God thoughts

Goodbye to my Lady
8/11/2008 8:00:28 AM by: Elsi

Lady was my Christmas miracle dog. My previous dog had died while I was visiting my father in St. Louis, the Christmas of 1995. At the same time, unknown to me, Lady showed up on a rural St. Louis back porch, on Christmas Eve, in a snowstorm, very pregnant. I love the symbolism … pregnant and homeless on Christmas Eve … The family took her in, kept her while she had and raised her puppies, and then asked their neighbor, “Isn’t your brother a vet? Could he help us get rid of all these beagles?” And the vet-brother turned out to be my father’s vet, who phoned me to ask, “Are you ready for another beagle?” What an example of God’s perfect timing! All Lady has ever needed is love. (And food, of course, because she’s a beagle.) Going for a walk meant wonderful smells but, much more important, it meant finding beagle-patters. Everywhere we stopped on our travels, Lady found people who had driven across the continent just for the pleasure of patting her. By my side or, better yet, in my lap—that’s where she wanted to be. Lady enjoyed my bouts with pneumonia. What more could she ask than to have her mama lying on the sofa all day? She loved our old cat Cassie, and would have loved Dolphin if he’d been willing to do more than tolerate her. During laughter and tears, anxiety or loneliness, at home or in the RV, Lady’s been my companion since 1996. I will miss her desperately. So, what do I want for her? I’m not positing any doggy heaven. I don’t know for sure what the Lord does for His animals, especially the ones who are loved by His people. But, as the David Crowder song says, You make everything glorious! I am Yours … what does that make me? And He made Lady, so she is glorious also, precious to my Abba as well as to me. Doggy heaven, for a beagle, would involve new people to greet, fresh smells to sniff, and rolling hills to run through. And supper waiting, and her loving mama. I think, really, she wants what I most want: a warm, comfy lap … strong, safe arms to hold her … a gentle, comforting touch … kind, caring words. Beyond that, to be surrounded by loving friends, who gladly see our good points and sweetly don’t notice the flaws. Lord, I trust You to take care of my Lady, in whatever way you feel is best. She’s been Your gift to me, and I give her back to You.

Comments

	8/14/2008 5:58:38 PM

	I'LL MISS HER TOOO! Love and prayers, Danielle

	Danielle,

	8/12/2008 8:38:28 AM

	newbie

	dee braaksma,

	8/11/2008 11:24:48 PM

	I can't imagine Jesus not holding her in His arms. And smiling. Well done, Lady.

	shannie,

	8/11/2008 12:15:48 PM

	I'm so sorry and saddened with you, Elsi. You and Dolphin will miss Lady tremendously. What a great mama and brother (Dolphin) you two have been. Lady had a blessed life here on earth. I agree with your picture of Lady being loved and taken care of by our precious Lord Jesus. You're in my prayers.

	Jane,

	8/11/2008 12:08:21 PM

	I will miss Lady coming to the door when I knock! Her love of people and being patted, reading about her adventures with you in the RV, and so many other things. My prayers are with you.

	Sue,

	8/11/2008 9:14:43 AM

	Lady was a faithful friend and I am so sorry to hear it is time for her to leave us. She will be dearly missed, but there are many happy memories and photos and she won't be forgotten.

	Anna,