SubscribeOur dog passed away last night. She was nearly 11 years old, and was a big part of our family for her entire life. Now that it has been a few hours, I feel some unusual emotions that I wanted to write about. I say unusual because they caught me off guard. I don’t feel the way that I expected to feel when this inevitable and sorrowful event occurred.
I was close to my dog. She was definitely man’s best friend. We went on hikes together, camped together, and since she was a retriever we played a lot of fetch together. Naturally, I was devastated to lose her. But sadness was only the first emotion to kick in. Unlike events like this in the past where I spent most of the day and perhaps even the following few days experiencing horrendous grief, this time I turned to God almost immediately.
I immediately gave thanks to God for the long and healthy life that our pet shared with us. I thanked him for taking her suddenly, in her sleep, without excessive suffering. I thanked God for all the wonderful times that we shared together, and for the opportunity to teach our kids the inevitable reality of death here on Earth. I asked him to bring our family healing.
What a difference my faith makes. During terrible times like this, and even worse — the death of my father two years ago, I have turned to God and he has quickly brought me comfort. I have grieved normally, but then I have been able to move on and see the greater good from each situation. When my father died, I was able to rejoice at the healing that we both felt from the reconciliation that had occurred just months before, and I have since been able to enjoy the family that his passing has helped to reunite. Now that our dear dog, Sadie, is gone — though I still feel sadness — I feel tremendous gratitude for all that she brought to our family. Many families never know this blessing. I can feel peace in knowing that we have been able to share the joy of pets with our children, and teach them good animal husbandry along the way.
Truly, my faith in God has brought me peace. Blessed be God forever.
George
/ April 29, 2009I have read your posts back to Jan. and believe me you are not alone… I’m going through the same stuff… the same cycle of self centered to God centered and back and fourth. The only hope is to continue prayer as you have- in spite of dryness and distractions- that’s when it is a sacrifice- when there is no consolation in it- that’s the definition of love.
Also, been watching the same movies with the family… check out The Perfect Stranger and it’s sequel- both on netflix. God bless you in your journey-
George- a penitent
Penitent
/ April 29, 2009I’m glad to hear that I’m not alone! Well, I actually knew that there were others like me, but it’s still nice to hear it. Blessed Mother Teresa is a great example in times of spiritual dryness. She lived with it for much of her life, and yet she lived the greatest commandment as an example for us all to see.
Thanks also for the movie tips. I’ll add them to my queue right now!
not a heretic
/ July 19, 2009You need to realized that your dog is not a spiritual being. Dogs and all animals and plants are things. You are too attached to things. Focus on what is important: Your salvation and the salvation of those around you. Your priorities are misplaced and are not Catholic.
Penitent
/ September 1, 2009So, it’s not Catholic to feel emotions about the loss of something that has been with you for over a decade? It’s not Catholic to share about those emotions and to point to God as the source for all comfort?
My priorities may indeed be misplaced at times, but I don’t think that this was one of those times.