My Dear Siestas,
I’ve been needing to tell you something but it paled so dreadfully in comparison to the trials of those around us that I wouldn’t have dared share it when it happened. The mention of it would have been an insult. I’ve been looking for a time when we weren’t as mindful of terrible suffering, but the truth is, we daily become aware of astonishing hurts. Only yesterday someone shared another person’s loss in a blog comment that caused me to bawl my head off and get off my chair and onto the floor. This is embarrassingly minute in comparison. It’s just a Moore family thing but since you’ve been so involved in ongoing Sunny sagas, I feel like I should let you know.
On Wednesday, May 21st, I said good-bye to my beloved, faithful shadow and best friend of many years, Sunny. She was an unimpressive medium-size mixed-breed stray when she took up on my porch a jillion years ago but she has been my constant companion ever since and a source of much company and joy through some very lonely times. To tell you that I miss her is an understatement. It has yet to leave my mind.
Right around the time she got lost, she’d started getting really sick. At first, we thought it was an isolated thing but then she continued to have bouts. She got to where she cried much of the time so we knew she had to be in pain. After three different doctors and finally a referral to a specialty vet, we learned that she had a tumor on her spleen and that her liver was already “mottled,” indicating that disease had already spread to that organ. She was only comfortable when heavily medicated by a pain reliever and, if she was awake, she was nauseated. To let her suffer so was no way to treat such a lively, faithful pet.
I got to be with my girl, holding her gray face in my hands and telling her, through sobs, what a great job she’d done when she died. I still can’t recount it without crying. Keith buried her in my favorite place in my garden, right by my bench and surrounded by beautiful flowers. I can’t imagine ever having another little canine companion that will love me like that one did but, to be sure, one day down the road we’ll get another puppy. And she’ll have a hard act to follow.
I just wanted you to know what happened. You’ve been so sweet to care about all our dog drama. I have lots of perspective and am not even asking for prayer. Please spend that energy on people who are desperate to make it through this day. I’m doing fine, Sweet Sisters. Just a tad sad.
Thank you so much for your wonderful company on this pilgrimage with Christ Jesus. He is IT, isn’t He??
I love you like crazy.
beth
Tags: Dogs
Thank you Beth for always keeping it real.
We lost our beloved Dachshund at the beginning of the year and it really hurt. Many mornings had been spent with my fur baby sitting beside me while I poured out my heart to the Lord.
A big hug to you during this time,
April \o/
Beth,
Don’t be afraid to share things like the passing of your dog. That is life…we all have our own sorrows…some are greater than others but they are all important! I can remember when my mom lost her dog. She lives by herself and so her dog was her best friend and kept her company on those lonely nights. It took her a long time to get over the passing of her beloved “Pepper”. She did a lot of crying during that time. She is fine now….but it was a rough time for her. You are in my prayers.
God Bless,
Charmel
Beth,
I think it’s entirely appropriate to grieve the loss of a special blessing of God as I know Sunny was for you. We have always had pets, and we know that saying goodbye to them is one of the hardest things we’ve ever done. I understand and admire your reasons for postponing this news, but I’m glad you did. I weep with you now and look forward to puppy news in the months or years ahead.
I think your thoughts are so pleasing to your beautiful LORD — Provers 15:26 — putting it into perspective while embracing the loss of your Sunny who was named that name for a reason. I’m so sorry for your loss of this faithful friend! Love the highest calling of your life to pour out your Beauty on all of us and always advance His Kingdom.
I can’t stand it! We had to put our precious dog down in January at 16 years old, the sweetest black lab mix God ever created. I’m convinced of it. Beth, I’d had her since I was 19 and in college. She had been across country and back when I married a marine stationed in Camp Pendleton and then when we got transfered back over here to Camp Lejeune. Up to Buffalo on recruiting duty and finally back HOME in Virginia. She was a family icon and losing her was, well, you know what kind of loss that is. I feel for you, I so hurt for you, and I’m crying for both of us right now!
