Lily- a few months ago
I am thankful to Todd Wilhelm for this quote.
I am feeling a bit sad today so two short posts are all that I can handle. 12/1/2 years ago, I received a call from a pug rescue group. There had been a puppy mill bust and 50 pugs were found INSIDE a house. Several of the mother pugs had died and there were a few babies who were not yet weaned and needed to be fed puppy formula.
So, I took on Lily when she was 5 weeks old. When I brought her home, I set her down on the grass for a minuted whileI gathered her things. She promptly peed on the grass. I laughed and said “You and I are going to get along just fine!”
Lily was the kindest, most loving, most laid back pug dog I have ever had. All our pugs are rescues who often come from horrific backgrounds, so it takes the time to adjust to the great life we give them at the Parsons’ household. Lily didn’t remember a life of suffering and so was just plain happy.
Lily was by my side when I started this blog. She insisted on sitting next to me (on my left side) while I blogged. She had her special chair and would occasionally rest her head or paw on my leg. I used to talk to her when I was trying to figure out things. I could also tell her secrets, knowing they were safe with her.
A month ago she started acting off. This week I took her to the vet and found out she had two lungs filled with cancer. Sadly, the decision was too easy. On Saturday, surrounded by my husband, daughter and me, she passed gently away thanks to my wonderful veterinarians.
My left side feels strange as I write this because Lily was always there. However, Buttercup has suddenly decided to sit on a cushion on my right side. I tried to put her on the left side but she wouldn’t go there. That will always be Lily’s spot.
I believe we will see out beloved pets in heaven I don’t get how all of the soul stuff works but I do know this. God created them for now and He can recreate them later. We live in a world filled with animals and I find it difficult to believe that there will not be an infinite variety of incredible animals in heaven, which will, of course, include pugs.
We know one thing that never passes away and that is love. I believe that the love we feel for our pets is eternal and they shall grace our eternal lives.
I’ve posted this before but I have to post it again for me. This is from “First Friend,” part of Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories. This story dealt with the Adam and Eve in the Garden. How this quote touched my heart!
When the Man waked up he said,
“What is Wild Dog doing here?”
And the Woman said,
“His name is not Wild Dog any more,
but the First Friend,
because he will be our friend
for always and always and always.”
Two years ago, Lily was particularly offended by John Piper and urged me to write the following post: John Piper: Dogs Can Distract You From Giving God Glory. Here are some quotes.
The first thing I would say is: Surely, yes, pets can take up too much of your time and too much of your money,
…So, if your conscience is indicting you for the money you spend or the time you spend combing your dog’s fur or scratching her behind the ears, you should stop, stop. You should get rid of the dog. No pet is worth the damaging of your conscience.
Needless to say, I am in no mood for his nonsense today.
Deepest condolences. Our former dog also suddenly was diagnosed with lung cancer. Obviously these pups were well lived and happy to only show their illness at the very end! I too don’t know how the “soul stuff” is worked out. However, since there will be “a new heaven and a new earth” there will have to be animals in that new earth right? And as you said, since the Lord made our Friends once, He can make them again! Wishing you peace and comfort.
First?
I am so sorry.
My condolences. I feel the same way about my nieces miniature daschund, whom I’m caring for as a puppy foster parent. Virtual hug.
….and so, so sorry for your loss. It’s a loss of family. May God comfort and uphold you in this time.
So sorry. 🙁
Dee, have you ever seen the Twilight Zone episode *The Hunt* (available free in its entirety on YouTube)? I have never been a huge Twilight Zone fan, because, frankly, creepy stuff creeps me out and gives me nightmares. But I love, love, love that episode. I think I will watch it tonight in Lily’s honor!
No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. -Ps 84.11
Having pets is a very good thing. We will most definitely see them again, because God is good and loves us.
Dee and family,
I’m so sorry you had to say goodbye to your friend. Many of us know this sadness. Hope you find others to love.
Dee….no great words. Just this…
{{{{HUG}}}}
So sorry…my elderly cat, passed out on my lap, and I send our heartfelt condolences.
My 16 year old cat, who loved to sit in my lap, passed away two weeks ago, so I send heartfelt hugs as well. I love having pets but it sure is hard to say good-bye, and have an empty lap or cushion or cage.
Lost Fred my Red Heeler a while back. Just have not brought myself to replacing him.
Anyone who loves dogs is my friend.
Sorry and I understand your loss.
