Not a Sunny Day

*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.

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200 Responses to “Not a Sunny Day”

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Comments:

  1. 151
    Sydney says:

    I’m praying for your beloved Sunny to come home!

  2. 152
    Anonymous says:

    I can’t stand it. Hurry with an update! I’ll be praying for good news.

  3. 153
    Lori says:

    I checked the blog as soon as I got home from church hoping for a good update…and came back this morning to see if Sunny had come home. I am so sorry. Still praying for Sunny to show up and trusting God for the good outcome.

    Glad you have your Melissa home this weekend!

  4. 154
    Anonymous says:

    Beloved Beth-
    I get it. My heart goes out to you. I sit here writing between the tears and sniffles. I don’t know if it is a hormonal surge or grief I hadn’t dealt with.

    Last March I lost my trusted 4 legged friend Chelsea. I got her and Ginger as pups 20 years ago. My Vet is amazed that cocker These dogs have been with me through every imaginable ebb and flow of life. Faithful and trusted friends who are family that’s what our animals mean to us.

    God in his Grace has left Ginger a a while longer. She is 21 and has difficulty seeing and hearing and slow to get get but none the less is hanging in for me. One night she got out of the back yard and was gone from about 11pm to 8am. A neighbor called down the heavens and went with me to search. She found her about 45 mins later over 1 mile from the house up in the hills. My dog didn’t have her tag with my numbers on but a kind neighbor found her wandering around fed and gave her water. This neighbor said that when dogs are lost or disoriented they head uphill. If their are any hills in your area check there.

    I am praying for Sunny’s safe return home. God is able.
    Madelin

  5. 155
    Michelle V says:

    I would also suggest calling around to some vet clinics. A friend of mine from church recently found a dog that had been hit by a car and she took it to her vet who took care of the dog but they didn’t know who the dog belongs to and she has been running ads in the paper to find the owner.

    I understand about pets. We have been through our own hardships with pets and you just love them so much and get so attached that they are like part of the family.

    I am still praying for Sunny’s safe and speedy return home!

  6. 156
    kellyr says:

    We are praying and praying. Mama Beth, no need to worry about perspective. We know a dog’s love is the closest thing to the almighty! I’m believing some Godly GPS will guide Sunny home.

  7. 157
    karensk says:

    Beth & family,

    So, so sorry you haven’t found Sunny yet 🙁 . I’m praying for all of y’all, including Beanie. (How’s she doing during this time?)

    After hearing your stories of Sunny and Beanie over the years, they really do feel like family. Thank you for keeping us updated.

    Love,
    Karen K.
    Houston

  8. 158
    Vicki Courtney says:

    Oh mercy, sweet friend, I just popped over and learned of your missing fur-friend. As an obsessed dog owner who truth be told, probably blogs about my pups as much as my children, know that I am interceding. I feel like hopping in my car and heading your way to aid in the search.

    Keep us posted. Puppy prayers going up right now…

  9. 159
    Twice Blessed says:

    Dear Beth!! I know how your heart is breaking. Mine still breaks over the loss of my sweet Bouncer almost 15 years ago—I will be praying for you and Keith and the safe return of Sunny.

  10. 160
    Anonymous says:

    Beth and Amanda,

    Please do not apologize for how you feel right now. You do not have to explain keeping things in perspective. I do not think that anyone thinks that you do not have things in perspective. A pet is a family member, no doubt about it. I will pray that you find Sunny soon.

    Barbara

  11. 161
    Anonymous says:

    I am praying for Sunny’s safe return. I bet she is chilling at a neighbors house as we speak! Once you get those signs up, someone will call and she will be back by your side in no time! I live close and if there is anything I can do please let me know. [email protected]

  12. 162
    Anonymous says:

    Dear Beth,

    I am praying that God will bring your sweet Sunny home today. We hurt for you.
    Love and unceasing prayers. Cathy

  13. 163
    Kara says:

    I’m hoping and praying you find Sunny.

  14. 164
    Tricia says:

    I’m praying for you all & for Sunny to be found safe & sound.

  15. 165
    Alyson says:

    Oh sweet Mama Beth! I posted yesterday morning, and then last evening, the copy of your Feathers book that I’d ordered came in the mail.

    It breaks my heart to find out not only is your Sunny missing, but also that she’s a link to the one who adopted her in the first place. Praying, praying, praying…and the women in our Bible study are praying too.

    How hard to have her go missing, on both counts, and to have to be out of town and refocused this weekend too…

    Bless you…know that you are being lifted up to the Comforter…may His peace and strength surround you…and may Sunny be led home soon!

  16. 166
    Anonymous says:

    Please keep us all posted; I will not tire of hearing from you. Our pets are so dear and such a gift! I personally believe the worry over, or the pain of losing, a good friend – furry or not- is very valid indeed.

