Typically that means one of two things: They are checking in on your dog post surgery, or they are letting you know results that are anything but good. We have a lovely vets office that has always demonstrated compassion while caring for our pets, for that I am thankful.

This was the call that we did not want to get. As a result, my brave children came together as a family to decide what was best for our dear sweet Toby. You may recall a post about burrs recently on the blog, that was about our Toby. He looked like a giant Ewok (From Star Wars) when he was not groomed and he was like a soft stuffed animal, so easy to hug and get cozy with on a winter morning.
He was relentlessly faithful and beautifully loyal. It doesn’t matter how long you were gone he treats you is if he hasn’t seen you for months. He had these adorable floppy ears that flapped as he bounced along and a cute stubby little tail that always wiggled back and forth telling of his happiness.
He has brought joy to countless people because he was just so darn cute. But we all know there comes a day when we have to say goodbye to our dear pets.
No one ever wants to pick the date and the time, make the drive, stand in the office, pay the fees and lay him to rest. Yesterday was that day.
Schnauzers can have many complications that are hard to see to the eye but are wreaking havoc on the inside of his body. The decision had been made to provide him with peace and no more suffering. What remains is human suffering which is something none of us can avoid.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a grown man or sweet little girl that’s only nine, hearts break.

This suffering demonstrates the frailty of our spirits without comfort from the one who is the greatest of comforters our Lord Jesus Christ. Today was a great day to read through Psalm 23: 4,
“Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.”

What I have noticed here at home is a tenderness and a beautiful softness in the hearts of everyone in my family demonstrating not only how much they loved this dog, even more important, their love for one another.

The Lord, in His mercy, gives us people to love us, surround us with prayer, phone calls, texts, hugs, fresh local strawberries and cookie dough!. These moments draw us closer together and that is my hope today as we begin the healing process, that we will draw closer to one another as we remember the gift Toby was to our clan. The other night, when we had to break the news to all of the kids, our oldest son came up with a great idea to make paw prints out of salt dough, bake it and have it as a remembrance. When the kids were younger I would make this dough quite often and they would come up with unique creations, but this is by far the most wonderful one yet! To my sons, you have been such a blessing to the girls in only ways that you know, thank you. Girls, you have revealed your tender hearts and joined together in your sadness that has comforted us all, love you. xo

As I lay down with my youngest daughter last night wiping her tears, we opened the devotional for the day and only as God can orchestrate, the verse was our family theme verse. So fitting for all of us,

When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2

2 responses to “When the vet calls…”

1. I’m so sorry for your loss, Sandee. My prayers go out to you and your family in this time of grief.

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   • Thanks Janice! Tough times but we are making it work together!!

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