My poor old dog has been suffering for a while now, and I have been praying to know how best to help her and/or know when to let her go. She could barely walk any more and I have been doing what I can to get nourishment in her as she was refusing to eat. Yesterday she perked up a bit with a treat of hamburger and salmon. But this morning she woke up about 4 am, jumped off the bed and started to pee on the carpet. We spent the next several hours going outside and back in as she was unable to control it at all. It was obvious her body could not take any more, and I could no longer watch her suffer. After getting some advice and comfort from my sister who has been through this several times with her dogs, I called the vet and told them I would be bringing her in. I called my son to let him know so he could say goodbye. I broke the news to my parents and they gave her lots of hugs and pets before we left. The people at the vet were ready for us when we arrived and were incredibly compassionate. My poor old Goldie just laid on the blanket as if she was ready and relieved. As I scratched her favorite spot her passing was peaceful and quick. On the way home I tried to see the road through the tears. I had on the Christian radio station and the song, “Come As You Are”, by Crowder came on with the words, “Come out of sadness from wherever you’ve been, come broken hearted, let rescue begin . . . ” and then, “Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t heal.” When I got home, my parents and I talked, reminisced, and cried. My son broke the news to his boys in the afternoon and the younger one called to video chat. He loved the dog – one time he said she was his best friend. It was tough to see him crying, but he is such a thoughtful little guy. After dinner I took a long walk as Goldie would have enjoyed when she was in good shape. When I returned and reached the sidewalk to the door, there it was – the bunny that she loved to chase. I gave it a little run in her honor. It was a tough day, but looking back I can see all the ways that God was present in it. I am so happy that I was able to spend so much time with her during these past few months, And I am incredibly grateful to all the veterinarians, my family and friends who helped take care of Goldie along the way. She was a good dog.

I Found God today in the companion He provided to me for so many years and remembering all the joy and love she brought.