Yesterday we said goodbye to a good friend, our dear old Duke.
It happened so suddenly. He hadn't been eating well for a few weeks, and Saturday he just wasn't doing well at all. My sister went outside yesterday (Sunday) to feed him and a few minutes later came in crying. The end was approaching fast. My dad and brother went out to do what they could. I didn't have the heart to go out and see him suffering.
Poor Dukie! He was having a hard time breathing, and his mouth was shut tight. He was gasping for air. His back legs had no strength at all... he was just dragging himself around with his front legs, falling over, struggling.
I prayed, "Lord, if it's his time to go, please let him go quickly. Don't let him suffer for days."
At around two o'clock, Dad went to check on him once more. Dear old Duke was gone. There were many tears shed.
He had held on just long enough to say goodbye! What a faithful, sweet old boy he was. We will miss him so much.
Our other dog Max really misses his buddy. =(
God is good through every heartache. Today my dad and brother flew out of the village to attend a men's retreat in another part of the state. It would have been terrible if Duke had passed away while they were gone. We really needed their strength. The Lord is so gracious.
This picture was taken last fall. He looks so strong and healthy here. This last winter must have been too hard on him. He just wasted away...
We brought Duke with us from the village of Ruby. His mama raced in the Iditarod. We never trained him, but pulling was in his genes!
My sister Emily and her faithful dog, taken three or four summers ago.
What is it about losing a pet that is so hard? Duke was not just our dog, he was our friend. Things just aren't the same. He leaves an empty place in our hearts.
One of the saddest sights I've ever seen...
Goodbye, old boy. We won't forget you.
5 comments:
I am so sorry, Naomi! *many huge hugs* I know exactly how you feel about losing your dear friend. A few years ago, we lost our cat Pumpkin to old age. We had to put her to sleep because she couldn't breathe (and kitty ventilators are quite expensive). The feeling I got in my stomach when Daddy came home with the empty cage was horrible. I cried for hours. I found comfort in the fact that she was no longer suffering, and you too, can be comforted in knowing that Duke is now at peace. He was a gift from God that brought much joy to your life for a while, a little taste of the joy of heaven, of sorts. Now He will surely provide another joy for you, whether it be another dog, a new friend, a new book, or hobby. Make a little memorial in your house or backyard for Duke, with a little painted stone by his doghouse, or a picture on the mantel and a poem, or something of that type. :-) I'm sure you will always remember him!
Blessings,
Laura(lea)
Aww. Thank you so much, Laura! That really helps.
This is Emily, even though it's in your name Naomi. =) This was so good to look at and remember Duke. It is hard to loose someone and never see him again. Although God loves His creation, it is good to know that God loves us even more than the animals He made. I'm so glad that God gave us His eternal Spirit and that there is life after death to those who are saved.
I'll be praying for you, Naomi! I am so glad that your Daddy and brother were there when you needed them.:) The Lord is good to see us through those hard times.
Duke was a very beautiful dog.:)
I know the Lord is using this time to teach you something special. He often uses such times to draw us closer to Him. May the Lord comfort you and your family.
Love and prayers, Naomi.:)
Thanks, sis. You're very right!
Ashley, thank you for your sweet words and your prayers, too! It's getting easier but the missing him will last a while.
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