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
i’m so sorry to hear about sunny. i know she was a member of the family and you’ll be in my prayers – a loss is still a loss.
much love and prayers, meg
I am sorry to hear about Sunny. I love the picture of the both of you.
Love you,
Cindi
Beth
Thank you for sharing not only your happy, triumphant moments but your moments of sorrow. It makes you so much more real and tangible to me in my mind and heart.
My heart ached with yours though I never met Sunny. I could tell she was precious and dear to you.
What a gift and example of unconditional love and faithfulness the Lord gives us in our four legged friends!
Looking forward to seeing you at Siesta Fiesta-
One of your many Siestas
Angie
We are sad for your loss. We also understand she was an extension of your family and deserves to be mourned. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings
Kelli in Colorado
Thanks for letting us know. I’m sorry you lost your beloved Sunny. I know she brought you much joy.
Beth,
I cry for you also. Just this past November I had to put my best friend Samantha, a beautiful persian kitty to sleep. Hardest thing I have ever done. I had her for 18 years and still miss her. My Sam was a very vocal kitty and demanding but I loved her! I always joked when doing your bible studies that my cat never had a problem of considering herself a child of the king and expecting to be treated like royalty! I just needed to get some of her attitude!
I believe that God gives us special pets to help us during life and to just love us. They are truly a gift and it is hard when they are gone. So, I will be praying for you. I know how hard those first couple months are (I literally did not go home at night except to sleep…luckily it was right before Christmas so I did everyone’s Christmas shopping for them…I would be in a store and would call my mom to see what was on her list and would fill the cart! Best Buy loved to see me coming with that cell phone glued to my ear)
It does get easier but I still miss her yelling at me when I get home (“Where HAVE YOU BEEN? My Bowl Has been Empty all day! Like I said, she never doubted she was a child of the king!)
Yours in Christ
Carole
Oh Beth, I’m so sorry. You’ve been such a blessing to me today. I got to my class that I normally teach on Fridays on the Captivating book. None of my gals showed up, but I desperately needed some time with Jesus. So I watched my dvd and then stuck in the Breaking Free DVD on broken hearts. So in a way you’ve been making me cry most of the day. Bless your heart. God Bless You and hold you in this season.
Gosh, I remember “meeting” Sunny years ago through your studies and conferences and being a huge dog lover(not being able to have children, my 3 dogs are my children)I weep with you. I’m sure Beanie misses Sunny too. I do hope there will be another furry family member in your home and I think you might be surprised what little ball of fur Jesus has in mind for you!!I like to think Sunny is romping in dog heaven pain free!
What a compassionate Father we have to bless us with dogs! He knew we needed faithful companions to welcome us home and love on us each day! Thank you, Lord, for the time that Beth was graced with Sunny. She brought sunshine and smiles to the Moore home … tears of joy. Smile on Beth today, precious Jesus, as only You can!
Love you, sweet siesta!
Beth,
Thank you for sharing your heart with us concerning Sunny. I feel for you! A pet makes such a special friend and companion. I am going through an unbelievable journey in my life right now and sometimes I just like to sit and pet my sweet puppy. I know she doesn’t understand what I am saying, but I definitely feel love from her.
I am so sorry for your loss and I do appreciate your comments on keeping things in perspective, but none the less I know this is a very sad time.
My prayers are with you!
Beth,
There is no sorrow too great…or too small for our Lord to share with us. I have enjoyed your Sunny stories. What a wonderful friend-I do say a prayer of thanks for all the joy she brought you and one for the Lord’s sweet comfort at your loss.
Love to you, Siesta,
Kathy
Blessed with 5 sent me your way…seems we have a post in common.
My heart breaks for you because I truely know how you feel. Our pets are so special to us.Ya kinda feel silly but they are true members of our family and losing them hurts…
I cried reading this. I’m sorry for your loss. We have a dog that we consider family – we’ve even flown him to Idaho (from Florida) so he could be with us on vacation, so I can imagine your hurt.
So sorry Beth!
Dear Beth,
Best friends are ment to be commemerated. That’s what the picture says to me. With a smile and a twinkle in your eye for your beloved Sunny, and the sweet way she leans into her best friend.
Jesus is so sweet and tenderhearted to give us a companion that burrows into our heart in ways that we can’t imagine. I love that HE loves us like that. Be blessed with all your memories and let your heart be tended to. Love you much and send an extra hug your way.
Your siesta in So Cal.
Celeste
Ah Beth 🙁
I know there is so much heartache right now and day in and day out in this world, but our pets love us and are loyal to us when nobody else is. I got teary-eyed for you and completely understand loving a dog so much that it hurts. I’m glad you had such a faithful companion for so many years. 🙂
Love,
Missy in SC
So sorry for your Sunny loss. I am sad with you ’cause I have little companions myself.
Well, I am sitting here at work in the pharmacy bawling my eyes out. This just brought back such memories, still a bit raw, of when I had to put my beloved cats whom I had had for 16 years out of their misery. My heart was broken over the first one I had to send off to animal heaven because of acute kidney failure and then 5 days later, yes only 5 days later, the other one broke her leg and had to be put down.