  17. 167
    Anonymous says:

    Please keep us all posted; I will not tire of hearing from you. Our pets are so dear and such a gift! I personally believe the worry over, or the pain of losing, a good friend – furry or not- is very valid indeed.

  18. 168
    Stacy says:

    You are in my prayers. I’m a dog lover and understand what you are going through. I pray you find her soon.

  19. 169
    Busyx3 says:

    Thanks for keeping us updated. I’ll keep checking to see what’s going on. You are so blessed to have so many people who care. We all love you, and because you have always been so open with all of us, we really do feel like your family is our family too (that goes for dogs too).

  20. 170
    Julie says:

    My heart goes out to you….

    The few times my beloved Blossom managed to escape our backyard I was overcome with sorrow.

    I will pray.

  21. 171
    puzzlepiecesista says:

    Dear, Dear Beth,

    I just popped on the blog for a minute and my heart just sank. I am so, so sorry. I understand what your going through, just two weeks ago the same thing happened with our dog. My precious middle son cried/prayed himself to sleep that night. PTL we got him back and the way it happened was nothing short of a miracle. I am praying this will be the outcome for you as well. I am praying that the God of All comfort, will comfort you now.

    Much Love,
    Angela

  22. 172
    Winette says:

    Several of our ladies in our Thurs. Bible study group are praying for Sunny’s safe return. We are doing Living Beyond Yourself and it is a wonderful group of ladies. I have a Yorkie named Pookie & would be devistated if she took off

  23. 173
    Sallie says:

    I pray you have better news today and that God leads your little dog home!

    God bless,
    Sallie

  24. 174
    Jazzy J in Tyler says:

    I am not even a “dog lover” but I want you to know that before I went to sleep last night, I prayed for you and Sunny. Take care!

  25. 175
    Marie says:

    I am praying for Sunny’s return right now! If my doggie went missing, I would be devastated…so I understand! Please keep us posted if there are any changes! I’m praying for her safety and swift return to her mama!

  26. 176
    {Karla} says:

    hugs to you, dear Beth.

    I know y’all are keeping it in perspective… but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt.

    xo ~K

  27. 177
    Anonymous says:

    Dear Betty,

    I’m a pet lover and know so well what you are going through. I lost my dear friend cat last week, and still cry over our sweet memories.
    They love us unconditionally and bless us so much. I pray that your Sunny will come back home soon. Be strong and of good courage! God is watching over.
    Love, Hilma

  28. 178
    Jina says:

    Beth and Family,

    Just want you to know you haven’t fallen off the radar screen for prayer. Keep us posted.

    Psalm 34 is one that I always go to for my own issues when waiting on the Lord.

    Love,
    Jina

  29. 179
    Nancy says:

    As the mother of a rescued ShiTzu, whom I love dearly. Praying that God will guide Sunny safely home.
    Love and prayers,
    Nancy (Atlanta)

  30. 180
    Kristina says:

    Oh, Beth, bless your heart! My mom’s dog, Maggie, ran away one for four days. Their house backed up to woods and who knows what kind of adventure she had! I still remember the day my mom called my school (where I taught)and they put her through to my room in the middle of class to let me know she was home. We pray for her safe return and peace for you. K

  31. 181
    The Youth Pastor's Wife says:

    Praying earnestly for your Sunny to come back quickly and safely.

  32. 182
    Anonymous says:

    Lord –

    We love that You’re the kind of God that cares about all things that hurt our heart. Bring Sunny dog home to the Moore family. And make Yourself known in new and wonderful ways in the process.

    In Jesus’ name,

    Amen.

  33. 183
    Debbie in CA says:

    Oh, my goodness, ok, this is kinda funny. I checked my e-mails before comming here and the second one was the prayer email for LPL (WHICH I AM GOING TO IN SAN DIEGO AND CANT WAIT!!!!!) So, I get to the line where it says about praying for strength for Beth and I read it as ‘the loss of her dog Sunny’ Well I couldn’t read the rest! my heart was hurting for you and feeling sure you would have posted about it, I came here to see what happened to poor Sunny…imagine my relief when I found out she was ‘lost’!

    Now I am very sorry to hear that she is lost, I have had a lost dog and spent hours driving around the neighborhood, with the kiddos hollering for him in the back seat, but I am very glad that there is hope that she may be found and that she is not in doggy heaven!

    Please know that my prayers are with you and your family, I am an animal lover and I know how it hurts.

  34. 184
    annette says:

    I e-mailed Norma Dearing, she hosts a radio show, it airs on XM 170 as well as other stations, people call in live for prayer and she takes e-mailed prayer requests. She is a big time dog lover (you should hear what happened when the mailman maced her dog.) She will pray tonight for Sunny’s safe return and her listeners will pray too.

  35. 185
    Anonymous says:

    Never give up! I found my cat after 2 months and 5 days on Good Friday of all days. I’m praying for your miracle as God granted mine. We love our animals!

