There are just times in life when you think your heart is literally going to ache right out of your chest. This is one of those times. We had to say goodbye to our beloved Duke on Friday and I have not grieved over something like this in a long time. Over the past couple of years we have had some heartache in our family. Joe and I are starting to joke that we could write a country song just about now;) Through most of our experience, because of our faith we are able to experience joy in the middle of trials, but this is one of those experiences when I am just struggling. I am definitely remembering some good times with that big guy. He saw us through the first years of marriage, it was his fur I sobbed into when we lost our first pregnancy, and he was there to greet us at the door when we brought both girls home from the hospital. He slept at my feet most nights for the last 8 years, and his gregarious personality is woven into so many stories over the years. We recovered from our surgeries together, and he was there to sing me Happy Birthday this year (ok, he barked, but still....), and he saw me to the halfway point of my chemo treatments. I am so glad we were able to give him three more good months with us, but it certainly didn't make saying goodbye any easier. Grieving a pet is like grieving the loss of a slobbering savior- unconditional love, faithfulness, and devotion on four legs.
The night he died, we sat down to dinner and Addie said grace for us, at the end adding, "and Jesus, please take good care of Duke in heaven".
I'd like to think that he's curled up at His feet.
"Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them." Isaiah 11:5-6
Rest in Peace buddy.
Duke
November 18, 2005-July 11, 2014