On somewhat of a more humorous note, my daughter had almost completed the book Marley and Me about the life of the yellow lab, Marley. She is in 2nd grade and they have an accelerated reader program where you can read selected books, take tests, and earn points. I set a goal with both of my girls at the beginning of the year to break 100 points and Marley and Me was worth 6 points. Today is the last day to take the tests…Hannah came home excited on Wednesday that she had broken 100 points and I asked her if she had done the test on Marley and Me. No, she told me, Marley was going to die and she decided that was entirely too sad and she turned the book back in. No, no, no I retorted. She had worked too hard and come too far, she was near the end of the book, and “WE” were going to get those 6 points. Can anyone say competitive mother? Ugh. So after much discussion, I proceed back into the school library and tell the librarian we will need to retrieve the book Hannah had turned in earlier that day. The librarian told me with a disapproving scowl she didn’t like sad animal stories herself. Well it’s not like I do…but it’s 6 points here! I told Hannah I would read it to her and she shot me a look as if to say, you’re right…you will. Beth, I got home and began to read the last four chapters of Marley’s life and my 3 sweet children and I all sobbed until I could barely read!!! We had to stop 4 times for my son to go grab me a tissue! For the love of Pete! I kept telling them we could get through this and slammed the book shut at the end and said, “there, aren’t you glad you can go take your test now?” Mercy. I think I learned my lesson!
Ok, I’ve talked long enough, just know that I am sorry about Sunny and love you a lot. And maybe you can hang on, like I do, to 3 beloved opinions that you might just see her again in heaven…Billy Graham, Randy Alcorn and John Piper would all seem to indicate that there’s a possibility. My husband says no but I like their thoughts on it better. Incidentally, we did IMMEDIATELY get another puppy. A black lab and we named her Piper. She’s awesome!
Lisa
Beth, I know you have seen much suffering but I know that our God is just as concerned for your loss and he is for others suffering. Please know that I am not undermining the suffer circumstances many are in, however, the death of a beloved pet is very painful. Our “babies” are the best companions in the world. Who else other than our God would listen to us, be so extremely happy to see us and never have a unkind thought toward us. My little Lucy even does Bible Study with me in the mornings and listen intently as I pray. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I understand. Love you and thank God for using such a wonderful person to put fire in my soul for His love. Mica
Beth,
I am so sorry–Thank you for sharing with us. I dread this day when my babies (a mixed breed and a boxer)time on earth is finished. We try to enjoy every moment–they are SO much company and faithful to no end. Although you didn’t ask for prayers–I will continue to pray for you and your family. We all have bumps in the road–no matter how small or how large–and God will always be there to carry us through. No prayer request is too small for our God.
Love,
Megann Cain
as one of those “desperate” people who cannot endure even until lunch today without the prayer support of others, let me just say, I’m so sorry about the passing of your dear friend. Sometimes its nice to have something ELSE to pray about. Thank you for sharing with us.
Crying with you, Mama Beth. Praise the Lord for giving us those small blessings that wrap themselves around our hearts!
I’m so sorry about your precious Sunny. Your walks just won’t be the same for awhile. It’s been a few years since we lost our Golden and I remember it like yesterday. Unconditional love at its best! I’m glad she brought you so much joy during some tough years! I can’t wait to see your new puppy one day!
Love you,
Angie xoxo
The great thing about us siestas is that you don’t have to ask— you already have our prayers.
*hugs*
Sweet Beth,I know Sunny was special to you. She was also special to us who loved the stories about her.I love how God would give you a story within what she was doing.We will miss her too.
God bless you. I love you.
Beth, I just wanted to say how much I treasure you.
You are the big sister I didn’t have.
He does care, you have shared that with me more than anyone, even about the dogs in our lives. There is non insignificant. Your heartache is no less than one who has lost a child or a best friend. It just happens to be covered in fur.
He brings those of us who He has called to intercede into many different situations. You know that. Some for the loss of babies and some for the loss of doggies. He is Sovereign. He sees it all.
It’s all about our hearts ~
I love yours, and He does too.
kari
Beth,
I’m sorry to hear about Sunny. It’s so hard to say good-bye to such a faithful friend but it does get easier. I’ll be remembering you in my prayers. Thanks so much for including all us siestas with the great and the small of your daily life. I know I feel as if we’re next door neighbors because of this post. And I thank you for your example.
Love ya’
Beth, I am sorry. Hurts, big and small, are still hurts, and they still hurt. Thank you for sharing.
in love,
rebecca, e.tx
I am so sorry for your loss! I hurt for you! It is hard saying goodbye to a best friend no matter what the situation.
Dear Beth,
Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us. I’m so sorry to hear about Sunny. Don’t be embarrassed, nobody want to lose a friend and that’s what Sunny was to you. I’ll pray.
Love and hugs,
Darlene
Beth,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for your tenderheartedness and openness in sharing with us so we can better know how to be praying for you.
