Response from Mom:
My Dear Siestas, thank you so much for your love and kindness toward us in the loss of our beloved Beanie and in only three weeks from the day that we lost my constant shadow, Sunny. This time I didn’t feel the least funny about you expending energy to pray for us, even if it seemed silly to some. Between the loss of them both, we are torn up. Just torn up. Have cried more in the last three days than I have cried in the last five years put together. When your kids are grown and you’re nurturers by nature like Keith and I are, your pets have a whole different place in the home because you center so much of your activity around them and affection upon them. They are gifts from God to lonesome people. The four of us – Keith, Sunny, Beanie, and I – did everything together. We even took them to Sonic and knew what they liked to order.
The whole time we were enduring Sunny’s tests, terminal diagnosis then death, Keith and I kept saying to one another in tears, “As painful as this is, can you imagine if this were Beanie??” Then before we could even recover, it was. She was just so much younger and such a spoiled baby that we couldn’t stand to think about it. We knew it would be even worse. And, Lord have mercy, was it ever. Her cancer went to the brain in a flash so hers was a very violent death compared to Sunny’s peaceful slipping away. Beanie had non-stop seizures for the last six hours. Enduring those hours before the vet’s office opened with her in such pain was just terrible. She was such a beauty. Such an exquisite animal that people would stop us on the streets and ask us what breed she was. And simply the funniest dog ever. I’ll add one story to Amanda’s wonderful tribute. Beanie loved to “hold hands.” She’d sit next to you, upright like a person, in the car or on the couch and hold out her paw so you’d hold hands with her. You couldn’t resist it because of the sad look she’d get on her face if you didn’t give in. Keith has been on so many road trips where he’s had to say to her, “Beanie, Daddy’s gotta rest his arm! I’m bout to get a cramp in my shoulder!” So darling. We will miss her terribly. Siesta who also has the German Shorthair, your comment made us laugh for the first time. Beanie hunted lizards, too!
So many of you were right on target: It won’t be long till we fill our house with puppies again. We’ll take a little while to recover then dive back in. And they’ll drive us crazy for two solid years and chew up half the furniture. And we won’t care because Keith and I are dog people, plain and simple. Keep the fancy house. We’ll take rompin’ stompin’ dogs. Tranquility never has been what we’ve looked for in a home. We like L-I-F-E even if it covers the couch with fur. Thank you for your sweet hearts toward us and for joining us in giving thanks to our marvelous God for saving my man from harm. You should see his truck. He came so close to driving off that bridge. I kept thinking yesterday, “I could be planning my husband’s funeral.” Perspective.
I love you guys so much. Thanks again for the lavish support. In ways too personal to reflect on a blog, the last couple of months have been hard. My main consolation is that God’s Word is never more alive to me and His Presence never more palpable than when I’m hurting and need it. Need HIM. Oh, I love Him so. I’d rather have Jesus than anything on earth.
Sweet friends, my mom asked me to tell you what has been going on in our lives this week. As you know, just three weeks ago my parents had to say goodbye to their dear old dog, Sunny. We never would have thought that just 13 days later, their dog Beanie would turn up with cancerous tumors throughout her body. My parents had a sad and tumultuous week doing absolutely everything they could to help her. My dad did so much driving back and forth from Houston to Beanie’s special vet in South Texas that he fell asleep at the wheel and had an accident on Tuesday night. He hit the guardrail while driving on an overpass. Thank God, he was unharmed and no other cars were involved. We are so grateful for God’s protection.
It breaks my heart to have to tell you that Beanie died yesterday morning. She had to be put down after a very long night of continuous seizures that couldn’t be stopped. I know Beanie is out of pain, but my parents are swimming in it. Granted, if you could choose your pain, we would 100% choose this over losing or having a sick family member. There’s no doubt about that. Our pain is microscopic compared to what so many are going through. But man, this life can hurt, can’t it? In a million different ways.
Beanie was the baby of the family. She came along in 1999 when my parents were creeping up on the empty nest years. I was already in college and Melissa was getting ready to be a senior in high school. Add that to the fact that Beanie contracted a fatal disease from a thorn in South Texas when she was only a year old. Every single birthday she had was a gift. We celebrated her big time because we weren’t supposed to have much time with her. Our family definitely felt that God had done a miracle for us by letting her even live past her third birthday. All that to say, she was babied and given lots of attention from the very beginning.
