Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Stormy

He was a wonderful dog!
One day about 6 years ago, my son presented me with a dog. Not just any dog. A very large, tall, two year old Doberman Pinscher. As my son and I drove in his car listening to the thunder and watching the rain outside the windows, I asked him what the dog's name was, "Stormy" was his answer. The coincidence of his name, with the stormy day on which he became a member of our family, helped to put to rest my doubts. Storm, or Stormy, became such a beloved pet. He taught me so much about love, sacrifice, gentleness, loyalty...the list could go on.
We had him for two months, when he was hit by a car. We all helped nurse him back to health and I think this time solidified his place in our home. There's something about the look a dog gives you, looking you straight in the eye, communicating love and joy. Alot of people were afraid of him. I just had to laugh, knowing what a wimp he really was. When someone would walk up the sidewalk to the house, he would stick his face out of the curtains. Because he had been woken up from a long nap, his eyes would squint, his nose would scrunch up, which showed his pointy teeth. I have to admit, I would have been scared too, but he always made me think of Jerry Lewis.
On the other hand, he was a beautiful, strong, muscular dog with a gleaming coat and color and drew admiration wherever we went. He was tall enough that he could actually "sit down" on the couch. He would just sit his rear end down and hold his head high and smile. He was so funny! He wasn't perfect, by any means. He would get so excited when someone walked in the door, that you couldn't have a conversation for about 5 minutes. I can also think of several favorite blankies and stuffed animals that were destroyed or disappeared. He loved walks, and he loved even more sneaking (or pushing) his way out the door and running FREE for awhile. He was a great guard dog and always gentle with my kids and their friends. I've heard this kind of dog referred to as a gentle giant. I have to agree.
My dog hasn't been well for about a year, and during the past two weeks we knew it was time. He struggled with breathing and even sleeping. He would look at me as if to ask for help and I felt so helpless. He spent time at the vets but had come back home Monday. He wouldn't eat, and it seemed he had lost his "spirit". He didn't have the energy to look me in the eye anymore. He passed away at home yesterday evening. We buried him in our backyard this morning, early. As I climbed into bed last night, I realized I wouldn't be listening for his footsteps or requests to go outside. I started wondering about his spirit. Where is he now? So, today I googled the subject. There seem to be alot of other people wondering the same thing. I even found bible verses which communicate God's love for His animals, something I never even thought of while my dog was alive.
And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever."
Revelations 5:13
"For every beast of the forest is Mine, The cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird of the mountains, And everything that moves in the field is Mine.
Psalm 50:10-11
A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal.
Proverbs 12:10
From now on, when I form a cloud over the Earth and the rainbow appears in the cloud, I'll remember my covenant between me and you and everything living, that never again will floodwaters destroy all life. When the rainbow appears in the cloud, I'll see it and remember the eternal covenant between God and everything living, every last living creature on Earth."
Genesis 9:8-16
LET EVERYTHING THAT HAS BREATH PRAISE THE LORD!
Psalm 150:6
"If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than most humans." ~ James Herriot

8 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry about your beloved friend. I know how helpless I felt when I backed over my dog last year. I felt so horrible seeing her pleading eyes.
    Several dogs have "adopted us" over the past few years and we take care and love them. We can't understand why someone could be so cruel to an animal.

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  2. What a lovely tribute to your beloved dog.

    I know you will miss him.

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  3. with five children, we have had such a multitude of pets....and after many years, have had to go through this experience several times.....it is so hard. they truly bring so much to our lives.....and i love the verses you shared....and they surely bring comfort to you at this time.
    hugs,
    kimberly

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  4. I am so very sorry. I have tears in my eyes as I type this because I am reliving the loss of our dear pooch almost two years ago. He taught me so much about unconditional love. Our pets brings us such joy, and we are better people for being in their company.

    God bless your sweet Stormy. And may you find comfort in the days ahead.

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  5. I'm SO Sorry sweetheart!! Sylvia Browne has a Beautiful book out about animals after they cross over...Stormy's running Free and will be the First to greet you when it's your time.
    Right now our 17yr old Corky is Not doing well...but he Lived, and that's what counts. He's brought us So much joy...and I'm grateful.
    Sending you a great Big ((((HUG))))!

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  6. So sorry to hear about your beloved pet, Karen...it is not easy when it is time for them to leave us...!

    But is good to look back and think of all the enjoyment and love they gave us, isn't it?

    Annie

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  7. Thank you everyone for your kind comments. Our animals sure do touch our hearts. I love you all.

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  8. Oh this made me cry! We had 2 dobermans growing up. They are beautiful dogs. Yours was so young. I'm sorry for your loss.We have a 13 year old lab mix and I know that we will be very sad when it's her time. She's been a great dog.
    Blessings to you.
    Kim

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