Why God Made Dogs

Yesterday we said goodbye to our loving dog, Molly.  She has been a stable part of our family for 14 years in our sometimes not-so-stable journey.  Just 1 year and 4 months ago we had to say goodbye to another faithful dog, Goldie. (http://www.trainupthechild.org/2009/12/07/when-a-pet-dies/ This is the first time in 29 years the Daws family has not had a dog!

Our friend, Steve, made this comment yesterday, “I think one of the reasons God gave us dogs (I mean besides cleaning up our spills) is to show us how to lay at your Master’s feet, enjoying simply being in His presence and then showing unconditional love (i.e. crazy, uncontrollable tail waggin’) when you hear His voice.  Here’s to Molly – role model.”

I love that analogy of our relationship to God.   As I grieve the loss of Molly’s unconditional love and tail waggin’ each time we called her name or came into her presence, I hope to be reminded of how God feels when I am not fulfilling the role I was created for –  ” to glorify and enjoy Him forever”.

Proverbs 16:4 The Lord has made all things for Himself

1 Tim. 6:17 . . .  God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.

God made Molly for Himself,  but He gave her to us for 14 years to enjoy.  Thank you, God, for sharing!

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When a Pet Dies

We just lost a very important member of our family, our sweet golden lab, Goldie.

Mr. Rogers’ When a Pet Dies (A Mister Rogers’ First Experiences) is a helpful book if your family ever experiences this.

Proverbs 12:10 says “The godly are concerned for the welfare of their animals.” My dear husband  spent almost $4000 trying to stop her suffering, but early this morning around 1:30 am we knew we had to take her in and say goodbye to her.  This was the hardest thing we have ever done.  Everyone but Jenny got to give her one last hug .  Jenny has made a wonderful video tribute to Goldie.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gx0eF1yG7A

We prayed earnestly for God to heal Goldie, but He had a reason to handle the situation another way.  I know that one day we will be able to comfort someone in our situation.  “God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” (2 Cor. 1:4)

“Why love, if losing hurts so much? …The pain now is part of the happiness then. That’s the deal.” C.S. Lewis (Shadowlands)

“The living God gives us  all things to enjoy.”  (1 Tim. 6:17) Thank you, God, for giving us  12 years of  joy with Goldie.

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