I know they are just animals but I had them longer than I’ve had my husband and as much as I love him, some days I would have rather have had the cats.:) (Only kidding!!) They truly were members of my family. I miss their little furry faces even after 3 years.
Dear Beth, I am so sorry for your loss but I am glad you had so many good years with sweet Sunny.
Your Georgia siesta loves all of you.
Leah
From one pet lover to another…I am so sorry to hear about Sunny. I wept as I read your post…knowing the pain that you must be going through.I know that so many memories are attached to Sunny and he was indeed a special part of your family.Dog lovers understand that love completely.I had a dog for 13 years,who also had cancer.My parents and brother were attached to those good memories… they had passed away about 4 years prior.Being single..he was such a Godsend for me during those difficult days. It is hard…real hard! When God created dogs…He sent us one incredible creature… with such unconditional love! I have no doubt,that Sunny lived the good life and he knew that he was well loved!!! Beth…you and your family did win the try-outs many years ago. Like any top contender they want the best to go after them! It sounds like it was a win-win for you both! I pray that God will overwhelm you with His love and bring to mind those special memories that you and your family shared with Sunny.
love and prayers
I’m sad with you, Beth. I pray God will come especially close to you. I’ve lost dear furry friends, too and it’s never easy, even if it eased suffering. He comforts those who mourn – no matter why.
My favorite memory of your dogs is them barking their heads off while you were trying to do a live radio interview on the phone. I don’t know when I’ve laughed so hard since. May the joyful memories buoy you in your sadness now.
Thanks for being real – pain and all.
Love in Christ,
Loree
Oh I am SO very sorry Beth! It is not trivial at all – I will be in prayer for you! Sunshine
Beth, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know your heart must be hurting and heavy. I love you!
She sounded like a very special dog, I’m sure she will be missed. I had a black Lab that was like family.
My dear Beth,
My heart aches for you. I too have had to put down a beloved four legged friend, and at a desperately difficult time in my life. She was my best friend and companion and one who listened as though she understood.
Thank you for your honesty and sharing.
I hope no one walks in on me right now because I am crying like Niagara Falls. When I saw your picture with Sunny I knew. You say not to pray for you but I will anyway. God put it on my heart seven months ago to get a yellow labrador and name him Ecclesiastes. That is exactly what we did and Ecclesi has lit up this house like the 4th of July. Such absolute joy. I already dread the day he dies. I simply cannot imagine.
I look forward to the day you get a new puppy. Oh the “tails” we’ll hear!
Much love in Christ,
Nancy
PS-If the lion will lay down with the lamb in heaven, Sunny will be there too!
Im so so sorry! I do understand. I love all my dogs but some are just more special than others. Love you!
Dearest,
Just know I’m sitting with you, not really knowing what to say. I guess I won’t try.
Sometimes the troubles of this world have us sit in silence a while with eachother.
Much Love
Heidi in WI
I had to let my precious Sally go to eternal sleep today, Friday. SHe has been with me for 15 years. My eyes are so swollen from tears I cannot see. I too, held my baby as she went to sleep. Life is hard, and I understand this horrid grief. Just 2 weeks ago we buried my wonder father-in-law also. May has not been a great month.
Debbie, South Carolina
Dearest Beth,
I’m grieving with you at your lost of sweet Sunny. Those 4 legged wonders touch a sweet place in our heart. They love us unconditionally. We had to put our dear cat Pixie to sleep last year. She had been eating the “poisoned” cat food that was innocently being sold in stores. Talk about saddness. I came home and had to take care of burying her before my daughter got home from school. I cried the whole time. I found a beautiful place out in the yard under some trees and I let my daughter pick out the flowers and plant them. Now when we look out the window we see that peaceful place and know that Pixie is no longer suffering. Big hugs to you! Jenny F.
I have for many years heard you talk about Sonnie. I know that you are going to miss her terribly. I think most of us have been there. It brought to mind something that has stayed with me all week. Tuesday I saw a female cardinal hit by a car. When she went down her mate immediately flew to her side. She had died instantly it appeared. He just stood over her and watched as if he did not want to leave her and did not know what to do. I found myself praying for his comfort. It was one of the sweetest things I have ever seen. I’m so thankful that God gave us animals.
Oh, Beth, I know that pain. I have held a dog while being put to sleep. It is gut wrenching pain. But how awesome you could be with her in the end.
I am so sad for your loss. I grieve with you.
Love,
Steph
Beth,
Thank you for sharing our little sunny with us, I have a little Simon, and he is my little shadow… He turns 9 this summer, and he is a faithful friend…
YOu are all in my prayers…
Connie
GBU
Dear Beth,
So sorry for your loss of your dear companion.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Thank you for sharing these beautiful thoughts of a faithful friend.
Your self-less expression and encouragement to pray for others going through difficult times has just endeared you even deeper to my heart.