Reading your own wonderful pet stories is heartening. Thank you.
Life under the dining room table won’t be the same.
My condolences for your loss. It really is losing a member of the family. I agree with you that we will see them in heaven.
Dear Dee,
I have been a dog person for decades – around here we usually have at least 3 dogs, sometimes 4 or 5, all rescues. I had 2 border collies rescued from a nasty puppy mill – best dogs ever (like all of them).
The quote that Todd sent to you says it all in a nutshell. Chances are, we outlive our dogs. I often reflect upon what it means that we can form this bond with another species. I think the human-dog symbiosis is older than anyone realizes.
So my condolences on the loss of your wonderful Lily. She was lucky and so were you. All sadness is not bad…
All best,
roebuck (Steve)
Dee, just wanted to add a couple of thoughts of how God always seems to send animal companions to us at the right time. I have been disabled my entire life-more at some times than others-due to a hip condition. As a kid, we got a doxie mix shortly after I had major surgery and missed a year of school. For the next 14 years we were inseparable as I continued to have a surgery almost every summer. He was my protector, tiny but mighty, and best buddy. I stabilized, went off to college, and always lived in non-pet friendly apartments (but pet sat often for friends(. Then, in 2002, I had another big hip surgery, spent a great deal of time in a wheelchair while trying to navigate my teaching job, and my cat appeared. Born in a dumpster, but an empress in her own eyes.At almost 17, I know the day will come to say good-bye, but we continue to enjoy each other. She always gets her way of course. That’s just what you do when you live with Queen Cat of the Universe. God knows when we need a furry companion. I am glad you have your other pugs to enjoy, and pray that they will help-and that fond and fun memories of Lily will bring much comfort and a smile (when you’re ready).
I am sorry Dee. John Piper should be, too. The best dog friend I ever had was a beagle named Joe – he was faithful to the end. I watched him die doing what he loved, chasing a rabbit at around 90 in dog-years … he collapsed as we hunted together. Given the choice, I would still hang out with him rather than Piper.
Linn,
Yes! God sends our furbabies exactly when we need them
Aww, I’m so sorry, Dee. Pets touch our hearts with their unconditional love and acceptance, their companionship is greatly missed.
Pugs are the most godly people I’ve ever met.
I know how you feel Dee, boy and how! My heart goes out to you.
I love dogs. We’re up to 5 now — 3 from the animal shelter and 2 that were abandoned on our dead end country road. As I type this, Allie, our red tick/boxer mix is sitting on the sofa with me.
I love horses (and mules and ponies) too. On April 6th, we had to put down a horse who had been part of our lives for 25 years — Bellestarr of Avalon …… a black and white paint who was born on our farm …… spirited, but good natured and intelligent. 3 gaited…… when she was younger she could step like a Tennessee Walker! So Beautiful!
Belle was old and foundered already, and she quit eating last summer and lost a lot of weight when her buddy, my niece’s 30 yo Shetland pony, passed away. She wasn’t getting enough water either — pond was just too difficult of a walk for her. So, I started going out into the cow pature to feed and water her.
Dealing with the cows (beef cattle) was a challenge, so hubby built a shed and fenced in a couple of acres right beside the house for Belle. (Belle loved her new home …. she made it clear that she did not want to come out of that lot!).
It feels so odd to look out a window and not see her. But, I do have the comfort of knowing that in her last few and most difficult months, I could keep her comfortable. I’m going to miss Bellestarr for a long time to come.
I have no doubt that you will miss your Lily for a long time, too. Ahhh, but how blessed we have been, and our animals, too. I think we’ll see our pets in heaven, too…….. and Belle is going to be stepping high again. Maybe she’ll take Lily for a ride.
We rescued our dog Teddy when he was one and a half. He had been terribly abused and if not rescued he was to be put down the next day. He turned out to be the best dog we ever had. It took a year for trust to build. He preferred to sleep under the deck for a whole year. Then he started sleeping next to my bed. Then he started barking when the doorbell rang. We had him for 13 years before he died of old age. We still get tears in our eyes when we think of him and see his pictures. Animals make our families whole. I understand the pain in your heart.Take care.
sharing tears of consolation with you, dee. wow
just love elephants, horses, dolphins… but dogs… but dogs….
only dogs can share your pillow at night. and your burdens with their hugs of love.
you’re the best dogmom.
