I only have the quickest moment to be on here today because it’s my new assistant, Michelle’s, 29th birthday and we’re taking her to an early lunch in just a few minutes. The staff planted a tiara on her head when she walked in the door this morning and she still has it on. That tiny little fact would be so much funnier if you new our darling, athletic, ultra-professional new employee. Her former coworkers at the Whitehouse would fail to recognize her amid the Living Proof Ministry madness. She is an incredible delight to me and never moreso than today with her very business-like demeanor and that plastic crown on her head. We love you, Michelle! And we hope to celebrate your big 3-0 with you next year!
This very, very happy day is also a tad sad for my man and me. Melissa, too. She’s talked about it incessantly. Amanda’s too busy with babies or she’d be thinking about it, too. (Please, all cynics and non-pet lovers stop here for your own sakes!) We said good bye to our beloved bird dog, Beanie, a year ago today. I hate to be melodramatic (why should I stop now?) but it nearly killed us. We’d just lost my constant companion, Sunny, 21 days before that but she was almost 18 years old and, as much as we cried, we knew it was coming. She’d been sick off and on for a month. Beanie took us by surprise. She was 9 but we could have had a lot more time with her. Right after Sunny died, Beanie started laying in the bushes in the back yard like she was going to die, too. We kept telling her she was most certainly NOT going with Sunny. Then ten days later she was diagnosed with cancer all over her body and ten days after that, it had gone to her brain, causing constant seizures.
Some of you will remember that Beanie provided illustration after illustration in the Bible studies and sessions. She was stinking hilarious and had some of the most human-like antics you have ever seen in your life. (She loved to hold hands and take bubble baths, for starters.) She stole our hearts for good. We love our 1 year-olds, Star and Geli, so, so much and wouldn’t trade them for anything. But there are a couple of little graves out in the back yard of my home that I wish were not there today.
I’m picking up Marley and Me at Blockbuster today. I read the book when it first came out and adored it but the movie was released soon after we lost both dogs and we were still bawling our eyes out. Tonight’s the night. I’m giving way to it. Then I’ll get up tomorrow and get on with it.
My eyes are filled with tears for you all and thinking of our loss as well. Still can't watch Marley & Me but one day when I'm needing a good cry I know it will be at Movie Gallery waiting on me.
Kleenex wishes and puppie dog dreams to you!
Love, Love, Love this post! My husband and I are supposed to be at the Ichthus Music Festival in nearby Wilmore but storms have kept us away today. I am considering these precious pictures as my bright spot in an otherwise disappointing day. Enjoy your movie. I KNOW I don't want to see it or read the book: As a child I got nervous watching LASSIE(even though I knew she had to come back next week). I can't exactly remember the exact scripture but it goes something like this: Always be joyful for your dogs are waiting and wagging in heaven.
Love you Beth! Linda
We had to put down our Irish Setter, Ruby, about a month ago. I may as well have cut off my left arm, I think. And my daughter, who is 4, is still praying for her and that she's sitting on God's lap.
I think we should ALL have a tiara in our wardrobes. And, perhaps for those really big days, a feather boa. Really.
We lost our little Abby to a stroke after almost 15 good years with us back in February. It hurts.
Hey, Beth
I know what you mean. It was so difficult to allow another dog in the house after my beloved Rusty (Lassie-type collie) had to be put down. He was my buddy. Several years later, enter Killer, a two year old beagle. She is so sweet and so loving–she'll kill you with kindness. I loved "Marley and Me" and cried like a baby at the ending. God bless you all.
Sharon
Beth,
I remember you posting on the blog about losing your beloved doggies last summer… and I know this is a sad time for you.
I have a 17 year-old cat. Since we didn't have children, she's one of the few precious things I shared with my late first husband. (I was a young widow… He was 40 when he died; I was 35.) And I know that day will come when I will likely lose her, too. And just between me, you and the fence post, I totally dread that day that will come. I keep praying that Jesus will come back and rapture the church before that happens and that He will allow her to come along too.
Bless you as you remember your sweet four-legged kids.