Love & hugs,
Joy
Beth,
I know Sunny has a special place in your heart. Check out “Dog Heaven” by Cynthia Rylant – many a student of mine has found comfort in this sweet children’s book. Thank you for sharing this detail of your life with us.
What a sweet picture!!!
And I am soooooo sorry to hear that. 🙁 It makes me wanna cry…
*Hugs*….
Sweet, sweet Beth…I’m so glad you had Sunny and Sunny had you! What a beautiful mental picture I have of you holding her precious head and affirming her as she passed on. We lost our beloved Gabby a few years ago and I wanted to share a mental picture with you. Our whole family slept in our room (my husband’s and mine) the last night with Gabby before her morning appointment at the Vets. Even my daughter, Katie’s, best friend was there on the floor beside her being a support to my daughter. Gabby always slept with Katie and she was so sad. Anyway, sometime during the night, little, immobile Gabby picked her body up and inched over to wear Katie was sleeping so she could be near her. It was the most precious thing. Thanks for sharing about Sunny. I do care. And I love you much.
Jax in AK
Last year, after Chad died, our family dog passed away. Chad had gotten him years ago, but “Rupp” had been kicked ou of college, so he had been the family dog ever since. The whole ordeal, obviously, wasn’t as gut wrenching as losing my brother. But…that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt like the dickens. To true dog -lovers, they truly are our constant and oh-so-loyal companions. We’re their entire worlds…and that’s a privilege, really.
I don’t share all this to be selfish…just to point out that even at a moment in my life when I had tremendous insight on heartache and grief and true loss after Chad’s death…my dog dying still tore me out of the frame. They’re family. Plain and simple.
It’s okay every now and again to lay on the floor and sob…even over a dog.
So…I will pray for you tonight. You gave that dog a heckuva life, I know. And, as a animal-lover, I really appreciate you for it.
Big hugs, Miss Beth. Big big hugs.
Dear Beth,
I am sitting here bawling as well. I know is the scheme of things the passing of these precious souls pales in the shadow of things like Africa, sex slavery, cancer… the list is endless… But losing a friend of so many years is painful as well…the same week Sunny had been lost I had to put my beloved friend of 15 years down… I know exactly how you feel… I miss her terribly she was always with me. I completely agree with you, dont tell me dogs dont go to heaven.. Please know I will be praying for you and your family. My friend was an adorable black and white cocker spaniel named Lucky Lucy…Lucy for short. Beth it is a great privilege to share in great joy as well as great loss with you as well as all the siestas, praying for each other and praising with each other is what this is all about.. God Bless you and Sunny!
Mary
Beth,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Bless your ever lovin’ heart. You cry as much as you need over the loss of your dog. May I suggest you have a cup of Blue Bell Ice Cream? That might help ease the pain a little. Or, fly your Melissa in and have her whip up a tart or two. It won’t take the pain away but it will make the day a little sweeter. 🙂
Love you so much,
Kristen
Ã’m so very sorry. Friends share in joy and in grief. Sharing your grief today. ((hugs))
Thanks for sharing.
Oh Beth, I am so sorry! What a tremendous loss of a such a faithful companion. I know she will be missed greatly. I am thankful that you had so many wonderful years full of wonderful memories with her. I love that picture of the two of you! Thinking of you!
Dedicated to Sunny:
Sunny
oh, it is sad. we get so attached to these animals….sweet memories will come after the tears.
Ah Beth — my heart aches with yours. I’ve lost precious pets through the years and I know the sadness. When the time is right a new puppy will find his way into your heart. Maxx, my 2-year old mutt, found us on Main Street when he was just a few weeks old. He jumped into my car and my heart.
Beth, I know how much you loved your sweet Sunny and grieve over your loss with you. I am uplifted though to see how the death of a dear sweet pet can be used to bring over 300 women to their knees. Is God not awesome. When we truly care about each other there is nothing so small that we can not come together on our knees and reach out for his grace. I was just listening to Casting Crowns, “East to West” and praying for you. The portion of the song that sings of “Jesus your holding on to me” gives me peace and security and I hope that you are feeling HIS hand holding yours today. Thanks for sharing with us. In His Love, Lori
Oh for Heaven Sakes Beth! Being that I am single my dogs have been more than pets they are my life. I lost Butterscotch just 2 yrs ago this August and I still feel the pain…Prayer you betcha! I needed it bad. And Another dog was at my side that day cause my butter dog wanted it that way. Now I have Max and He is my lover boy! I so understand your loss. And though you did not ask Prayer you’ll get! Tee
Beth,
Thank you for sharing the beautiful picture, and even more, thank you for sharing these parts of your life….it makes me feel like family.
Blessings on you and your family, including Beanie.
Love,
Karen K.
Houston
Tears and hugs. The loss of a pet is hard and hurts too. I still cry alittle over the loss of my childhood companion who died over four years ago. They are special blessings to us and saying good-bye hurts! I love the pic of you two. There’s something very special about those graying muzzles our old friends get. 🙂 Hugs!
so sorry, beth. i understand your wonderful attitude about this, even as tears sprang to my eyes. thank you for sharing this with us – it is an honor to journey with you…