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
Beth,
What a precious picture of you and your beloved companion. The loss of Sunny matters to us because we know you love her so. Our dogs are such faithful friends, aren’t they? It’s been 3 years since we lost our sweet Macy girl and there are days I can still cry just thinking of her. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Love always,
Tracy
I am so sorry to hear of your faithfull friends passing, but so glad that Jesus…He is It!!…gave him to you to enjoy – T in GA
Beth,
I know that you know that anything that touches our hearts touches the Father’s too. Your tears are special to Him and your transparency is special to us. Praying for you.
In His Name,
Libbi
Oh Mamma Beth, My heart is broken for you. I cried for you when she was lost, cried with joy that she was returned to you. Now I have cried for you loss. I know you loved Sunny like crazy. I am praying that your heart will heal. Even though dont know each other personally I still hate for you to hurt.
Love,
Ashley
Thanks for sharing, Beth. I’m crying as I type this, as I vividly remember holding my sweet poodle’s face while she was put to sleep several years ago. She, too, had lived a very long life and stood by my side through some hard times. As tough as it was for me, I knew I needed to be by her side during her final moments on this earth. I appreciate you sharing this tender moment. Dogs truly are like members of the family, and we are forever changed because of their selfless, unconditional love. So sorry for your loss.
I’m crying as I read your email and am emailing back. We all love our dear, sweet pets. I’m truly sorry for your loss. I pray for you anyway for some peace. Even though it’s a pet it still hurts just as bad as anyone passing away. Always remember the fun you had with her. Love you lots, Mary Anne
Awww, Beth, I am so sorry to hear about Sunny. Thanks for letting us know. Not many dogs are so exceptionally wonderful — or so famous! I’ve always liked finding her in your stories; thank you for sharing her with us.
Love,
Alyson
I went through the same thing just 2 1/2 months ago and I know how your heart is hurting. Having to say goodbye to a faithful companion of sixteen years was very hard. Sending a hug to you…
It’s so remarkable to me the level of connection we sometimes build with our pets. . .as you wrote your post I definitely connected with your emotions. It brought me back to a year and a half ago when I stood in the vet’s office, petting the face of my family’s beloved dog Carmel, as the vet put her to sleep for the last time. I mourned for a quite some time and am in tears even now. Soon after her death I recalled that in her earlier years (she lived to be 15), I had told her over and over about Jesus, so that she wouldn’t miss out on eternity in heaven. And I remembered that old movie “All Dogs Go To Heaven”. I don’t know how God works all of that out, but I trust Him. Thank you for sharing about this happening in your life, Beth. I am so sorry for the pain of losing such a friend.
So sorry for your loss! But I am glad you shared this with us.
Beth, I am so so sorry. I lost my first beloved dog, Henry, a few years ago and it about broke me. He had been my faithful companion for 5 years, through a nasty breakup, onto a happier marriage, and through so many ups and downs. God placed Sunny in your life, because He knew you’d be the best Momma for her…nobody else.
So don’t feel bad about wanting prayers, even if there are other more “dire” issues to pray over. There are many of us…we can pray over many things. My prayer today is over your aching heart. I just “get” that.
Oh, Beth!! 🙁 I’m so, so sorry. I compltely know how you feel, when I lost my dog a few years ago I wrote/felt this:
“We hugged him there on the sheet. I hugged his belly and chest and cried into his fur, and was like this when I felt his last breath leave him. It only took 15-20 seconds from the first injection of anesthesia–so quick. Too quick.
I felt him die…I felt him leave, all around me–even before I felt that last breath leave his body, I just knew he wasn’t there anymore–he was gone.
If I’d been inside the house, I’m convinced I would have felt it still. It’s like there’s life…more than physical breath and bloodflow, but life, and then it’s gone, and you’re left with just a shell. It’s more than the absence of a functioning body, it’s the complete vacating of a personality. It’s not the way things were created to be, and as I said before, I’m so glad this is my only intimate acquaintace with grief. Praise God He has remedied the curse of death for us and our loved ones with His precious Son.”
Anyone who has ever loved a dog knows exactly how that hurts- and it DOES HURT. Love you and am praying for you-
Katie
PS- I began crying just reading the title and seeing the picture!