When my dad first brought her home as a puppy, mom was in the Philippines. Dad charged me with babysitting the new puppy while he was at work. She was so precious and so bad. Melissa and I told him he was going to be in huge trouble when mom got home. I think he was in a little bit of trouble, but mom couldn’t resist the puppy breath and she fell in love with “Sabine.” It wasn’t long before mom and dad were referring to Beanie as our “sister.”
Beanie was an extremely energetic dog. She loved to run. She was incredibly fast, especially in her younger days. If you opened up the front door and there happened to be a squirrel, cat, or rabbit somewhere on the street that she had been eyeing through the window, look out. She could worm her way out the door and fly down the street like a streak of white light. We called this phenomenon a “beanie ran.” For example, Mom might answer my call breathless and frustrated and say, “Oh, we’ve just had a beanie ran. It was a really bad one. It took us thirty minutes to get her back in the house.”
Mom and I were talking about how much of our family vernacular, inside jokes, and silly songs have to do with that dog. Perhaps the most distinct phrase she inspired was “good for bad.” Beanie was terrible for the first two years of her life. She did beanie rans, she gnawed at your hand when you tried to pet her, she destroyed all her stuffed animals within minutes (including dear old Spitty Chicken), etc. Clearly, she was bad. So when she had a good day, we called her “good for bad.” When she had a bad day, she was “bad for bad,” which we all know is really bad. Our Beanie songs included “Hold me closer, teeny Beanie,” and “Hey Beansie! You’re so sweet, your feet smell like people feet! Hey Beansie!” (This latter was more like a cheer.)
Beansie, as vibrant and fun as she was, always had an empty place in her heart. Why was that? Well, someone mean and bad took her tail when she was only a pup. She was practically obsessed with it. The stump was known as the “tootsie tail.” It wagged with mind-boggling speed. If you stared too long at it you might fall under its spell and be made to give Beansie all the Meaty Bones in the pantry at once. Beanie really appreciated it when we held her tail still so that she could reach around and see it, smell it, and nibble on it a bit. When we let go she would spin around like a whirling dervish. Whirling Beanie, if you will. Dad was not too happy about us doing it, but it was so funny.
One of Beanie’s favorite things in all of life was to go on car rides. Dad would drive, mom would sit in the back seat, and Beanie would sit up front in the passenger seat. If you tried to usurp her throne next to dad, she would climb all over you and make you miserable until you finally moved to the back. In time we all accepted it. There are some large fields close to my parents’ house and they would drive over there with both dogs in the car. At just the right moment, they would open the door and both dogs would jump out and take off like a flash. They would run and run and run, stirring up all the rascally rabbits from their hiding places. When they started howling and picked up their speed, we always knew they had found one. Those bunnies always outran the dogs, but they had a great time in the chase.
Beansie was a great snuggler. She could spoon like a person. She also liked to lay her head on a pillow and be tucked in under sheets. Mom and Dad would call Melissa and me in to say goodnight to our sister. We would go in the room to marvel at Princess Beanie all tucked in her bed. Her head and entire body would remain still as though she were asleep, but that tootsie tail would be thumping the mattress and give her away every time.
The first time I visited my parents’ house after each dog passed away, there was a rabbit hopping around out front. Maybe those rascalies heard that the street was safe again, or maybe they were paying their respects. Whatever the case, that street will be a lot more boring without Beanie and Sunny. We imagine that right now they are running side-by-side through the tallest, greenest grass in heaven with speed they’ve never known and are having an absolute blast. We suspect Beanie might even have her tail back. And as much as we’ll miss that little dickens, that’s good for good.
Tags: Dogs
Keith and Beth- my heart is aching for your loss. I know ya’ll have perspective on this, but it is still painful. Please know that my hubby and I will have you in our prayers. We know the special place dogs fill in life. I truly believe Beanie has her beautiful tail back! We love you.
Oh sweet Moore family!!
I am so sorry for your loss. I, too, know the pain of losing a cherished, beloved pet.
I am praying for y’all.
Libby
Sometimes there are just no words to say – my heart hurts for you all. Praise God for His protection on Keith! That is a great picture – boys and their dogs are not easily parted! I am praying for you all in the days ahead – may sweet memories flood you – good for good.
BEBE
I watched “the Bucket List” last night and am reminded of the line..” I want to die with my eyes closed and my Heart Open” Without the comfort of God ministering to all these wounds how can we have anything close to an open heart?To die with an open heart we have to live with one…my heart goes out to you and your family..I too have so enjoyed Beth’s Sunny & Beanie Stories….Praise him for keeping your Hearts open and always sharing that.
