*UPDATE FROM BETH*
No change, you sweet, sweet sisters. Thank you so much for caring. We’ve looked absolutely everywhere in both the car and on foot. I told Melissa about thirty minutes after I picked her up and she’s looked obsessively for her ever since. I think you’ll be blessed to know that she found two of my fellow LPM staff members looking for Sunny in our neighborhood, too, and in two different cars. That’s the kind of people I work with. Sabrina, our director, almost couldn’t pull it together today. Curtis tried to be really low key about the whole thing, not wanting to enter into the drama, then we found out he’d been out in the car looking, too. She’s the kind of dog everybody loves.
We’re making posters and putting them out tomorrow and at that point feel that we’ve done all we can do. I will definitely let you know how this turns out but I won’t just keep on and on about it. In a world of rabid breast cancer and missing children, we’ll try to keep our perspective. Thank you so much, Siesta, for mentioning her chapter in “Feathers From My Nest.” That’s one of the most fitting tributes to our fine dog that we have in print. One of our Siestas, Allison Ashton, painted me the most beautiful and perfect rendering of Sunny that you can imagine for my birthday last year then she had it matted in red and framed in black. It’s the most precious thing ever. I have never loved a gift more. I’m so, so thankful to have it especially now. I love you, Allison.
Enough. Thanks for sharing my drama today. You are a wonderful community and you mean something to my life. Now, I’m going to go fix some comfort drinks (homemade hot chocolate with whipped cream) for Lis and I.
*UPDATE FROM AMANDA*
Mom wanted me to let you know that Sunny was not at the pound. We are hoping that she is just going to show up at the front door any time now. Please pray for Mom that she will be able to, in her words, pull it together. She is picking up Melissa from the airport right now. It’s her first trip home since she moved and we don’t want a cloud of sadness hanging over this sweet time with her. And in case this isn’t clear, I want y’all to know that we do have perspective about this. Sunny is just a dog, but it’s still sad to think about the loss of a furry friend. We love y’all! Thanks!
Hey, My Dear Siestas! I had planned to write you something funny today and share a few highlights from our trip to D.C. for the Esther intros and outros but something happened that took the funny right out of me.
My beloved Sunny dog is missing. When I got home from work yesterday around 5:00 PM, she darted out the front door. That’s not at all unusual. The whole neighborhood knows her and she has some good dog friends she frequently visits. She’s never been a dog you could confine. She will dig her way out of any backyard and shoot her way out of any open door. She was a stray sixteen years ago when she took up on my front porch. Our family has always teased that she was from the Order of Melchizedek because we never knew where she came from. Over the months that followed we became inseparable. During the worst season of my life, she sat right beside me while I bawled then would suddenly give my face what Keith and I came to call “the speed lick.” You never saw it coming. Then I’d laugh really hard and she’d wag her tail. Mission accomplished.
She should have sauntered back within the hour but didn’t. Keith and I drove all over the place last night then each got up many times during the night and looked out front for her. I put water on the porch because I knew when she came back she’d be thirsty. This morning, still no sign of her. Keith drove for over an hour this morning while I tried to get ready for work at home but bawled so hard, I couldn’t get my make-up on for the longest. We really hoped that the dog pound picked her up but, so far, they say they don’t have her. Keith is going to the facility as soon as it opens at 1:00 PM to see for himself.
I know this sounds silly to anyone who is not a dog lover but I am beside myself. She is my best buddy and is absolutely obsessed with me. She cries even if I’m temporarily out of sight. She follows me around, bless her heart, and sits wherever I do then sleeps right beside my bed where I can literally reach down and pet her. She is very old and I know she won’t live a whole lot longer but I want to be right beside her holding her furry gray face when she finishes her job as the world’s best guard dog and my most trusty friend.
I’ll let you know what happens. We Siestas have shared a lot of life in the last many months and I thought you might as well know that your buddy is fit to be tied. I love you guys and I’ll get you an update as soon as I have one.
Tags: Dogs
I agree with a previous siesta to check with the local vets. Also, if there are any pipes or something similar that she might have followed a critter into and got stuck. We had that happen to two dogs. They showed up two weeks later, stinkin and skinny but incredibly happy to be home.
I pray that Sunny finds his way home and soon. I hope that you all enjoy your visit with Melissa- may the only drama you have in the upcoming days is the homecoming of your sweet companion dog Sunny.