🙁
No one knows how bad it hurts to lose your loving pet. I had not grown up with dogs in the house and our BO had the run of ours. I miss his excitement when I came home and no one else acknowledged I was there, I love when he looked up at me when I was ironing as if to say hey how about a walk. I am so sorry for your loss and feel the pain in your heart. It’s been a year since BO died on May 30th, and when I look at his sunning spot, now his resting spot I cry like it was yesterday. My heart hurts for you.
Oh, sweet Beth. I totally understand your sadness as we’ve also had to put our faithful, wonderful dog to rest. I pray that you will continue to enjoy the memories and great times you’ve had with your dear dog.
Oh, Beth…. I am a friend in Elizabeth City N.C. who is sitting at a coffee shop sobbing (facing the wall thankfully). We have a puppy child as well and I know the Lord will bless you with another friend! Thanks for sharing your life with me. You have rocked my world with a fire for the Word that I intend to ignite in anyone who will listen!
Kelly
Beth, I’ve been out of town and just read your post. I’m so sorry! How you must miss your precious Sunny!
Sweet Beth,
I am sssooo behind that I am just now finding out about your beloved Sunny. I know just how you feel, and last year, at just about this time, we found ourselves without any animals for the first time in our entire married life – 39 years. As sad as we were….and our pets are buried in our garden at the foot of a fountain … we decided to wait a while before getting another animal. By Thanksgiving, I knew it was just a matter of time, so I rescued another animal from the SPCA at Christmas….and this time he is a black cocker spaniel (purebred, we think) with brown eyebrows, and I had to change his name, so I named him MOSES. He is hilarious…loves praise music and banana pudding. God bless your sweet heart, dear one. There will never be another Sunny, but you will love another dog. Be kind to yourself as you grieve this very real loss. I am praying for you.
Dear Beth, I’m catching up on last week’s posts–so much has happened in a week. I’m so sorry about the loss of your sweet Sunny. Losing a dear pet is like losing a member of your family, even though I know it doesn’t compare to the loss of a human member. That was very thoughtful of you to be so sensitive to the losses of others in telling us your news. Sending you a hug.
Love, Karen in OC
Oh, Beth…I’m so sorry. I love pets, too and consider them a member of the family. I understand your sadness. I’m praying that God will bring sweet memories to you that will have you smiling through your tears as you remember your dear Sunny.
Hugs and love to you.
Bless your heart about your Sunny… I have an old friend too. Yesterday she fell down on our daily walk and just for a few seconds, she wouldn’t or couldn’t get up. She just looked at me like, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” My sweet girl is getting old too…
Bless your heart. Thank you for letting us know.
Our life has been so busy that I just had a chance to catch up on the blog. I’m sorry to hear about Sunny and am glad to hear your handling it well.
Please consider yourself hugged by this tearful siesta.
Love in Christ,
Anna
hope you don’t mind if we pray for you anyway. Just a mention. We promise not to spend hours on it.
Love you too.
Deirdre
Oh Beth–I’m just now seeing this and I’M SO SORRY for your loss. Dogs are a BIG deal, sister. I’m a firm believer in that bumper sticker that says, “Lord, help me be the person my dog thinks I am.” ‘Nuff said, right?
I’m lifting you up right now! Love you.
From one animal lover to another, I am aware of the sorrow a favorite family pet can bring. I lost my Austrailian cattle dog of 15 years in Sept. Its hard to imagine their sweet face not around. My dog of 15 years had done so much life with me. I rescued him while still in high school, he came to live with me after getting married, he saw 3 sweet girls become part of our family, how could I imagine life without him around. Thank you for sharing your loss of sweet Sunny. The memories and time shared are now bundled up with sweet joy inside. The blessings a sweet animal can bring. Hugs and blessings.
On May 29th the day of this blog, I too had to say good bye to my 14 year companion, Puddin, the pug. A dear friend of mine told me of your blog and suggested I read it. Thank you so much for sharing. My heart has been so heavy, it feels that I will never get over it although I know I will. My tears are staining my keyboard as I type. My comfort is knowing she is with my husband, who she dearly loved, running all over heaven.
Oh Beth, I feel what you’re going through – dogs are such gifts & I’m so glad Sunny & you were so close – you ARE in our prayers even though you’re not asking. You are special to us so when you hurt, we hurt & we pray for you.
