my next series.
Is it a silly request (?) (I don't think so) to ask that you will think about both Cec and me and pray for us whenever God brings us to your minds, as it will be tough walking into the house without seeing his welcoming face and wagging tail.
Thank you, and I love you all.
P.S. The above photo depicts our gentle, patient giant allowing my daughter's toy poodle to make her bed beside or right atop him countless times. Sweet.
7 comments:
Sharlene, I will pray for you and your husband as you grieve for this sweet companion. I understand what you feel, having been there. I have no doubts at all that God brings such beloved pets into our lives when He knows we need each other. It's a sweet relationship, but the parting is bitter. God bless you and comfort you.
Our pets have always been close to us. I'm sorry for your loss. I know you'll miss him very much. I do pray that God will bring you comfort.
Sharlene, I understand your pain as I have had to put my own beloved pet down last year. Our pets bring us so much joy and love and we are all the better for it. I will remember you in my prayers.
I am so sorry to hear about Dakota and have tears as it has been three years since losing our dog Bailey and one year (on the same day) of losing our 16 yr old Tiger cat. I know the pain and will pray for your and Cecil.
Hi!
I have been through this a few times and it is awful!! Our pets are so much a part of our family! I will be praying for y'all!
You guys are all so, so wonderful. Thank you very much for your concern and care. You just don't know how much I appreciate your messages and the comfort they bring me. I am healing very slowly. My heart still breaks when I look at his picture or pass his bed (which I haven't been able to dispose of quite yet), but I WILL survive because God is so faithful and good. And I might even get another dog at some point. Praying about that...
Thank you all.
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