Colleen at Thoughts on Grace hosts the weekly meme, Sabbath Moments. These are moments that we "let go and let God" and live in the present.
Before we left to go on vacation I had to take my elderly dog to the vets where he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and put on medication. I was nervous about sending him to stay at my mother's house because I was afraid he'd pass away over there without his "momma" around to help him.Well, he did die. God is good, however, and nudged me to travel home from the beach Wednesday to check on him. When I got to my mother's house I held him and patted him for half an hour. When I put him down he seemed okay so I left to go to the gas station and then returned. I went back downstairs and noticed that his breathing was growing labored so I picked him up and sat in a chair. He put his head on my chest and relaxed into my body. I knew it wouldn't be long so I just rocked him and held him until his last breath. I asked Jesus and St. Francis for their help and managed to stay calm until he died. Of course ...I was hysterical and sobbed for hours after but I was so very thankful that God brought me home just in time to help him. When you have a pet for 16 years they become part of the family and I was blessed to be able to comfort him when he passed. It was a peaceful passing for him and he wasn't frightened because I was holding him.
I think he waited for me to come home.
Thank you, Lord. He was a sweet and gentle dog.
It's so hard to losse a pet. I'm glad you were there for him. Our 15 year old chocolate lab and sharpei rescue dog has a tumor on her right rear leg. I hope it is not cancer, but we will find out on Monday when the vet operates. No matter how long or short a time you've had a pet, it's really difficult to surrender them to God. He sent them to us for our good and we have to be ready to give them up when He asks. I still miss our first two dogs and the two puppies we had that died even though it's been some years that they passed away. I'll say a prayer for you.
ReplyDeleteOh sweetie - how sad and how beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMary,
ReplyDeleteYou're such a wonderful person for what you have done. Many would not have done the same.
God bless you.
I am so sorry Mary, I have tears falling down my face as I write this.....you were so blessed to have had him all these years and he was blessed to have had you. I believe that losing a pet is as painful as losing a family member. Keeping you in my heart and prayers.
ReplyDelete......:-) Hugs
Thank you, everyone, for your kind comments. I was blessed to have him for so long. 2 years ago I had to put his sister, Callie, to sleep because she had cancer and was in pain. In a way, Ty's was a bit easier because his was natural. I held Callie when they put her to sleep and it was almost too much for me. I don't think I could ever do it again (and I still have 1 dog left, Zeb).
ReplyDeleteColleen, don't feel bad - it is very, very, difficult. I knew it would be hard but I was inconsolable. I told Randy that if Zeb ever has to be put to sleep that I cannot do it again. Even after two years I can still see Cal's eyes looking at mine with such trust as she died. It still makes me cry.
Barb, I hope it's not cancerous. Zeb has a tumor on his chest but we had it checked and it isn't cancerous. I'll say a prayer for you, too. It's so hard when a pet gets older and you know that their time is short.
My poor Dad didn't know what to do. There I was, bawling my eyes out, holding my dog cradled like a baby and saying, "Oh Dad! He died. He died." My Dad was tearing up, too. Poor guy.
Oh Maryyyyy, I was so sorry to hear about
ReplyDeleteTyson! When Mum told me - I started choking up.
It is so hard to lose a family pet.....I am glad you were with him at the end, even though
it is so traumatic.
I am also glad to see that Anne made it back from Liberia safe and sound.
Thanks, Kath. I knew something was up as I was travelling home from the beach. I was praying the Rosary on the trip home and God was flooding me with grace. I think He was preparing me for Ty's death. You know what a wimp I am. And yes, in case you were wondering, I DID pray for an easy passing for Tyson :) I know you think it's funny to pray for animals but seriously...Jesus answered my prayers and Tyson didn't struggle at all. Zeb keeps searching for Tyson...it's kind of sad.
ReplyDeleteMother Mary likes dogs, too, not just cats ;)
Ann came up to the beach and showed me pictures from her trip. What a huge difference from America! She loved the children in Liberia and took tons of pictures of them. They accomplished a lot while they were there and learned a lot, too. I was happy to have her home safe and sound, though.
Oh Mary, I am so thankful that God "nudged" you so that you were with your beloved pet as he breathed his last. May the Lord continue to comfort you as you mourn his passing. We visit the grave of our dog Max (who got out to the road and was hit by a car a few years ago) in our woods all the time. It's amazing the impact a family pet can have in our hearts. God bless you and give you peace.
ReplyDeleteMary that is a very sad little story, but sweet and happy in that you were able to be with Tyson before he died.
ReplyDeleteI have tagged you for a Meme. I hope you don't mind- it is a nice one. If you visit my blog, Little Hare, you will see how it works.
God bless
Oh, Mary...I am so sorry. I remember how sad it was to lose Spot in January. You are right...a pet does become a family member.
ReplyDeleteJudy, Mary, and Kee,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments. I guess there's a lot of us that love our pets. Judy and Mary - I'm sorry that you both lost your dogs, too. It must have been hard on the kids, Judy, when your dog got hit. That's especially tough.
Kee, I'll pop over and check it out! Thanks!
Mary....
ReplyDeleteJust wanted you to know that I'm missing you!
Hi Nancy! I just got back from the beach today. I tried to post a few times from the beach but it was difficult with the kids interrupting every 2 minutes so I gave up. You can relate, I'm sure ;) Vacations are nice but I'm glad to be home!
ReplyDelete