Yummmm homemade hot chocolate- that sounds fabulously comforting!
Still praying for that dog o’ yours!
Chris had a funny comment when I read the story to him about the order of Melchizedek: “Maybe she’s going to return with Enoch as one of the witnesses.”
I hope you’re laughing…know that we’re praying for her to come home soon. We just want to make our friend, Beth, smile.
Ok, I have to admit that our 90 pound dog has really grown on me. There is something about the kind of affection and loyalty a pet can give, no matter what, that just makes you fall in love. My big dog has had many tears shed in his fur, has had many children’s hands pet him, has walked many miles……I can only imagine how hard this is for you. We are praying for Sunny!
oh, Beth my heart just breaks for you. I am so sad that Sunny is missing. I am praying that she will turn up soon.
grief is grief and loss is loss..
i wouldn’t say “just a dog” b/c even those with breast cancer would be just as distraught if their 16 year old confidant went missing..
there are MANY horrible things in this world.. you’re right about that.. but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t grieve the loss of your precious puppy..it’s your reality and nothing is to small or to great for God, He draws close to the broken hearted.. period.
Another anonymous posted that she loves her dog, but doesn’t do pet insurance, surgeries, ending it with GET REAL, and suggesting those things were forms of idolatry..
um.. what the heck?
We have pet insurance and we’re still pretty level headed and grounded. We also have been fortunate to have it because we ran into a big issue with our 2 year old and it required medication, and treatment for a few months that was incredibly expensive. It was covered by the insurance.. I wouldn’t say that my pet insurance, or willingness to pay for medical treatment for my dog is an example of me idolizing her..
I think we all just need to realize that there are things in our life that bring us joy, comfort, and reflect God.. some of these things wag their tails.. We don’t need to compare, or knock people for whatever they do to show the love towards their dog, it’s their life and it’s what brings them joy.. Non dog people probably don’t get it, but we all have something. I have been an animal loved my entire life, and I am thankful that God made me this way.. I grieve when someone loses a pet,because it’s a loss, and there really is no need to measure it, compare it or lessen it..
Oh Beth, I’m sitting here crying for you right now! I pray that you will find Sunny and please don’t downplay your emotions, you are allowed to love your doggy! Big hugs and prayers for you!
Dear Beth and family, I, too, am a dog lover. My heart goes out to you and my prayers are ascending to heaven on your behalf. Praying God’s love, comfort, and peace down on you while you wait expectantly. With love… Libby’s Mama
Soooo glad to kmow you’re home yet what’s up with Sunny just up and darting out before you greet him? That isn’t normal of him. A year ago I wouldn’t even be the least bit concerned, but now I am so attached to this little yorkie named Harley(Davison). He is the precious dog of my son and his fiance’. I get to keep him 2-3 days a week. I love it!So I can honestly say I care and I ampraying for your precious one to come home soon.love much, Carla Lee
Oh, miss beth, I’m so sorry. I know how you feel. I have a cat that is almost as obsessed with me. I know. REALLY rare for a cat. She’s a weird cat, but that’s why we love her so much. I’ve often thought how attached I’ve allowed myself to get to a furry little creature and what would I do if something happened to her. I would ccompletely lose it. Love is a scary thing, whether it’s to an animal or to a person. It always makes me feel so out of control and I am a total control freak. I didn’t allow myself to get close to anyone for years for that very reason. Anyway, I will be praying for you and for Sunny.
We, my 8 year old and my 5 year old prayed for your Sunnt tonight! I am so sorry!
I’m one of those who has to “help,” so I’m giving you a few things to do that we have had to do in the past.
First, have you called Animal Control? Those are the ones who are called to remove an animal from the road. I know that sounds so harsh, but if Sunny was hit by a car, you would want to know that.
Also, we had a dog that got out and ended up somehow in the neighboring community, where we had not looked and placed the posters. The people who found our dog placed an ad in the local paper. We found the ad and had to call them and “identify” that we were the rightful owners of the dog before they would hand her over to us.
Then I had a dog once who got out on a corner street, just 1 block from my house. A lady let her in her new Mercedes (my dog was wet from the rain and stinky). Then she drove her across town to her house and called me. It was bizzarre – I could not figure out how our little beagle got all the way across town in such short notice.
