November 9, 2001 - December 15, 2009
As most of you know, our wonderful dog Rocky had been battling cancer for the past 8 months. He'd been such a fighter, and really only had a few bad days throughout the whole thing. When the cancer came back this time, there was nothing more to do. We decided to say goodbye to him yesterday before it became really bad. At this point he was still very much enjoying food, just not wanting to be up and around much and having some breathing issues. He even got to enjoy a couple of days of vienna sausage treats and some canned wet food at the vet's office yesterday.
I have lost some friends in my lifetime, but I will have to say that this has been the hardest thing I've had to do in my life up to this point (I know some of you think this is silly). Rocky truly was MY first dog. I trained him, took care of him, and he slept with me from day 1. His unconditional love has taught me so much about God's love for me. No matter my frustration with him or ignoring of him, he was always happy to see me and be with me. Sounds familiar when it comes to us and God, huh?
I miss him so much that it physcially hurts sometimes, but I do have hope of being with him again someday. Some of you may disagree with my theology, but I'm with C.S. Lewis (who I greatly admire) in his belief that when things are "made right" by our Creator for eternity, it will include our animals (animals may have an immortality through their masters). *If you would like to read his beliefs, check out Lewis' Problem of Pain and the chapter on animal pain* Anyway, despite theology I am comforted knowing that God understands my hurt as "not even a sparrow falls to the ground apart from His will" (Matt. 10:29).
I feel so blessed that God allowed us/chose us (whatever your theology) ;) to be Rocky's parents. He has given us so much joy, laughter, and comfort over the past 8 years. God did a lot of cool things to prepare us for this tough time. He led us to the wonderful vet who ended up loving Rocky as her own and crying with us yesterday as we said goodbye. He led Tammy and Bill, who love Boxers so much they resuce them, to buy my parents' old house where Rocky grew up. They are going to let us spread Rocky's ashes there (and really want us to eventually, when we get ready, adopt one of the Boxers they recently rescued). God also provided us with Ty to make this a little easier by not coming home to a completely empty house and still have a furry one to pour our love into. We are so thankful for all the people God put in our lives who understand the love for a pet and the devastation of our loss.
There will never be another boy like Rocky. His gentleness, sweet spirit, and slobbery kisses will be so missed. We love you puppy dog!
3 comments:
I am so very sorry. Very sorry. As you know, we know what it's like to "say goodbye" after our precious Pepper had to be put down, as well as our recent bout w/ the war beagles. That said, I cannot completely know what you're going through - he was such a special dog to you. Your child. Just remember that God DOES provide for his own. He will provide for you emotionally and he will remind you of his love. He is faithful. He is good. He does not give us more than we can bear.
Thinking of you on this hard day...
Oh I'm tearing up and hurting with you. My MIL, Jane can understand exactly what you are going through. When they had to put Pepper down, it was one of the hardest things she has had to do. I remember Rocky sinking to the bottom of the lake a couple of summers ago when Joey tossed him in. I also remember the night I met Rocky at Joey's parents house up on the mountain. We were walking up to the door and Rocky's big head came through the cat door!! He was a funny dog and was so lucky to have parents like you that loved him! Praying for you guys.
I tried to post earlier. Maybe this one will go through. I totally understand what you are going through b/c we had to put Pepper down. I am so so sorry for you. As I read everything I could get my hands on when Pepper had to be put down b/c she couldn't get up to to the bathroom, here is what I found: either you suffer or your pet suffers. If you keep your beloved pet here, he suffers b/c of his physical condition. So we chose to be the ones that suffered. Tony and I cried for hrs as we leaned against the workshop. Pepper had raised our children and we were so sad. God is so good. About 3 wks before Pepper left us, a little dog down the street was abandoned. She had been abused and so neglected. Our children encouraged us to take her in. We named her Gracie per Amanda's suggestion. God's grace saved us and we saved her. She helped us get through those times b/c she needed a family.
I am so sorry about Rocky. I mourn with you. But to make him suffer would not be love.
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