As soon as I saw the title of the post I wanted to log off the blog and run away from the computer with my fingers in my ears singing “la la lala la”..(that’s my denial – no, don’t want to hear it, song…)
I’m so very sorry for all the Moores in your loss of sweet Beanie – and so close to the loss of Sunny! Having a precious pup of my own, that my husband and I just make absolute neenies of ourselves over, I can almost physically feel your pain.
I am praying for all of you and am thanking the Lord for His protection when Keith fell asleep at the wheel!!
Lord, just rain down your comfort and peace. We know that some people may say ‘it’s only dogs’ but we thank you Father that you know our hearts and you created us to love those canine creatures and you know they become a part of our lives. So, only you know how we need to be comforted in the loss of them – thank you for that Lord.
Beth, Keith, Amanda, and Melissa,
I am very sorry for your loss! I know that our four-legged friends become part of our family and it’s so sad to loose them. I am so sorry that you had to endure two losses so close together!
Blessings
Michelle
Praying for you with an understanding heart.
Jill
Oh, I am so sad for y’all, it is like losing a family member. I can relate and I know it’s hard. Praying for y’all.
I am so sorry for your loss right after the loss of sunny. Glad to know that Keith is alright. I will be thinking about you.
I am so sorry for the loss of your friends and so close together. You are right – it doesn’t seem right to let such loyalty suffer at the hands of dreaded illnesses. I know they are sitting by the gate waiting on you all to get there (when they’re done playing of course!). When we all get to heaven what a day of rejoicing and dog reuniting it will be! Prayers for your hearts. Brenda
Gracious me I am all crying over here!
That was the sweetest tribute to sweet Beanie
I am so sorry for the loss of your darling little Sunny and Beanie
I loved the fact that Beanie would let you tuck her into the bed acting like she was asleep but her tail would give her away – LOL
I just know, as you said Amanda, that the 2 of them are having a blast in Heaven together and will greet you one day 🙂
Praying for God to comfort the pain and sadness
Kim
First of all thank God that Keith is alright! Second I am so sorry on your loss. I am sitting here with tears. A pet is part of our families! I know our lovely Roxy is. It just wouldn’t be the family without our girl.
You all are in my prayers!
Amanda I think you are right. Beanie and Sunny are in heaven, whole and happy chasing the bunnies waiting for you all to join them!
Thank you for sharing your loving memories with us about Beanie. They were so sweet. We have two dogs also and we understand……
I am thankful Keith is ok and not hurt from his accident. God knew Keith needed to do what ever he could to help his little furry friend (Proverbs 12:10a “A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal”,) and protected him in the process.
I am praying for your family during these days.
Royana (Isaac’s Mom)
Beth and Keith ~ My heart really hurts for you guys. Losing pets is so tough, and to lose both of your fur-babies so close together is just unthinkable. Beanie and Sunny were very lucky girls to have been loved by all of you. May God wrap you in his comfort today as you grieve these losses.
My heart deeply aches for your family. My three dogs are my “girls” and I am crazy over them. We just heard Beth talking about the dogs in her Daniel study, how they were giving her such a hard time while she was doing a radio interview on the phone and had to go into a closet to do the interview because the dogs were giving her such a fit.
We have heard so much about these two “girls” over the years that we all hurt along with you guys.
PLEASE do yourselves a favor and get two new babies soon, it truly does help the pain and I know in my heart this is what Sunny and the Beanster would want for you guys. Much love to your during this sad time.
Tears, tears, tears. I am just so sorry for your loss. I pray for God to give you all beautiful dreams of Beanie and Sunny running in emerald fields into the loving arms of Jesus.
What a beautiful picture of Beanie and her daddy! High praise indeed that Keith was not seriously injured in that car accident! My heart hurts for your loss. The amount of love God has put into the heart of dogs is unparalleled on this planet, and oh how it hurts to have that love taken away.
May God pour out His love on all of you and fill those gaping holes in your hearts. He alone is sufficient. Love to you all, you are in my prayers.
Guys, I’m so sorry. There aren’t any other words. Thanks for sharing some memories with us.
Oh my goodness, I am fighting tears. We had to put down our family friend of 15 years just last week, and you’re absolutely right, Amanda — I won’t pretend that this is the worst thing anyone can experience, but YES, it hurts, and I hate it. I am so sorry, Beth and Keith…I have no other words but to say I’m sending a hug via knee mail =)
SAD in my heart for each of you.
