God Through Death of a Dog

 Recently I had to put my 18 year old pup-dog down whose name was Chloe. We got her when she was 7 months old and never had a problem with her. She was always healthy, except the one time she got stung by a bee. We had to give her Benadryl. But overall, she was a fantastic pup and adult dog. She was my companion, my partner, my traveler and friend. 

The leading up to her death, I knew that the Lord was working on me with some things in regards to her. I hadn't lost a dog before that was my pal. I grew up with dogs but I was either too young when Buddy passed to realize or I was out of the home already with my husband when our other dog passed away. Never one that was close like Chloe-girl. 

My family and friends knew that it was time for Chloe to be put down but I couldn't get passed the fact that God and I weren't ready. I asked God if He could make this experience peaceful and calm so that I wouldn't have to go through the trauma of seeing her be euthanized. She was fighting so hard to stay strong. She was limping pretty good at the end of her life and I knew that the cancer had moved into her lungs because she was starting to have some struggles breathing. 

Lord, I don't want to kill her. I don't want to take this into my own hands... Father. Please help me, please help me make the right decision. I kept coming to Him about this and I wasn't hearing anything or getting any type of direction. Then I realized through some praying and sitting quietly with Him that this was going to be a transition in my life that was going to excel me into the new. You see, when I got Chloe, Caleb and I weren't at the best in our relationship. He was always working in the garage and I was always on the go. I took up running and I wanted a running partner, so I got Chlo. Then, I wanted her to come to my softball games and camping. She basically replaced Caleb. This wasn't healthy but at the time, I didn't know. 

Well, the day came when Chloe was scheduled to be put to sleep and brought home to God. The transition was incredible. I sat with Chloe before her last breath and just wept on her. I thanked her for being with me in it all. I thanked her for being so faithful to me when I wasn't. I thanked her for loving me when I was hard to love. And specifically, I thanked her for not leaving me when she could have. I loved her so much but when the final breath came and the anxiety in my belly left, I knew it was now time to move onto the next chapter with Caleb and my family. 

Although that was ONE of the hardest moments in my life, it was the most seamless transition I have ever experienced. God was in it all. He carried Caleb and I. He loved on us both. He poured out His protection against anything that could have harmed our peace. And He transitioned us into the new chapter of our life together. Caleb and I have never felt closer then ever before. I miss Chloe, of course, but I know that she is home with Jesus and I'll see her one day!

Joyful Home Welcomes You! :)