As to the questions about pets being in heaven…aren’t we told in Revelation 19:11-14 that Jesus will lead the armies of heaven and all will be riding on white horses? If we love our animals as much as we do, and God created them, wouldn’t He love them more? Many of our animal friends are undeniably in the right place at the right time in our lives, as if He sent them to us as a unique expression of the praise of His glory. As inclusive as God is, why would He leave them out? It isn’t as if we’ll be limited by space in heaven.
Crying with you, sweet Siesta! Here’s a big hug ((((((HUG))))))!
Thank you for sharing your lives with us! I am crying for your loss and the loss that surrounds all of us…big or small! Oh, Jesus, it all leaves holes only YOU can fill! Come quickly!
Dear Siesta, you are always in my prayers! I have tears in my eyes for you and your family. There is something so very special about the love of a dog isn’t there? I have two and even when no one else in the house wants to look at me, they are right by my side! Consider yourself hugged.
Lots of Love.
We love YOU, Beth. You may not need prayers, but I so want to give you an online bear-hug. May God be praised for all His good and perfect gifts — and especially this dear one who came and went at just the time He intended.
I am so sorry to hear about your dog. I think that God probably loved how you loved and cared for the dog He created!
I’m so sorry! It’s amazing what a bundle of love God can put in such a small thing! I cried with you, siesta.
Most of dog lovers have similar stories. There’s always that one, special dog. Precious picture! Love, Karen
Oh Beth! I’m so sorry. I lost my 16 year-old Sheltie, Shelby, on March 3rd. She too was my shadow and faithful companion. I admire you for being there with her at the end. I asked my hubby to take my girl. I used the excuse that I needed to stay with my kids but deep down I knew I was just being cowardly. You did good, Beth. Sunny was blessed to have you!
I cried when I read your post. See I lost my beloved one, just like you 6 years ago. I still cry when I say her name and tell the story of how we lost her. But I know she is in Gods’ “Doggie Heaven” watching over me! That I still miss her to this day so much, but have gotten another one. It is funny how the newest one does have alot of the same traits as my precious “Dimples” did.
Just know that I am praying for you and Thank you for the tears.
Blessings,
Nana Net
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious one. I too know the feeling. I lost my “Dimples” six years ago. It still hurts to this day. But like you we buried her in a favorite spot of hers. It is where I can look out my window and also go sit out there and spend time. That I do miss here like crazy.
I did get another puppy who is now 5 and a half years old. A Pembroke Welsh Corgi. That “Lucky” is her name. She seems to have the same type of personality and traits as “Dimples” did. What are the chances of that? Plus she even “SNORES” exactly like Dimples did! Guess you could say that the Good Lord up above made sure that I would be comforted always. To which I am “Thankful” for.
Blessings to you and yours. And I am praying for you.
Blessings,
Annette
I am so sorry you lost your friend. As the owner of two aged Bijon’s I am certainly sympathetic
I almost lost my male about a month ago….can’t even imagine what you felt. However I am in total agreement about letting them go when their quality of life is poor. We love you Beth and feel your pain and sadness.
Blessings from MI
Georgia
I’m so sorry for your loss of your “Sunny” and understand the sadness all too well.
Patti
I have a sweet unassuming terrier mix named Jake. He was tossed out of a car as a puppy and we rescued him six years ago. These ‘little blessings’ that we are not looking for or expecting can make for the most pleasant surprises. His love and devotion serves as a reminder to me that I should be as faithful to my Heavenly Father.
Dear Beth,
I am so sorry – somehow these little creatures creep into our hearts and we see a bit of the unconditional love of heaven in their eyes.
My beloved cat of 10 years died suddenly last September. I was in missionary training w/the IMB in Richmond and didn’t even get to say good-bye. There was no place or time to grieve for the next couple of weeks but as soon as I hit the road for Texas, I cried my way through Virginia, into South Carolina, and finally snuffled into Georgia.
Your tears and your loss have touched your Father’s heart and He loves you so much, braveheart.
Ten thousand blessings,
Rebecca
Central Asia
P.S. Please do not put this posting on your blog as it contains the ‘m’ word – thanks!
Beth and family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet friend, Sunny. Our pets become part of the family. It is hard to loose them.
Sunny is a topic in our house every Wednesday afternoon. When I watch Life Today (Wed. with Beth), my sweet man always ask me about Sunny. With the recent loss of two of our four-legged friends, we do empathize with you. We are thankful for the precious memories.