Today I am remembering all the fantastic Beanie stories… especially Beanie Birthday tales. I recall when Beth fielded questions at a video taping… several were about Beanie and Sunny.
Next week I will remember a one year loss of my best friend and best dog, Grace.
They leave a paw print on your heart, right above the hole they dug when they made a home there.
Loves to you and peace.
Peace to you all. I know there is no other pain like losing a four-legged member of your family, and I can’t imagine losing two in two weeks. You’re in my prayers.
I’m so glad your dad is alright!
So sorry to hear about Beanie.
sometimes it so hard to understand
To Beth and family
I sobbed as I’ve read each entry about your dogs. I’m not sure if anyone who is not a dog lover can really understand. My heart goes out to you guys, as I know your house now seems a little more empty. I read, I cry, then I go love on my dog because I don’t want to think about doing without her. You are in my prayers.
I’m feeling your hurt deeply. Just last year, I had to put down a beloved friend who was with me through the loss of my husband, my youngest going off to college and the death of my best friend. I vowed I wouldn’t replace her until I could retire (many years away), as it wouldn’t be fair to leave a dog home alone all day. I lasted 2 months and got a new dear friend, who so far has helped me let my youngest move 700 miles away and my oldest marry. My next would be much emptier without him. You need to take time to grieve, but I’d love to see you start new adventures with your next pal! I know our mansions in heaven will have our friends waiting on our porches, wagging their tails of various lengths. God bless!
Ohhhhh, I’m so sorry! Loss is the messy part of this life, isn’t it? It just hurts! We’re thinking and praying for all of you! -terri
Our furry friends sure capture our hearts over the years. May you feel the loss less and remember the pups with laughter. What a sad time. We love you and hold you in our prayers.
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Our black lab Max was a member of our family too. We went through everything with him – two separate rounds of chemo and allergies and ear conditions. And he went through everything with us. He got our paper every morning, snuck up to put his head on the pillow on my bed, and never failed to retrieve matching shoes from my dad’s closet. And oh the names of all of his stuffed animals! He lived 16 years until we had to put him to sleep when I was a senior in college. It was a hard day and my parents’ house has always been a little too quiet ever since we had to say goodbye to our loyal dog. We always said there was a person somewhere inside him – we just couldn’t find the zipper.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, but so glad to know that these two precious puppies blessed your lives in so many ways.
So sorry – praying for comfort for you and for you to know God does care about your loss, He knows how much it hurts and he cares for you.
Dear Sweet Moore Family,
Thank you for sharing your lovely Beanie stories. They touch my heart. It is a great loss and a friend and companion is gone.
I am also worried about Keith. Has he healed? Is he ok from the car accident now? Please update us on him!
My heartfelt prayers go out to each of you.
Ann
The precious friendship between the two dogs reminded me of the movie “Where the Red Fern Grows”.
I teared up reading your post just like watching the movie.
I am soooooo heart sick for you all. My husband and I have two “dog boys”. I can’t even imagine. Let alone both within weeks of each other. I went through the Beanie thing with my cat and she is in our backyard and strangely enough a beautiful tree sprung up right on her spot. I call it the Ma’am Tree as Ma’am was her name. Being a Houston Siesta, we cannot wait to show our love and concern for you, Beth when we get to meet again for study at the church. I will be mailing a note to LPM with some information that may be helpful to you and Keith down the road.
Much love and many more prayers to ease your grief. Oh how I wish we all could do a group hug but I know you all feel it from all of these awesome and wonderfully made Siestas. :o)
Christine R.
Houston Siesta
Dear Beth and family:
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. I too, have lost a blessed pet who we had for 15 years, just last week, her name was Abby. There is a void but I know that when the trumpet sounds, we will not only be with the Lord, but with our family and friends and our beloved pets. Take care during this time and know that the memories will last a lifetime. During your bible study, the fruits of the spirit, you talked alot about Sunny and Beanie and your stories made me laugh and I felt that I had met them personally. Can you picture them running now through the fields!
Take care my dear one and know that you and your family are loved and prayed for.
Geneva (Loyalton Ca)
I can’t imagine losing two dogs that close.
I am so sorry.
God’s blessings and comfort on all of you.
I too am so terribly sorry for your loss. I am so thankful that your dad was protected through his accident! What an awesome God we serve. I pray that the God of all comfort will comfort you all during this time and that another little canine finds it’s way into your mother’s heart and your dad’s house really soon!