Beth,
I will just cry with you today…..this was letter I wrote 9 months ago and it is just as sad today…as in I cannot stop crying now….for you and for me
Friends,
If you receive this by mistake and you are not a dog lover,just delete, for you will not understand. Tonight, my heart is broken. Our family is missing an important member tonight. I have cried more tears in the last 24 hours than I have cried in the last 24 years. Though I have known for several months that this day was coming, because she had been my little shadow and constant companion for 16 years, they allowed me to be the one that finally decided the time. Parker just ask me if I could change my email address, as it was making him cry harder. Needless to say, we are a mess. I can never remember having a larger hole in my heart. There is something about a dog's love, maybe it is that it is unconditional love. I cannot even imagine life without her.
Annah came into our lives 16 years ago. We know her birthday is in Sept but we were never sure of the date, so we just celebrated then entire month of Sept. Tonight we celebrate her life, but with uncontrollable tears. She never knew she was a dog…..and she is great proof that eating people food is Ok. In her 17 years , which I know is a very long life for a cockapoo, she ate little dog food. With the exception of the last few years, when arthritis set in, she had always traveled with us. She really preferred nice hotels. In the last year she had lost her sight and hearing, but not her ability to love. She moved room to room with me all day. Last night I knew Amanda, who had so generously offered to be the one to take her to the vet,was coming early. If you had passed our house at 3 AM this morning, you would have seen Annah and I on the front porch, me feeding her all her favorite foods. Then I made her a pan of cinnamon rolls. She could not believe that she was getting the entire pan. Amanda and a close friend came to get her. At 9, Amanda called and said "Mom, Annah is in heaven and she can run again"! To tell you I miss her is an understatement. So tonight, I say good-bye to my faithful shadow and best friend of many, many years. You were the Best Dog Ever!
I made this picture last night as I was telling her how much I loved her. If you look close it looks like a tear coming out her eye. (Beth…wish I could show you the picture)
So today I celebrate the live of Sunny, Beanie, and Annah…
Now I have a new "cocker puppy" and she is driving me CRAZY…. and I have an Amanda too…You are the best….
Teresa
You are going to love "Marley & Me",,get the kleenex box ready…We've had dogs all our married life, bird dogs too….German Short-hair pointers!!! yeah!! Now we have a cousin to Beanie, our Deutsch Drahthaar, Bear…chasing everything from bunnies to lizards, and knows the difference when you say, "ride" or "walk"…sweet memories for you and Keith, no doubt. love, Pam in San Diego
We lost our precious Dachshund well over a year ago, so we know about those kinds of anniversaries in our home. She was without a doubt a gift from God during a difficult time in my life. However as I speak my girls are in the next room chasing a new four legged "baby" around the family room. God is good! Enjoy Marley and me, keep the Kleenex near by.
Hey Beth,
I remember reading your posts last year about Sunny and Beanie and my heart just broke for you. I've delighted in the many stories you've shared about them over the years through the Bible studies and LPL events. I don't have a dog right now although I hope that will change soon. I do, however, get much joy from spoiling my Granddog Lily. 🙂 She's a four pound teacup Yorkshire Terrier and absolutely adorable. I may have gone a bit over the top when I fixed up an Easter basket for her but it was oh so much fun. 🙂
Enjoy Marley and Me. It's a great movie. Thanks for sharing life with us Siestas. YOU ARE LOVED!
Kim
Doswell, VA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHELLE!
(((HUGS))) Beth. I lost my treasured Aussie Cattle Dog a year ago last Christmas and shed a tear over him on the anniversary, too. My hubby had a beautiful custom Christmas ornament of him hand-painted for me and it meant so much.
If you are interested, we got it online at animalhangups.com (and no, this is not an advertisement and I'm not affiliated with them in any way except for being a very grateful customer). She does beautiful work.
Lisa
Ain't nuthin trivial about loving and being loved – especially if it's by and for our fine four legged family.
Thank you for sharing all the pictures! We all felt like we knew Beanie and Sunny! I can't believe it has been a year… oh I know how sad you all must still be!
I just found out on Tuesday our 7 year old golden retriever, Scout, has bone cancer and probably won't live through the summer… he is just the most precious, adorable 130lb big baby… we are so sad! : (
Marley and me is going to make you all ball!
Happy 29th Birthday Michelle! I'm sure as your were wearing your tiara today, you were thinking of ways for pay-backs! Way to be a good sport!