I had one more thought. It doesn’t matter if it’s a parent, a child, a sibling, a friend or a pet. When it is time for their life to be over, God is the one who decides on how He takes them. And can you imagine that He never once asks us which would be the best way. You can, however, know that if Sunny never comes home to your house, she will be home somewhere else. I believe that with no doubt in my heart.
I am praying – Sunshine
Oh Beth, I am so sorry your sweet Sunny is missing.
I pray she will arrive home safely to you.
It’s never silly when it’s your animal (baby!)! I will pray, too, sweet Beth. Much love to you and your family…
Jen Goodwin
Precious Beth,
I weep with you in your grief for Sunny. I am so sorry for you and I pray she will come home. Lord, HELP! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I’m in San Diego to spend the weekend with Beth, but I’m not sure how we are going to get through the time if Sunny is still missing. I know Sunny is very dear to Beth. I’m praying things change before Friday evening.
Sue
I let my Bible study girls know about Sunny being missing and they all promised to pray. They also wanted you to know how much “When Godly People Do UnGodly Things” has meant to us. Our eyes are being opened, we are checking our walls for any chinks and praising God for how he uses you to speak to us. Our prayers are with you. Maybe “just a dog” but still a precious part of the family. We love you Sister!
I let my Bible study girls know about Sunny being missing and they all promised to pray. They also wanted you to know how much “When Godly People Do UnGodly Things” has meant to us. Our eyes are being opened, we are checking our walls for any chinks and praising God for how he uses you to speak to us. Our prayers are with you. Maybe “just a dog” but still a precious part of the family. We love you Sister!
Oh Beth,
My heart aches for you. I am praying for you and Sunny. There is just nothing like a dog buddy. Hopefully, she is just having a long adventure, and will return soon. I love ya, girl.
I’m not a dog lover myself but can appreciate one. I know about the love between you and your Sunny. I have often marveled and laughed about all thing Sunny. I pray that you find her.
Elaine
Oh, Ms. Beth…the entire Wiggins house is so sorry to hear about Sunny. My Allison nearly sucked all the air out of the dining room when she gasped at the bad news during dinner tonight. Both she and Emma prayed for Sunny to find her way home soon. We hope to hear good news soon. And we will pray that somebody is loving on her and taking care of her while she’s lost. I’m glad you shared.
Love,
Mark, JeanAnn, Allison and Emma
I just had a vision of her waiting for you on the back porch in the morning. She knows your schedule better than any of us do. Hope your evening with the WHOLE family was wonderful. I can’t imagaine AJ and her crew not being there.
Sweet Beth…you don’t need to explain. A loss is a loss. 🙁
Beth,
I’m Praying Sunny finds her way home. I once found a beautiful Irish Setter in the backyard of a vacant house next door. Poor thing had burrs in his fur and was skin and bones. I had nothing to offer him but hot dogs. He was so weak he couldn’t raise his head. My son had to pick him up and carry him over to our yard. We took him to a Vet and he was about 2yrs old. His paws were worn down, on the road for a long time looking for his owner.
We put ads and flyers out but didn’t get a response. He was well trained sit stay , down. Most Setters are Hyper he wasn’t, he was an Angel! My favorite Picure is one of him with a Santa hat on with my 2 yr.old daughter in 85 now Rugs is in Heaven and Denise is 25. We named him Rugs because he just laid around.
Checking back on here one more time before I call it a night. So sorry Sunny hasn’t come home yet. But, I am consoled with two thoughts, as I’m sure you are as well.
1) God knows exactly where Sunny is; and
2) Sunny has probably been the recipient of more intercession than maybe any dog ever. She knows she’s loved, that’s for sure.
I’ll keep praying,
Warm in Alaska.
Dear Beth
My heart aches with you as I,too, have experienced the both the grief of loss and the amazing comfort that can come with God’s gracious gift to us of His furry creations.
Thinking back over our “history” together, it seems I remember Sunny coming along not too very long after Michael came to live with you. Now, you have Jackson here in Houston with you. Perhaps on your timeline (Believing God) you will see how graciously God was in His timing to wait to call Sunny home and tell her “Job well done!”
I’m sure you’ve seen the adage that “dog” is “God” spelled backward.
I’m praying God will bring Sunny home. The worst part is never knowing what happened.