Love always,
Beth- I have to tell you I just know that we have to be related. he he. Last night my husband had to put my girlfriend of 15 years down. Hailey & I had been then girl team in our house of 3 boys (and 2 male dogs) for a long time. I cried like a baby over her and asked God to pet her in a special way- then I started feeling silly for being so upset over my friend. But God brought to mind that it is ok to be sad. I thank you for sharing your story with us!! You and your ministry are such a blessing to me and yall are in my prayers.
Smooches and Blessings
Sandi
Dear Sister Beth,
Losing a pet hurts and I’m thankful Jesus knows it does. We lost a beloved old Siamese guy last year and I still cry about him sometimes. Thank you for posting the picture. Sunny has such a sweet sweet face. May God comfort you in many ways.
Love,
Becky
Sometimes our pets are better friends than humans. I dont know how many times I have held my Sadie girls and cried my eyes out. And sometimes we need to know its ok to hurt for non human friends just like we would our human ones. I thank God for my non human friends.
In Christs love
Melissa in Ohio
OH Beth…You are so caring about us. I cried reading your post,it was so sweet and heartfelt both about your lost loved one and your loved ones in blog world. Such a tender and wise heart you have.
Here’s something to make you hopefully smile & laugh…my sweet 6 year old brought home her 1st grade journal. Writings she’s done througout her schooling. I got excited when I came across a journal entry from May 6th titled “My Mom”. My mom’s name is Lelia. She is 37. She is white and thick.
Thick? The doctor told me I’m “slightly obese” for 6 years and that did nothing but make me eat more…a 6 yr old writes to her teacher that I’m “thick” and I’m starting ‘Beginner’s Luck’ tomorrow night…a beginner’s 8 week running clinic.
I bet if doctor’s had children as their “helper’s” to tell us like it is, there wouldn’t be as many “slightly obese, thick” people in the world!
Oh and about an hour ago she copied a 1-800 off an infomericial for the Tweezy for hair removal. With much excitement she told me I can get the hair off my arms, legs, underarms, lip and chin for only $19.99!
So apparently I need a Sunny in my life…one who doesn’t think I’m white, thick and hairy!
I hope you got a laugh out of this Beth.
Love you,
Lelia
My heart broke as I read about your precious baby. A few years ago I lot my precious Berkley. He was only four years old and was my Heart Dog. He was a little yorkie and was attacked by a big dog. I have had two yorkies since then but I will never be as close to them as I was Berkley. He was also my shadow and we even hid him in a box and brought him to the hospital when I was in for two weeks. When the nurse came in to take my vitals, he hid under the covers and never made a sound. He knew he was somewhere he shouldn’t be but he was with him “mom” and that was all that matters. I do understand what your heart is doing right now and it hurts. People who are not animal lovers just don’t get it. You do know what dog spelled backwards is..don’t think that is an accident!
Beth,
My heart breaks for you! I have always appreciated your dog stories in your studies because I can so relate. I have 2 beautiful yellow labs (Abby & Mindy) that are a wonderful source of love and comfort to my entire family. My girl Abby is totally devoted to me and is almost 9 years old. She is with me everywhere, always watchful and always protective. My daughter (Tori now almost 4) instantly become part of Abby’s responsibility when we brought her home from the hospital. What a wonderful dog, I can not even put into words how awesome she is!
When my grandma died 7 years ago and my husband worked the night shift I simply spent some evenings crying my eyes out on the kitchen floor while these 2 dogs comforted me ~ Oh, I love them still for it!
Dogs are God’s creatures too and we are blessed to be called to care for them:) Proverbs 12:10 says “A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal…..”. You faithfully cared for your Sonny and blessed are you for it!
Thank you, Beth for sharing her stories with us! We too have been blessed by your wonderful four-legged family member!
I have been praying for you and your ministry for quite some time and am blessed to be able to do so now with the loss of your faithful Sunny!
God bless you today and always!
I’m so sorry. My little companion, with her greying face and paws, has loved me so much. the unconditional love of a pet like that is really heavenly. i cry with you too.
Dogs In Heaven?
An old man and his dog were walking down this dirt road with fences on both sides, they came to a gate in the fence and looked in, it was nice grassy, woody areas, just what a ‘huntin’ dog and man would like, but, it had a sign saying ‘no trespassing’ so they walked on. They came to a beautiful gate with a person in white robes standing there. “Welcome to Heaven” he said. The old man was happy and started in with his dog following him. The gatekeeper stopped him. “Dogs aren’t allowed, I’m sorry but he can’t come with you.”