Beth,those sweet little babies can sure get to us. I've had a similar experience with one of my dogs. It's hard…real hard! The Moore's sensitivity to animals is one(of many) of the things that I love about you guys.They are family…and they play a very important role in our lives.
My students had to fill me in about Marley and Me…thought I would try it this summer…well maybe! If you finish the movie early and are able, flip to the NBA finals and help cheer on our Orlando Magic!
Love and prayers,
Cady
Awwww, I am sorry you lost your 2 dogs. I am a serious dog lover myself! I am unable to have pets in my apt. But I grew up with them and sure do love them! God Bless!! …..On a side note, I was just given by your ministry 2 free tickets to Mrs Moore's conference here in Pittsburgh for this weekend! Thanks you SO much!! I feel very blessed to be able to attend!! I couldn't afford this on my own!! May God Bless you and your ministry richly!!
I, too, read the book, Marley and Me..and cried like a baby when Marley died! I had lost a beloved dog not too long before I read the book. When the movie came out I determined not to watch it..couldn't take it. But, at the insistance of my daughter last week, we watched it on Pay-Per-View. Let me tell you..it was a time of weeping and wailing! Hang on to your Kleenex, Siesta..you're gonna need all you can get.
I have to tell you, my heart stopped when I first skimmed that post, I thought something happened to the puppies. (Star and Geli) My Domino will be 11 next month, and after she turned 10,I ended up making a habit out of sitting on the floor with her and bawling b/c she was getting old. And she is my first dog. We got her when I was a sophmore in high school. I cannot even imagine life without her.
I have told many people about Beanie's "presents" That's sooo cuute!
*Hugs*
be prepared to bawl your eyes out in marley and me….both my husband and I who are not dog-lovers were crying like babies!!! but i think it will be cleansing for you!
Michelle- Welcome to LPM! I hope that you had a wonderful birthday and that you are thoroughly enjoying working with the other LPM staff! That is one amazing group!
Beth-I am so sorry for your loss. I still to this day cannot bring myself to watch Marley! I know this has been such a hard day for you and your family. Just know that your siestas are praying.
I will also be praying for traveling mercies as you head to Pittsburg!
Melissa
THAT made me so so sad! I am a LOVER of ALL the animals! Even fish! Sorry, Keith, but I saw a man fishing last week and he caught a HUGE bass! I said to my friend, "I feel sorry for that fish." She goes "I don't". I just can't STAND sad animal stories. I'm to afraid to watch Marly and Me. I have two dogs myself. A toy poodle with a skin disease (he's loosing his fur) :(, and a VERY OBNOXIOUS cocker spaniel. I love em both. I was so sad when you lost your two doggies back to back. Anyways, enjoy the movie.
Love ya,
Kristi in Oregon
I believe it's good to cry and get it out every once in awhile. It lets some of the steam out of the pot.
love ya… <3
I totally understand how you are feeling. I lost both of my English Cockers within a few years of each other. The dogs were family. My prayers are with you – I still cry when I think of my dogs!! I "ugly cried" during the movie Marley & Me!!
I was at Living Proof Live in Minneapolis a year ago when you talked about getting "Queen Esther." Many prayers for you and yours, loss is always hard. I'm reading Get Out of That Pit and your words, directing me to look up and cry out, are changing my life. Thank you, Beth.
Blessings, Carolynn
All dog lovers know your sad heart today. We lost our dog several years ago,and it broke all our hearts. We had a memorial service for Jody,and my husband cried more than anyone! We have a cross marking the spot where she's buried. I always think that dogs are an example of God's love-constant,unconditional,and joyful! I enjoyed your pictures!
Dear Beth:
I thought that I was the only one who remembered the anniversary day of when our furry family members go to the rainbow bridge. My sad day is June 18, 2005. I just adore you and your heart. I am looking forward to seeing in Pittsburgh this Friday and Saturday. I love you girl. Julie
Harmonysong – I'm praying for your Lillie Girl tonight – that God will keep her safe where she is and bring her safely back to you. He knows and cares and He's able!
Beth, It just must take a while to get over losing these guys. It's good to talk about it and that you're marking the day by doing something special in their honor.
