“When the vet calls to confirm my appointment for Tuesday don’t cancel this time.” Larry’s words pierced my heart. He had made two
appointments to put our 14 1/2 year old lab down, but each time she had rallied so I’d canceled the appointments.
Larry’s back is more important than giving her a little more time, I told myself. But I grieved. Corrie was deaf and lame, but still alert in the evenings. She never so much as whimpered when she fell, though her falls had to hurt her arthritic body. Our vet had said most dogs would be grumpy at her stage in life. Corrie never was.
I spent Sunday afternoon alone with Corrie.
She ate the food I placed between her front paws. She loved her biscuits, so I gave her extra. I selected the thinnest rawhide chew, but by evening she was so weak she couldn’t hold her head up. I held it for her. Her life was ebbing out before my eyes. Tears ran down my cheeks every time she looked at me with her lab eyes.
As painful as it was to see her like this, it was her last gift to me. It was her way of saying, “Larry’s right. It is time.” I needed that assurance.
For the last year Larry and Brant have had to carry Corrie outside. She couldn’t negotiate steps. But she still had her spirit. She would lean her head into your hand when you petted her. She perked up for her treats, and she always roused when Brant came home.
Why would we hang on to a pet who could do nothing for us—she had numerous accidents. Christmas Eve Larry had to bathe her between dinner and dessert. We washed her bed several times a week. She was heavy to lift.
We hung on because we loved her.
Jesus said “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God” (Luke 12:6). Jesus was making the point that if God remembers sparrows, how much more does He treasure you. God used Corrie to say to me, “If you love Corrie this much, think how much I love you.”
The world may not remember us when we are gone. But God will, because He loves us (Psalm 103:14-16).
Our family will never forget Corrie. Her antics as a puppy, misbehavior as a healthy adult, and her affection throughout her life have memorialized her in our hearts. Even the meaning of certain Bible verses are linked to her.
Do you have an imperfect pet you’ll never forget? When you think about your pet, remember how much more God loves you.
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Blessing,
Deborah W. Wilson
Thank you so much for writing this amazing post. Losing a pet is so difficult, especially when you are facing the decision to put them down. I lost my sweet Kassy Sue in December from heart disease. She was almost 13. She was found in a landfill at about 2 and we spend 11 wonderful years together. She was difficult at first but became my little 10 pound princess.
The experience you describe was very similar to my last few days with Kassy Sue. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Corrie is in God’s hands now.
Sue and Kelly, Thank you for sharing your stories of loss and remembrance. When the vet gave Corrie the shot to sedate her, our son prayed, “We are turning her over to you, Jesus.” Knowing the Lord is such a comfort in any loss.
I was just talking to someone yesterday about how we are not remembered after we are gone. Your words reassured me of God’s care. I sang “His Eye is On the Sparrow” at Daddy’s funeral. What a good writer you are. You made me cry.
ILY
Sue
Debbie,
I remember the day you shared your new puppy with me!
Corrie was so wonderful! Thank you for sharing such a tender moment through your gift of words! Since God has blessed us with these special animals on earth, how much more will we be blessed when He restores all things! May your hearts be comforted!
“O Lord, you preserve both man and beast, how priceless is your
unfailing love! [Psalm 36:6]
With love and prayers, Kay
We have released three sweet four-pawed family members in the same way over the past 20 years due to illness and not old age. Whatever the reason, choosing to let them go was the most loving thing we could do and it was a bittersweet blessing to ease them into final rest.
I’ve often laughed that reversing the spelling of dog gives us God. The unconditional love and kindness and just their mere presence is a comfort and a glimpse of the Lord’s. No wonder people who have them live longer and better!
Praying for you all.
Words that convey emotions of the heart are evidence of your gift from God.Thank you for opening my heart today to weep with you. Corrie’s picture is beautiful. Love, Pat
Debbie — I’m so sorry about Corrie. I understand completely how that feels. What a good analogy though.
Hi Debbie,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your beloved dog Corrie. May the Lord comfort you and be with you in a special way. Hugs, Sheila
I’m in tears as I read this Debbie. We put down our black lab, Gus a few years ago. Your story resurrected all those old feelings. Putting down a loved pet is harder than most people imagine. We now have a 2 year old lab puppy – yes a puppy. Sometimes I refer to him as the “terrorist.”. I needed this perspective. Thanks so much.