I lost my best (canine) friend recently and it's been a season of grief for me.
I have found a new dimension in my closest friends and also in some acquaintances.
God says He will never give us more than we can handle. He also said that a cord of 3 strands is not easily broken.
Put these together with all the other notes on community and it's pretty obvious that we need each other.
Having a dog provides so much in the way of fellowship, and virtually none of the problems (gossip, betrayal, jealousy) that dog owners can sometimes retreat into the dog bubble.
When the animal dies, there is a tendency to appreciate friends more. To want to be around and to need people more.
Maybe that's why dogs live about 12-15 years. Maybe it prepares us for saying goodbye to humans as they die. Hard to say, but though I do not plan to get another dog anytime soon, I am profoundly glad for the furry little creatures that the Lord has given us to enhance the joy and ameliorate the pain of this life.
I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me. The joy of the Lord is my strength.
1 comment:
John - there is almost nothing more heartbreaking than to say goodbye to a beloved pet (especially a dog). They exemplify agape love on this earth like no other created thing. It broke me heart when I had to put my Cocker, Beatrice, to sleep. Even though they can feel our love; I think the language barrier of not being able to verbally tell them how much they mean to us and how much we love them is that which makes their deaths especially heart-rending. I'm so sorry you've been hit with all this pain and loss so close together.
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