We have a cat statue in the rock garden marking the grave of our old Siamese, D.C. who died two years ago on April 17th at the age of 17. He was goofy in his youth but had mellowed into a truly noble character. A few months later we lost our grumpy little tortoise shell, Tibby – a stray, who kneaded my back and shoulders like she was giving a massage. It was so quiet without animals in the house, it wasn't long til we fell in love on the internet with a skinny cat we named Herky, a Siamese mix. He's still kind of scrawny looking but so fun. He chases his tail (kind of embarrassing for a cat…) and carries off small objects. I tell him we rescued him and but he also rescued us. God is good to us in all these things.
Love you,
Becky B.
Beth, Psalm 56:8 says, "You keeep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book."
Sometimes, I believe God knows when we loose a pet, to store our tears in gallon jugs and record them in a very large book.
When I'm asked by my nephew and nieces about whether or not our pets go to heaven I tell them, "The Bible isn't clear about it. All we know is that God loves them and knows where they are. That's good enough for me."
Be sure to rest and pamper yourself. Don't rush it.
I love, love, love, the Very Last Quote of the movie. It reminds me of something God would say to us.
Oh thank you so much for sharing this with us! Praise the Lord for the time you had with both of your precious dogs. My heart is sad and tears are in my eyes. More so, I think, because our family just purchased our first EVER little shelty puppy. Our family has grown from 4 to 5. He is just adorable. None of us have ever had a dog in our lives. Our 9 year-old daughter found her picture on the internet, fell in love, and that was that. We are in the stages of housebreaking — oh joy. Yet, what an absolute blessing our little guy is to us. Praying for you as you watch Marley and Me. I have not been able to see it yet. Thanks for sharing! Love you, JH
I never cry in front of my husband over movies or even the real life sadness on tv.
But he and I both cried watching that movie.
I've been thinking about y'all and remembering this time last year. Even before your post today.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts today. We definitely are here for these kind of days.
Hope you are comforted by the movie. It helps to let go and cry. Tears are very precious and pets like yours are worth remembering with tears. And memories that bring giggles, too.
Much love,
twinkle
Hi Beth!
God uses you so much to teach me things…but this one takes the cake. After reading your "dog blog" I now know I need to start overlooking all the hair my sweet Tillie leaves all over my house…daily…I mean ALOT…and start looking into those pouty brown eyes more…(they get me everytime) I do adore my dog friend…thanks for reminding me 🙂
Traci
Oh man…. there's just no heartache like that! Sometimes my pets have been all I've had. My heart breaks for you… Chin up… They are in bird hunting paradise!!!
=0) Breahn
Palestine, Texas
Oh You are talking to me!!! I have 3 dogs and a cat…used to have 4 dogs but…We just watched Marley and Me and even though you think you are NOT gonna cry, your chin starts quivering and your nose starts running and IT IS UGLY! I'll be thinking about you all! And of course, all our dogs will be in heaven! They are just too precious not to be!!! Tee Hee!!!
Julie G
Jackson, MS
Blessings to you sweet Beth….what a sad day. Marley & Me is sad sad sad and sad again…if you need a good cry this is the movie to watch. Friends and I have been doing the Esther study…it is SOOOOOO good…love every bit of it!
I remember from the Daniel study bonus video the shot of research books attached to Beanie's back and then there was the shot of you and Beanie in bed asleep with books all around you; that video made me smile from ear to ear!
I also read Marley and Me and I still can't bear to watch the movie.
My 10 year old cocker spaniel Gumbo is so special. I got him about the time I did Breaking Free, my first in depth Bible study. He's been with me to lick my tears away many times as I dealt with all my "stuff."
I am crying with you today as you grieve. Love the pictures!
Beth, I am truly sorry for your loss….but I just wanted to say, that I just watched the "Session 2" video on Esther, and you BROUGHT IT! I thought our little small group Bible Study was going to stand up and start cheering when you starting preaching about modesty! Woah! Thank you very much. I wish the world could hear that sermon. You don't have a THING to be worried about when you lay your head down to rest and think about that sermon, because every single thing you said was True! I know I've already heard it, but I'm about to download it so I can listen to it over and over again. I've even asked my husband if he'll listen to it so he can get a glimpse of what women go through! LOVED IT! Thank you for speaking Truth in a world that is so fearful of it. I think that is true beauty!