Love, Jan
I am so sorry about Sunny. I ask our Father for peace and comfort for you.
beth and family…i’m so sorry that you have to go through this. my prayers are with you and i pray that when the posters are posted that the Holy Spirit brings to remembrance to those who have seen Sunny roaming around. may the Spirit also prompt them to make the call back to you. trusting Him. ~linda.
The Journey Continues ~
Oh Sweet Beth, My heart holds you and precious Sunny in prayer.
I just returned from a two day visit with family and read your blog when I returned home. I read all the blogs from your siesta’s and we are all keeping our hope and faith alive ~ I pray that Sunny will shine on your doorstep in the morning.
With “Heaven Bound” blessings,
Kim
http://www.kimsafinathejourneycontinues.blogspot.com
Oh , I HATE this for you Beth ! My heart hurts thinking about what your heart feels like. I’m yet another dog-lover who understands. I too will pray for Sunny to come home ! Love you lots sweet Beth.
Dear Beth
I have to tell you about God’s gift to me of Jack the Cat. Jack was maybe a month old when he showed up in our driveway. He was totally wild and had to be chased from the driveway to the car motor to the garage to another car to another garage to another yard…we finally got him with my husband wearing welder’s gloves.
We kept him in a cage, fed him and tried our darndest to tame him. after 3-4 days, I know he wasn’t going to give in to my charm My husband said he had to go to the shelter. I knew he would be put down because he was so wild. I began praying for God to tell Jack that I was okay. That I was his only chance. I didn’t want to hurt him, just love him. As soon as I walked back out to his cage moments later, Jack literally walked up to the door, started to purr. I opened the door and he walked straight into my hands. From that moment on he was the sweetest natured little thing you ever saw. My husband broke down and let me keep him.
Four months later, I was diagnosed with cancer and had a couple of months of radiation. It totally weaked me where I could barely get out of bed. the entire time, Jack barely left my side. One day, while enjoying a bit of a pity party and contemplating my fate, I felt God whisper “If I took such care to bring Jack, a simple animal of the field, to you just so he would be taken care of, how much better care do you think I’m taking care of you now?!!!
My husband named Jack saying that Jack had hit the Jackpot by showing up in our yard. I know differently. Jack is an endearment for the John which in Greek translates “God’s gracious gift”. Yes indeed!.
Praying God leads Sunny to you the way he led Jack to me.
Jan
Hi Beth
So sorry your beloved Sunny ran away and praying for a safe return. I feel the loss as I have heard and read so many Sunny/Beanie stories. The enemy is out there to distract you as you prepare for LPL in San Diego and this time he is using the dog. Praying the emeny will be defeated, that “just a dog” will return home before you leave and God will be glorified as we anticipate His presence and yours in San Diego.
God Bless and comfort you as only He can
Siesta Carolyn, a Raleigh girl in California
Amanda-
This doesn’t have to be posted to the website, but I’d like to share. We lost our daughter in a car accident four years ago. That story is for another day. My point in mentioning it is that it made it no less painful to lose our sweet cocker spaniel of 12 years, Sadie. I so relate to your mom mentioning constant companionship and the sitting beside her in the darkest times and coaxing a smile. I know, too, that a dog is a dog, but it doesn’t diminish the pain felt at the time. People sometimes have a hard time expressing their grief in our presence over losing a pet or even a loved one who isn’t their child. Somehow, there is a guilt that comes with it when you know someone else has lost something “more precious.” Heartache is heartache in any form and regardless of the type. Please share with your mom to let her know not to feel guilty in her pain and missing Sunny. Praying peace and calm in the midst of this storm.
Leigh Ann Cate
[email protected]
Nashville, TN
I know, compared to breast cancer and all of the other atrocities we face, a lost dog seems small in comparison. BUT, the truth is our pets have a piece of our hearts and we love them. If we lose a pet it hurts deeply. I did not sleep well last night for wondering if Sonny showed up. It matters and the Lord cares about this too!
Father in Jesus Name I ask you to Help find Sunny as a doggie Mom too. You love them like one of your kids practically (that listens a little more j/k) I ask that you comfort our Sister Beth and the whole family in Jesus Name.
Love ya’ll
Sue
Dearest Beth,
Certainly after 500 comments you know how much we love and care. As the owner of a oft-escaping, wild-at-heart Beagle, I feel your pain and am praying God leads Sunny back to your door.