  36. 186
    SHELL says:

    Praying Beth- wish and pray God finds Sunny safe and sound. Maybe a hunting dog could find him-we know you know a lot of them…praying for an answer, love Shell

  37. 187
    Donna says:

    As I sit here with tears streaming down my face I am praying that God will lead her back home to you. I am such a dog lover and my heart aches for you. God Bless You!

  38. 188
    Michelle Bentham says:

    Beth and our Sunny Loving Moores…

    I am so sorry to hear that Sunny is missing. The Sunny and Beanie stories are the highlight of every Bible study.

    I remember in one study you told a story about Sunny (it could have been Beanie, but I thought it was Sunny) and a cat you “babysat” once. You said that you had to sit with her and rock her while she trembled and shook until the temptation to play with/terrorize the cat passed. You said that sometimes it is like that in our lives – we have to crawl up in our Father’s lap and rock and shake until the temptation passes… whatever that temptation is. I could see your precious dog in that moment, and the comparison to my tedious life at times. That pictures gets me through many a tough moment… Many!

    We don’t have a dog, but my parent’s had a family dog named Tanner who used to “escape” the yard every once and a great while. My father called one night after she had been missing for several days and said, “I found Tanner, I had to go pick her up from the ‘pokey!'” It was the funniest conversation I think I have ever had with my dad about a dog. It just about killed he and my mother when Tanner’s tumor got the best of her and he finally had to put her down. We miss that old dog still.

    I’m praying she’ll turn up… and you’ll have your desire to be with her right up to the very end.

    Blessings sweet friends – we love ya’ll!

  39. 189
  40. 190
    charlestonyaya says:

    Don’t give up!! Our 17 year old dog was dognapped when he was about 2. I took a week off of work, followed the leads, did my own stake-out, and guess who was dropped off at the pet shelter after being taken for over a week!?! What a steak for a dog dinner celebration that was. Our Sunday School class was praying pretty hard that he would be found. God loves out pets as much as we do!!

  41. 191
  42. 192
    Amy says:

    Just logged on again today praying to see a positive outcome. I pray she is found safe and sound!

  43. 193
    Cheri-Beri says:

    Oh how much I understand. My 6 1/2 pound chihuahua is my shadow and my constant buddy. We thought she had run off one night and I was a mess. I tried to blame it on worrying how the children would feel if she really was gone. HA! She wasn’t gone – just being very, very naughty about hiding under a bed.

    I understand about perspective, too. But these types of things can really get to us. God bless all of you!

  44. 194
    Amy Beth @ Ministry So Fabulous! says:

    We’re still praying.

  45. 195
    Anonymous says:

    I so empathize with you, Beth! I freak out when one of our hamsters is missing…in our home! [They are very spoiled teddy bear hamsters!] I understand. I’m praying for you and your family…and especially for Sunny!

    God bless you…and bring your baby home!

    Yours in Christ,
    Karla

  46. 196
    Anonymous says:

    My husband and I just had to put our “pup” of 12 years to sleep a few weeks ago because of Cancer. A few days before he died, he would try to hide from us in the flower beds in our backyard. We realized he wanted to be alone. We would watch him from a distance just sit there hiding struggling to breath. It was so sad. I would have to climb in to the Azaleas and get him out and bring him indoors.
    I don’t mean to be thinking bad thoughts or “not “Believing”, just mentioning it thinking you might want to check the flower beds around your house.
    I’m praying God would lead Sunny home safe and sound. Believe me I feel your pain.
    Sue Sue

  47. 197
    Anonymous says:

    I have never written before but knowing that Sunny is missing, I just had too. I am praying for your sweet dog. Last summer, I lost a dear friend, who at the age of thirteen died in a car wreck. Shortly after that, the grandmother of this dear friend lost her dog to cancer. The dog was the closest I ever came to having a child even though she weren’t my dog. My heart still grieves for my friend as well as for the sweet dog. I will be praying for a safe return. I will be praying for your heart as well.

  48. 198
    Anonymous says:

    I have never written before but knowing that Sunny is missing, I just had too. I am praying for your sweet dog. Last summer, I lost a dear friend, who at the age of thirteen died in a car wreck. Shortly after that, the grandmother of this dear friend lost her dog to cancer. The dog was the closest I ever came to having a child even though she weren’t my dog. My heart still grieves for my friend as well as for the sweet dog. I will be praying for a safe return. I will be praying for your heart as well.

  49. 199
    june says:

    Good morning,

    I am a dog lover, have 2 of my own.
    They are so different, one is slow
    and easy with everything he does,
    the other is fast and doesn’t care
    she just jumps in where angels fear
    to tread….

    I am looking for fellow bloggers to
    correspond with. my blog names is
    littledune….all comments welcome

  50. 200
    Anonymous says:

    Glad that Sunny is home! I am praying for a miracle now myself. My little dachshund got under my fence last night and now she is gone. Would you please pray that I find her! She is my fourth child but I am sure that you understand that!

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