We love you too. Cindy
How sweet of our Lord to allow you a few more weeks after Sunny’s return to love on her before you had to say good-bye. Over the years I have had to say good-bye to my Golden Retriever, Mandy, and our Miniature Schnauzer, Maggie, so I know how difficult this is for you. We are so blessed to have the gift of memories to help us through these times. My heart and prayers are with you and your family. Kathy
My eyes welled up with tears as I read your entry. As one who dearly adores my little cannine companion, I understand your hurt. They are members of our family…
Jennifer
Oh Beth!
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know you love Sunny so much. I have had to put my 2 beloved kitties, Cookie and Cinnebar, to sleep due to terrible illnesses and I know it is one of the hardest things to do. I will be praying for you. God bless…
Libby from New Orleans
I know you’ll probably never see this but I just had to comment because I know what it’s like to have a faithful friend.
Sometimes I’m busy doing something and I look over and my sweet black lab is just staring at me. waiting for me to do …anything. It doesn’t matter to her, what we do next. She just wants to be part of it. I’m her world.
I look at her and I want to be that faithful, that devoted, that so “into” God, watching Him, waiting for Him to do …that next anything.
You have been a HUGE blessing to me Beth. I give you a humble heartfelt thank you.
May your heart heal from your loss.
Beth, as with the others I am so sorry for your lost and understand your reluctance to share. After going through these last four months with my middle still recovering from the effects of encephilits – it’s been a long journey. But watching our/her old golden retriever deal with arthritis and limp/hobble around pulls some totally different heart strings. Yes it pales with what we have gone through with my daughter but watching her dog suffer too just makes one want to go aahhhh and hugh her neck, (the dog’s – well maybe both ;~) )when Tulip struggles to get up and greet us with a smile and wagging tail.
with understanding
mk
Beth, So sorry to hear about the death of Sunny. I love the companionship that pets, especially dogs give us needy humans. I don’t know about you but somehow strays (that’s all I’ve had) seem to really understand the blessing of being adopted into a family who wanted to rescue them. My little shaggy Cubbie or Bean as we call her will be 12 next year, so I know she’ll be passing sooner than later as days go by. Praying that God will comfort you during the loneliness from her loss. Love you Beth!!!
Beth,
I’m so sorry to hear about Sunny. I believe that our pets are God’s gift to us. I know that my cat, Smokey, reminds me daily of God’s unconditional love for me. No matter what has happened during the day, Smokey is there to cuddle with and is always glad to see me. Being a single lady, it is so nice to have him to come home to. Please know that I am praying for you and your family during this tough time.
Beth, I’m so sorry for your loss! I know exactly how you feel!!
((((HUGS))))
Beth,
I so appreciate your sensitivity to those who have crisis in their lives. I will pray for you too. I learned from the previous event when she had run away, that she was dear beyond words. I am thankful that you have her in a place that you can be nastalgic about your relationship on a regular basis. I am thankful for God’s gift and her special role in your life. I know He tells you a thousand ways that you are loved… He must, you love others so well.
I pray you feel a special nearness from your Father during this time.
Jina
Dogs…this may be against the grain, but I’m simply not an animal person. I don’t mind other people’s pets one bit (I even teared up reading about Sunny), but as for me, I’d be fine without one. I just can’t bring myself to lay on the floor and snuggle with an animal the way you would a toddler. Animal odor in a house makes me queasy. Plus, I don’t care to be chewed on and clawed. I understand that MANY, MANY people love doing all this stuff…and that’s fine and good, and I don’t think they are crazy for it…I just don’t have the same sentiments about animals. All that to say–please pray for our household. My husband is a DOG LOVER–like, he wants a dog (BIG DOG) to raise from puppy-hood…letting it live all over our house and sleep in our bed at night, etc. His rotty died about 6 months before we got married, and I secretly praised God for it b/c the thought of a dog in my house just grossed me out! Still, my honey has wanted a dog ever since (nearly 7 years). Now, we have a 5 year old and a 3 year old (who I am STILL potty training), and my husband only averages about 4 waking hours at home each day, but the man wants a dog–a DOBERMAN, at that! I love my husband, and I know the IDEA of having a dog thrills him, and I don’t want him to be unhappy, but with my 3 year old being petrfied of animals (like, he has me in a head lock with his knees bent up into my armpits–refusing to get anywhere near the ground–if anything furry is within 10 feet), and with my husband’s busy lifestyle, and the fact that my husband is easily irritated by my childrens’ noise and messes to the point that he wants no more children…I just don’t think it’s practical right now for us to get a puppy. Still, we drove an hour each way to a lady’s farm to look at her doberman pups last night. My son freaked out! Not to mention, my daughter who originally thought a puppy was a good idea, walked off in boredom after about 15 minutes of playing with the puppies. My husband STILL wanted to get a puppy, but considering all of the above information–plus the fact that we just bought a few thousand dollars’ worth of nice furniture–when he asked me what I thought, I had to respectfully tell him I didn’t think it was a good idea for us for right now. After watching our son, the breeder agreed that was probably a wise choice–it would be difficult for us, and very unfair to the dog…but my husband is ANGRY (at me) and has hardly spoken to me since then. Please pray that God will give us some peace and unity with this issue, and that my sweet man won’t stay bitter about this. Oh, and please pray that if God really does want us to have a pet anytime soon, that He will give me a SUPERNATURAL lover for animals. THANKS!