Lisa
Oh sweet Beth, I am sorry. I am praying that you find Sunny very soon.
My dog gets out all the time and each time I am sick to my stomach with worry. Praying for Sunny to return home asap!
Look for her in shrubs and the like. She may be hurt. Dogs go to safe places — dense shrubs, etc. for safety when the need is great. I appreciate your sharing. Dogs are family too and of great value in our lives. Praying Sunny will be found. Holding you all close in prayer.
Sweet Beth, you go ahead and bawl your eyes out! I’ve been bawling for two weeks after having to put my 16-year-old, blind cocker spaniel, Chelsey, to sleep at Easter. It was at the barn with my horses and I got to kiss her balding head good-bye…yet I’ve been a mess and keep telling myself to pull it together – she was “my girl”. I’ve cried so hard my body hurts. Believe me, we animal lovers know how it breaks your heart in a way you never thought possible. I’m crying special tears with you and I’ll pray for Sunny and for your heart! We love you! Thank you, sweet Siestas, your posts are helping me get through this, it’s been amazing salve…thank you, Jesus!
Father I know that you not only grace us with fellowship with 2 legged believers, yet its the furry 4 legged ones that touch our hearts and can sit still and listen to the whole story and still wag those tails. I pray for Sunny to be found and to return to the household that has loved her so. I too understand that there is so much more to the world, but you have gifted us with wonderful animals in your creation and they gift us with “sunshine” I pray for comfort for the family as they continue to search.
dog lover in SC/siesta in HIM
Oh praying so hard for you in this. Our 14 year old lab passed away this year and I miss him every day. I can feel your anguish and am praying so hard for her safe return.
Morgen
Dear Beth,
I sooooooo feel your pain. We had to put our sheltie to sleep last year after 14 1/2 years of loyal, loving companionship – he was a family member. We still have a 7 1/2 year old lab (we believe he added years to our sheltie’s life) and has some health issues and is still mourning the loss of his ‘big brother’, so we are going to welcome a ‘little brother’ (a chocolate lab)to our family this weekend. I am looking forward to and dreading it at the same time. We have always said after we lost our Garth that we wouldn’t get another dog after Steele passed – it’s so hard to say goodbye, but we are dog lovers and can’t imagine not having one. I will keep you and your family and Sunny in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry. We have two dogs that are apart of our family. I know the pain and we love you and are praying for Sunny to return quickly. Don’t worry about going on and on with us that is what a Siesta is for!
Love,
Crissy
I’m praying!
Beth,
As a fellow dog lover I totally get it. Praying for Sunny’s return. If I see her around my Houston parts I will pick her up pronto!
Blessings-
Dana
I checked the blog first thing this morning. Amongst other things on my mind last night, I thought about you till my heart hurt. I reached over and touched my husband (I think I woke him up) and simply said, “Oh, I meant to tell you, pray for Beth and her family. Sunny went missing.” To which he replied sweetly, albeit sleepily, “Ah-h.” (He’s watched enough video sessions and Wed’s with Beth to know Sunny 🙂 To which I replied, “Thank you for understanding. I love you. I’m glad you understand like a Siesta would.”
Look, I know there are other problems in the world- the taliban, world hunger, cancer, etc- but we don’t take lightly how precious animals are to a family. You have our permission not to apologize or explain perspective to us. Go ahead and take all the time and blog space you need for us to get thru this together! If the toe of the body hurts, the whole body hurts. If the pinky finger gets a hangnail, the whole body hurts. We are beside you and WANT to know because we care. All of you are precious to the body of Christ. We’ll keep hoping and praying!
I’m just. reading this, and hurting for you all. I pray for Sunnys safe return and comfort for all the Moores.
Beth,
I had a golden retriever named Sunny when I was a little girl;) And I too ran frantically around this week looking for dogs. We are taking care of our neighbor’s dogs while they are away for Spring Break and to make a long story short, they both took off. Another neighbor sighted them crossing a main road and I jumped into my car with wet hair and sent two kids on bikes, panicking and praying. An hour later we found them….whew. I dreaded telling my best friends and neighbors that we had lost their dogs.
Make up a ‘Sunny song’ and sing it every day until he comes home to his momma.