My heart goes out to you. I shed a tear reading this news. These as animals are such precious gifts from God. They can teach us about unconditional love, joy, peace, and acceptance like no other. Glad you had many great days with your furry friend!
I am sorry for your families loss, Dee. I am more of a dog person but I rescued a little cat outside our door. His name is “Sammy” and he would have died if I would have left him on the street. He was so hungry that he wobbled over and ate my granola bar. Little did I know he was infested with fleas. He is 7 now and has another rescue partner by the name of “Bella”-she is 2 years old. I hope to have a pug one of these days but I have to wait till my wife allows me. Guess who feeds and takes our cats to the vet? Now you have Buttercup at your right side.
Sorry for your loss, Dee. May the memories of Lily’s love and friendship abound more and more, and lessen the sorrow.
So sorry to hear about Lily! We have had multiple rescue dogs as well as fosters in the past. Dogs are much better than people – always happy to see you, always forgiving; grateful to receive a few simple things in life from their pack leaders.
Wishing comfort for you (and your other pets who will feel the loss as well but can’t understand what happened).
I’m so sorry. I fully believe our companion animals will also be resurrected – Romans 8 says creation is groaning for redemption. When we had a miscarriage several years ago, knowing that my grandpa, dog, and cat would be there to greet the baby was very comforting.
You can tell a lot about a person based on how they treat animals.
Dee,
May God comfort you and yours as you grieve Lily’s death. I agree that God may well grant us the joy of seeing our beloved pets again.
Joni Eareckson Tada said this about pets and heaven, as quoted in the link below:
In her excellent book, Holiness in Hidden Places, Joni Eareckson Tada says, “If God brings our pets back to life, it wouldn’t surprise me. It would be just like him. It would be totally in keeping with his generous character. . . Exorbitant. Excessive. Extravagant in grace after grace. Of all the dazzling discoveries and ecstatic pleasures heaven will hold for us, the potential of seeing Scrappy would be pure whimsy—utterly, joyfully, surprisingly superfluous. . . Heaven is going to be a place that will refract and reflect in as many ways as possible the goodness of joy of our great God, who delights in lavishing love on his children.”>
Surprisingly, the article’s author, Randy Alcorn, also quotes a poem that hints we will see pets in Heaven. The poet, one John Piper?
https://www.epm.org/resources/2005/Jun/5/our-beloved-dog-recently-died-should-i-correct-my-/
So the mother of our 7 year old grandson called today. Seems they just left the theatre having seen “A Dog’s Journey” and he was inconsolable and wanted to come see our tottering old German Shorthaired Pointer, Jake.
So the back story is that his father died last year. He made it through his daddy’s very crowded celebration of life with an emotional support dog from his school.
He pushed through the door, fell to the floor and wrapped his arms around Jake and just wept and shook……
Dogs are gifts.
Jake was “thrown away” to the pound and retrieved by a rescue group. But he had a purpose; to comfort a little boy who will have another birthday next week without his dad.
Lilly no doubt kept the secrets she learned from Dee and was there to encourage her to be brave
You did your job Lilly. Good dog!
I’m very sad about Lily, you gave her a good life.
Dee, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet Lily. I too have lost several of these little gifts from God. Thank you for being such a good Mom to her and may God wrap His loving arms around you during this sad time.
Mrs. Muff and me know exactly what you’re going through dee.
We had to have our little dog put down 10 weeks ago and we’re still grieving…
John Piper has no heart and he has no humanity.
They’ve both been removed and scrubbed from him by a cruel and capricious god whose only goal is to aggrandize his own ‘glory’.
I’m so sorry you had to say goodbye to Lily. Sending hugs because I know how much it hurts.
I’m so sorry, Dee! We rescued a stray dog who was running around in farmers’ fields and causing a mess (we lived at a Bible camp surrounded by a farming community). Someone had to take him in or he’d be shot. So this giant red dog (who was a lab/Rhodesian Ridgeback mix) became a part of our family. Clyde was an excellent hunter and would leave us wonderful gifts of snakes and voles on our doorstep at camp. He was my running buddy in the country and the city, snuggled with our baby boy and treated him with such gentleness, and could hold a basketball in his mouth. We had to part with him because of cancer, too. Bless our sweet animal friends. I’m glad for all the happiness you had in your Lily and so sorry for your loss.
My condolences, Dee. Whenever I see pugs, I think of you and your trio.