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I myself am single and an empty nester. Just me and my dogs, Ben and Cotton, I can’t imagine if something happened to either of them. Just me and my boys. I am praying for your family during this time.
Becky
Attalla, AL
Dear Beth – The experience of a pet’s death makes our hearts squeeze in pain. We recently had to put our cat of 8 years to sleep. We still have our two dogs…I cannot imagine coming home to a house without doggie toenails clicking on the floor in an energetic greeting. I grieve for you & Keith in your pain. Know that each day it will get a little better… The loss of a pet cannot be compared to the loss of a child or family member, but it is still a loss and must be properly grieved over.
Jesus – I ask you to wrap Beth & her family with Your comfort & peace.
With love,
Ginny
I am so sorry for your loss. I know both those dogs were family to you and now they are both gone so quickly.
I’ll be praying for your family as you grieve. But, as Beth and I know, those doggies are playing in heaven.
I don’t think it pales in comparisonn at all. Love for any of God’s creatures is love period. I cried more over my dog’s passing than some family members passing. My heart breaks with you. Lifting all of you in prayer. May GOD comfort your grieving hearts and bind you together in your grief.
Beth & Keith,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Know that your extended family in Christ is lifting you up. I pray the that the peace of God which surpasses all understanding while guard and comfort your mind and heart in Christ Jesus.
Dear Beth and family,
I’m so gripped to think of Keith being in a wreck along with your double loss. Please know you are all in my prayers and yes, keeping it all in perspective, but also knowing how difficult this loss can be.
mercy, peace, and love in abundance,
Oh I am so sorry to hear about your loss! I am glad Keith was safe.
Love you all and praying for you.
Terri
Dear Beth and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our furbabies are very important to us. Amanda’s words brought me to tears. Of course, it doesn’t take much to bring me to tears these days.
I am so very thankful that Keith was protected. I know that we don’t understand why. We mutter to our Lord, oh, why. Why do our dear loved ones and our furbabies die. It hurts so much. Even in my extreme pain with the loss of my angel Alyssa, I can empathise and sympathise with you. I do know beyond a shaddow of a doubt, though that the creatures God created are with Him, too. I am also positive that your dear Beanie has her entire tail now and is busy turning round and round looking at it.
As I have said, my sweet Alyssa’s dog Dakota is with me. She also has a nub of a tail and it wags constantly. She was abused when she was a puppy so she has a very weird personality, but oh, how I treasure her and love her because I know that is what my sweet baby girl would want me to.
I am praying for you all to get through and rejoicing to our Lord for sparing and protecting Keith.
Blessings sent your way,
Always and forever Alyssa’s mom, Laurie
Beth and Keith,
Praise Him that He provided that almighty hedge around your man. I know that your hearts feel torn and pray that you will hold one another and laugh and cry over those precious canine family members that gave to you all so graciously. Know that you are so loved and that you will be in my prayers.
Beth it was a delight last night to spend time with you in Psalms of Ascent. You are made to teach, you my friend are the real deal.
I wish I could wrap you in a tight hug, God bless you both.
Much love,
Celeste
Sweet Beth & Keith,
I am so sorry to hear about Beanie’s passing. My heart ache’s for you at this sad time. Know that you are loved and that I am praying that God will bind up your hurting hearts. I am so thankful that He cares about this too.
Much love,
Jax in AK
I am so sorry for your loss. I am crazy about animals. So I sympathize with your pain:( Praise the LORD that Keith is ok.
Chrity
Keith and Beth, I am sooooo sorry. Dogs are truly mans best friend. I just can’t get over how much they love their masters & seem to understand how we are feeling. After the loss of our precious cockers Holly and Misty. We have yet to adopt a new one. The pain of losing them hurts so bad. I get tears at the pet store, I would love to have a precious puppy. We have become so busy that we feel it is not fair to have another. I hope when my daughters get a place of their own . . .they will have one or two & we can enjoy babysitting. Keith I am so glad you were not hurt! God truly sends angels to protect us! God bless you both.
So sorry for the loss. I know this is a really hard time – almost like losing a child. Give it some time. I’ve always found the best way to get over the loss of a pet is to get a new cute puppy to keep you distracted.
I am so sorry for the loss of Beanie. Those creatures become one of the family and when they are gone leaves an empty place in your heart.
God Bless you both.
Sweet Moore family,
How sorry I am that you have lost your dear friend. Words are so empty at times like this. I am glad you have so many wonderful memories. I know they will make you smile in the times to come.
In Him, Sandy