Joyfully His,
Chelsea Sloneker
We never had a dog long enough to lose it. My dad always gave them away after a while. My little Buddy is soon to be 11 years old. I got him for my 2 boys, but he is mine. My boys are teenagers and gone a lot of the time, but Buddy is a true friend.
I don't do the crying thing very good. But Marley and Me made me cry, not as much as The Incredible Journey.
Thanks for sharing so fully your life — good and sad. That is what makes you such a good mentor, you are so real with us.
Happy birthday Michelle. And Beth I am praying for this weekend already, that flights will be on time, you will be able to sleep Friday night and that each heart that is there is open for God to do a mighty work in it.
God Bless.
Jan
I know this is long, but please read it. I just had to share this story with you and I think it will bring a smile to your face!
So sorry about your sweet Beanie and Sunny. I loved seeing all the pictures!
Here is an unrelated story, but I think it will make you smile…
Every summer there is a group of ladies that hosts a Backyard Bible Study. It is held out at a ranch and we watch the videos on folding chairs in an old barn. This is the 9th year and we have ladies from all different churches in our area. Lots of fun! Anyway on to the story! Each year there seems to be some problem with getting the books and at times they have arrived too close for comfort. This year one of the leaders, Susie, decided it was best to order them way in advance so there wouldn't be any sweating on her part. Well she did and had them sent to her husbands business then she forgot all about it. Last Thursday someone asked for a book because they weren't going to be there on Monday for the first session. She thought, oh I bet those books are sitting down at my husband's shop and no one has called to tell me they have been there. She called, but there were no books. After placing a call to Lifeway it was discovered that her credit card had accidentally been charged twice triggering fraud and they were unable to process her order. She was supposed to receive a call from the credit card co to clear things up, but she never received the call and the books never got sent. After panicking and explaining to Leanne from Lifeway that we were set to start Monday night Leanne said they would send them out on Friday and they would overnight them at no charge so they would be here in CA on Monday. Susie decides it is best to send them straight to the ranch to make sure they are there that evening. Monday morning arrives and a UPS truck pulls up to Susie's house and to her surprise it is the 200 Esther books from Lifeway. She was so glad to have them she didn't care that she would have to transport them to the ranch. A little bit later her phone rings and it's Leanne from Lifeway.
"Susie, I'm so sorry, but there was a mix up in the warehouse and your books were never shipped."
"But Leanne I'm looking at them right now, they arrived at my house this morning!"
"Hold on Susie. No, it says here in the computer that they were to be shipped to Bennitt's Ranch but they never went out."
"Well that's O.K. because God took care of it. Don't worry about it."
Susie went out to the ranch to set up for the evening with a smile. While she is there a man pulls up from her husbands shop and says, "Susie I have these boxes that arrived for you from Lifeway this morning. Your husband knew you needed them for tonight so he had me bring them over."
"No," thought Susie, "it can't be."
But sure enough 200 more Esther books had arrived at her husband's shop! Now we had the books and there were more than enough!
Isn't that a great story. Just like God to provide and show off like that. And for the record no books ever did show up the the ranch where they were suppossed to be shipped!
Well I guess since you have already read the book, you are better equipped to handle the movie than my husband and I were. We had heard that the dog dies, but we had NO IDEA how. It hit way too close for home for us cause we had to put our sweet Sheltie to sleep within 3 months of our move to Houston 3 years ago. We found out suddenly that he had renal disease and the vets here decided to aggressively treat him. We can't help but wonder if we would have had more time if we let things progress on their own. It is such a weird difficult loss. You hate to go on & on cause it's a dog, but they really do become so much a part of the family. We still talk about him and miss him like crazy. I suppose the only other people who "get it" are those who have lost pets of their own too. So sorry for you guys.
LeAnna
Our GSP always has a slightly guilty look on her face too. But, she is a great dog, and we love her!
Yes, they were 2 precious parts of your family, weren't they?
Last year at this time, we had 3 adult cats, who had "taken over" this household. Pets tend to do that, don't they? And, we loved them all so much.