“What kind of Heaven won’t allow dogs? If he can’t come in, then I will stay out with him. He’s been my faithful companion all his life, I can’t desert him now.”
“Suit yourself, but I have to warn you, the Devil’s on this road and he’ll try to sweet talk you into his area, he’ll promise you anything, but the dog can’t go there either. If you won’t leave the dog, you’ll spend Eternity on this road.”
So the old man and dog went on. They came to a rundown fence with a gap in it, no gate, just a hole. Another old man was inside. “S’cuse me Sir, my dog and I are getting mighty tired, mind if we come in and sit in the shade for awhile?”
“Of course, there’s some cold water under that tree over there. Make yourselves comfortable”
“You’re sure my dog can come in? The man down the road said dogs weren’t allowed anywhere.”
“Would you come in if you had to leave the dog?”
“No sir, that’s why I didn’t go to Heaven, he said the dog couldn’t come in.
We’ll be spending Eternity on this road, and a glass of cold water and some shade would be mighty fine right about now. But, I won’t come in if my buddy here can’t come too, and that’s final.”
The man smiled a big smile and said “Welcome to Heaven.”
“You mean this is Heaven? Dogs ARE allowed? How come that fellow down the road said they weren’t?”
“That was the Devil and he gets all the people who are willing to give up a life long companion for a comfortable place to stay. They soon find out their mistake, but then it’s too late. The dogs come here, the fickle people stay there. GOD wouldn’t allow dogs to be banned from Heaven. After all, HE created them to be man’s companions in life, why would he separate them in death?”
Author Unknown
I wanted to share this. God has a special place in Heaven for our furry angels!
God Bless You!
Tishira
God’s lending of animals to us is one of the sweetest blessings we have. I am reminded of one of my very favorite quotes by Edith Wharton.
“My little ‘ole dog….a heartbeat at my feet.”
How true.
I’ve been thinking about something this week and it keeps bouncing in my head so I am going to share it with the siestas. I heard someone say on a tv show, “If your good enough to come in second in the Olympics than your good enough to feel disappointed about not coming in first”. I heard another say this week that the hurt we feel can’t be minimized just because someone else’s hurt is caused by a “bigger” tragedy. God only gives us what we can bear with Him. If we haven’t been asked to go through something yet, we aren’t ready for it. So allow yourself to receive the sympathy that is offered, because, your pain is as real and important to you as others. You aren’t trying to steal the sympathy from another worthy need, there is enough to go around.
Beth, just discovered LPM Blog today. What a beautiful picture of you and your dog. Good friends of our had to put their Golden Retriever dog to sleep yesterday, June 4th. She was very sick (came up sudden) and they had not other choice but to put her out of her to be suffering. We go camping with them and so we have also gotten attached to “Misty”. Grief emotions are at their highest and they need prayers. They had her for I think 12 years. We felt that she was almost human – she just couldn’t talk. God blesses us with His creation and it is so hard to loose them when we do. I will pray for you Beth and that you will feel God’s comforting arms around you. You are an inspiration to me and I watch you every Wed. with Beth on Jim and Betty Robinson’s show.
God Bless,
Judy from Charlotte, NC
beth, i am so sorry to hear about sunny. i know how much she meant to you and keith. greg and i cried reading this again tonight. the picture of the two of you is very precious. you always seem to be able to put things in such good perspective but i know it hurts deep.
i just love you to pieces. ~janel
I’m so behind on the Blog, but this is one of the first posts I went to…I am so sorry… I too have looked into the very loyal eyes of a best bud as he breathed his last and hoped he knew just what he had meant to me…don’t you think there is a place for them in Heaven? Boy, I sure hope so… God knows what them mean to us, and He created them. He must have something for them too… Love you,
Oh Aunt Lizby, I am sooo sorry to hear this. I remember Sunny well. This breaks my heart. You need to just call Amanda whenever your heart is aching so you can squeeze on Jackson for a while. Just be careful that he hasn’t been digging around in his diaper before!!
LOVE U!