I am so sorry for your loss. Tears are in my eyes as I read. The unconditional love these creatures teach us should tell us something about our human relationships. How great the world would be if we loved others the way we love our animals and they love us. They accept us no matter what. My mother had a stent placed in her heart this week and while we were away, the dogs were in mourning. God is so good to give us animals to love. Praying for you and the void this has left. I love you.
Just bawling. I am so sorry and do understand the loss and what you are feeling dear Beth and family. We are all in this life together and we are called to share burdens, no matter what they are.
Peace.
What a sweet picture of you & Sunny. I know you will enjoy the memories of her companionship.
Can I be so bold as to say that it is also refreshing to see your perspective on the whole thing. Pets are important, loving members of our family but they are not people. Their loss is profound, but different.
So sorry for your heartache. I lost my German Shepherd baby of 14 years one year ago May 21st. He was my shadow also. This month we adopted two abandoned Lab’s and while they do in fact have a tough act to follow they have secured a place in my heart already and I love these silly dogs like crazy now. After a year of mourning it was the right time. You will know…
Dear Beth,
You are so precious and I mourn with you over the loss of your precious, precious Sunny. I am so very grateful God returned her to you when she was lost so that you would never have to wonder where she was!
I am convinced God created dogs to show humans how to love totally and unconditionally!
Nothing is too small for God to be concerned about – you teach that so don’t ever apologize for putting something like Sunny’s passing in your blog. It is who you are and we care and it is important to us and to God.
Don’t ever change precious one.
Love,
Pam Murray
Thanks for sharing. I, too, buried a beloved friend last fall. I cried for days, even weeks. There are still times I think of him and mourn. We do have another dog, and while Pete will never take Spanky’s place, we love him just as much. If I could just get him to stay out of the trash!
Isn’t God good, to give us animals to love? Do you supposed that’s how God feels about us sometimes?
Karen
Beth – My mother just had to put down her faithful companion as well. He was HER dog and no one else’s. He was 19 years old! She, like you, is very aware of the fact that it is mostly only sad to her, but she misses him! Thanks for sharing. I know it is so cliche’ to say that “God works in mysterious ways”, but this experience and you showing your feelings about your dog will minister to my mother. She is not a huge fan of women’s Bible studies, so I try to keep a steady flow of Beth Moore books and cd’s going her way. You have major credibility with her because you both faithfully fill your birdfeeders, love your pets, have grandsons named Jackson, and laugh a lot. That has opened the door for her to engage in studying the WORD! I have learned that sometimes in life it is the seemingly little things that make us feel connected, and that HE uses to help us! Thanks you for putting yourself out there for us!
Love,
Gulley from Big Mama’s
Oh Beth,
I feel your loss so deeply. Of course, you got me to thinking about my own pouch Payton who has had her own health problems during the last week. She, too is my constant companion. I love her like one of my kids and can’t even imagine my life without her.
The big mistake I made, however was reading this blog while giving my class their final exam because now I’m crying. Not a bad cry, but a deep, sad one for you, Sunny and of course I can’t stop thinking about my own sweet girl Payton. At least it’s not the ugly cry, but I have a feeling it could get ugly if I weren’t trying to maintain my composure. Thank goodness for the laptop screen–to hide behind.
So enough for now. Thanks for sharing your loss with me and know that you’ve got a friend who understand completely here in St. Louis.
Much love,
~Cheryl