However, last August, our oldest kitty, Snickers [an un-official "Ragdoll" breed cat] caught a bad sinus cold and never seem to come out of it. And, she passed away at home. So, we were "down to 2 cats". Then, last month, all of the sudden, our little Siamese cat, Koko, was not eating well, so we took her to the Vet. for treatment, but it didn't last for long. She was getting so weak and had lost a lot of teeth, so she almost "couldn't eat" anymore, even though we tried her on wet kitty food. But, she got worse and worse, so Mom made the decision to have her pass peacefully, with the Vet's help.
So, now we are down to one small, nearly 6 year old Persian kitty, named "Mozart", as he is black & white, and my Mom used to play the piano for fun [classical type], but arthritis has slowed her piano playing skills down a great deal.
So, we have this goofy little kitty who likes to go camping with us on the weekends at Mom's seasonal trailer at a campground about 25 miles west of here. And, Mozart still acts as if he is only a kitten at times, which is fun for us.
Love and hugs,
Jennifer O.
Janesville, Wisconsin
Praying for your family today. I heard my daughter ask Jesus to help her get her Webkinz pet a birthday present today… In case you don't know the lingo, it is an online website that owners of certain stuffed animals go and create a cyberspace life for their pet.
My point is, I was surprised to hear this little one ask Jesus for help on something I perceived to be inconsequential. Then The Holy Spirit whispered in my heart, He delights in sharing ALL of life with us. Only the Lord knows just why He brought Sunny and Beanie into your lives to fill all the roles they played. I am confident He is enjoying the ppportunity to share in the tears with you this evening too.
Blessings to you!
Jina
I hated the movie – I did not know the dog would die at the end – no onme told me that little detail. I am not so much a dog person myself- I love puppies – but dogs not so much. My husband is a blue tick lover. We are about to have a little in about a month. Blue tick puppies are the cutest things. If you and Keith want to try coon hunting on your land – (do you even have coons in Texas?) let me know and you can have one of our puppies. The mama – Bonnie and the dad – JR – both have titles in the coon hunting world. They are good dogs. Cute puppies!! But back to the movie – I really did like it until the dog dies – that was HORRIBLE. I know you cried. I cried and I dont cry much – almost never at a movie. Praying that you are too sad tonight.
Love from AL,
Vicki
If only we could love as purely and unconditionally as our dogs do…
praying for you today!
love,
sister Lynn
Your post had me crying, I am certainly not going to watch the movie…but I hope it's good for you. big hug (:)
Oh my goodness – good luck watching Marley and Me. At least you know ahead of time it's sad – I had no idea and just cried uncontrollably. We have 2 yellow labs and that movie hit too close to home.
Beth, thanks for sharing your heart and true feelings with the siestas — that's what siestas and sisters in Christ are for. I know quite a few that are coming from Centerville, Ohio to see you in Pittsburgh tomorrow–and they're
thrilled! Have a great weekend,
as God speaks through you and blesses the girls! As always!
Take in that love and your heart will feel less sad.
love to you and the girls–
judy
First of all, Breaking Free is rocking my world and re-adjusting all paradigms (yes, I realize I am behind!).
We lived in South FL for 11 years and moved home to the VA mtns 2 years ago. In FL, our beloved sheltie was viciously attacked by a neighbor's dog—he lost a front leg and nearly his life. He was rehabilitated, and would still leap through the air–on three legs–to catch a soccer ball. One morning last year, he disappeared into the woods, never to be seen again—one of the hardest losses of my life, epecially having no idea what happened and never getting the closure of saying goodbye.
Two weeks ago, I attended the annual homeschool convention in FL. I lost when it was time to say goodbyes, as reality set in that I was headed in a different direction than my dear friends. And THAT, my dear, was the night I was foolish enough to watch Marley die.
By the time I post this message, you will have seen the movie. Here's hoping it was therapeutic for you as well as entertaining.
Hi, Michelle, and Happy Birthday!! Sure would love to see a picture of you with your crown!
Whah! We had to put our sweet Simon to sleep a couple of months ago…had him for a little over 10 years. I stayed with him as he passed on and it tore my heart out. Still grieving for that precious sweet friend. My heart is with yours in remembering.
Karen Parker