Hi Beth. I know this is a long shot, but I wanted to ask you for something. My mother had to put down her best friend this morning. Grace has been with Mama for 15 years, and had just gone so far down in her health, Mom couldn’t let her suffer. We understand that dogs aren’t people, but our dogs are such a part of our family. Mom is being so sweet about it, but she is absolutely devastated, being that it just happened this morning.
As we were speaking on the phone afterwards (she lives in TX, I’m in MS, so I’m not able to be with her today, Lord bless her) I just kept thinking about this post that I cried over and knew that you would completely understand the place she is in right now.
Like I said, I know it’s going out on a limb, but do you think you could send her a little “you’re not alone” note? She is such a wonderful woman, she has been such a great mom over the years, and now that I’m grown and a mother myself, she’s become the best friend I could ask for. I’m sad over losing my friend from childhood in this dog, but my heart is absolutely broken for my mother.
Her name is Linda Smith, her email address is [email protected]
I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t post this comment because of the personal information, but I appreciate you taking the time to read this.
God bless you, Beth!
I am so sorry about your little dog’s passing. They are indeed special companions and when you have them for a long time, it is harder to say goodbye. I love the picture of the two of you together.
Beckie
I have been absent for several days and just read about Sunny. Oh, how sad. With your God-given gift of making us all feel welcome in your life, she seemed like our dog, too… I cried like crazy when I read your post… Big hugs.. She was lucky to have you, and you were blessed to have her…. Love you…
Beth,
It’s your dog lover friend in Christ, Mary Engle. I bawled my eyes out when I read about Sunny. I have loved all of your dogs from a distance! Of course, Toby will always be my fav. I love what dog spells backwards! There has been many a kid or adult that has opened up to me because a dog was between us. (I have a dog named Trooper that I take to school with me sometimes. One time he pee’d in the principals office. Some kids might think he’s one smart dog!!! Anyway, I still have Cricket (She’s too onry and won’t ever go to school. She’d chase the kids down the hall instead of help them!!!) Sometimes I think back on the time when I brought her to Sunday School. Is she the only dog you’ve ever had come to Sunday School? Much love to you my sweet sister as you prepare the days for a new four legged friend.
One of the funniest things you’ve ever recounted on your Bible study videos was the story of your live telephone interview while Keith and the girls left you at home… with the dogs. You imitated so hilariously how they howled and barked at each other and carried on for an hour while you hid in your closet and had a conversation with your interviewer. I see little Sunny there in the picture and know that both you and Beanie (and the rest of your family) have lost a dear loved one. Thank you for sharing the stories with us.
To all doggy lovers:
A Dog’s Purpose Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away..The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ‘I know why.’Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation.He said, ‘People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?’ The six-year-old continued, ‘Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.’Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply..
Speak kindly.Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like… When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you’re not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.Be always grateful for each new day and for the blessing you have.In loving memory of Belker.
Dear Beth, thank you for your wonderful blog and photo. I lost my sweet cat Dorrie to cancer Friday, May 30 at home in the wee hours of the morning. It is so painful, as you said, and so difficult to see them suffer. My heart hurts with you! I’m confident we’ll “all” be together again! Bless you.
Ann
Bedford, VA
Oh, my dear Beth… I just saw you in MN and heard of your sad news about losing both of your furry friends and then I read past blogs and learned a little more about your loss. I have tears streaming down my face now and have been exactly where you were. God gives us these precious creatures as a gift and I truly believe that we will see them in heaven. You are in my prayers. Thank you for sharing such a personal time.
With love,
Jodi
I am not sure this post will be visible to the moderators since it is so old, but I cried when I first read it and went back in the middle of the night last night after putting my 16 year old kitty to sleep yesterday. I am like a train wreck and feel guilty b/c I know so many people under my care as director of women's ministry who are suffering with serious life issues.
This sweet cat ministered to me so often in college and as I met and married the husband of my dreams…through the pregnancy and birth of my children and especially through the death of our baby who died in utero. As I laid & cried for days and weeks afer he laid with his head on my shoulder and a paw on my face, purring loud enough to drown out the sound of my sobs. He never tired of my grief. I truly feel he was the hand of God caring for me during that time. To say I will miss him is like saying the ocean is a large pond…
All that said, I found your post and read again about Sunny and Beanie and life after with Star and Geli. I have a sweet beagle who knows I am sad now and has not left my side since we got home. I know I will feel that love again, but dang it hurts today! Thank you for acknowledging this pain with us.