Dearest Dee, I’ve been thinking about you since I read this sad news late last night. Of course dogs will be there in heaven. Ken F (aka Tweed) recently drew our attention to 2 Thessalonians 2:15: “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.” Personally, I think the word of mouth was, “Good dog!”
So sorry Dee. A very tough thing to lose a beloved pet. I am praying for your comfort.
“My heart has joined the Thousand, for my friend stopped running today.” Sorry for your loss Dee. Pets are a blessing and a joy.
Dee, I too am sorry for your loss. God’s peace to you and your family thru a difficult time.
RE Piper: Huge red flag. Pastors who don’t like pets – there is something wrong with that boy. I had one (pastor like that) and am glad to be rid of him.
I am so sorry for your loss. My beloved rescue dog had a good long life before fading away nearly two years ago. She was an amazingly relaxed dog for how energetic she was. I like to think she knew her worst days were behind her and she’d be well loved and cared for from then on. My psychiatrist told me the fact that losing them hurts so much proves that it was real.
As for Piper, there are no words. Well, none that would pass moderation, anyway.
I’m very sorry for your loss.
Dee, I’m sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Dee. It’s so hard when our furry friends go.
Hi Dee I have not posted in a long time. I’m sorry for your loss. I hope your time with her was filled with wonderful memories and joy.
Who will keep my feet warm now when I’m over working at your table? Lily used to take naps lying on top of my shoes.
At times like this a certain verse comes to mind. I looked it up, and it is from Genesis 9, verse 5. The context is God telling Noah and company they can now eat animals as well as plants, as long as they’re cooked with no more blood in them.
“And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each human being too, I will demand an accounting for the life of another human being.” (NIV)
Assuming the translation from the Hebrew is accurate, I’m not sure how God could do that part about the animals unless they have some sort of soul that can survive death. I suppose there are other interpretations out there, but this one always made the most sense to me, though that may not be saying much. \:-|
“The dog (is) grateful and faithful in his friendships.”
(Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers 2:8: St Basil, Letters and Select Works, Homily 9)
Sorry for your loss Dee.
So many comments, losing a dog is never easy. My deepest condolences.
GuyBehindtheCurtain,
Can I plug in a hairdryer?
I’m so sorry. A few years ago, we lost our 2 old kitties within 2 days of each other. It can be so hard. Our pets are truly family. May God give you grace in this hurting time.
All good dogs go to heaven!
I am a TWW wallflower but I’m always here reading along and learning. seeking to know the God of love, without fear. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Dee and family, including the remaining pugs, and I fervently hope our pets will be with us in heaven.
So sorry for your loss. Dogs tend to love like we ought to…and are usually better friends than most people I’ve known!
I love to dwell on this passage from I Corinthians 1 during times of grief and sorrow:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.”
As for Piper, I’ve never seen such a pinched-up, miserable little man. His god is a petty, selfish tyrant and nothing like the God I know at all, for which I am truly thankful!
Sad to hear. Have had to go through the same a few times in recent years, and it’s not easy. All the best.
Deepest condolences, pugs are my son’s favorite breed. I was so happy to read that you adopted so many rescued pugs, proof that you can be devoted to a breed but “adopt instead of shop.
With regard to John Piper, I recalled some words from a James Herriot poem in a children’s book of prayers:
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful:
The Lord God made them all.
He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.
I believe the Lord should be our top priority, but He made animals, including pets a key part of His creation. For example, up till the last 125 yrs or so, horses were key to human advancement. In recent years, we are discovering more and more the unique gifts our Creator knit into his furry creations to assist humans. Dogs are trained, or even learn on their own to sense low blood sugar or impending seizures in people. Science has shown how pets can lower blood pressure and alleviate depression and anxiety.
You have my condolences. It’s hard to lose a furry friend. I don’t know why God made their lives so short. Maybe it’s so we can open our home to even more? But, it’s so heart-breaking. My prayers are with you.
So sorry for your loss Dee.
Dogs are a special gift as part of God’s creation. Sorry for your loss.
Dee, I’m so sorry!
Here I am quoting you again, Linn.
I was so touched by your post and personal story relating to animals and how they comfort us especially when we are ill, recovering emotionally or physically, or in both our cases—handicapped and often unable to get out and about like a (completely) able-bodied person can/might.
Dee, My heart is hurting with you at the loss/passing of your dear Lily.
Running the risk of sounding or appearing sacrilegious (I think I’m safe here) I’ve always loved the fact that the word dog is God spelled backwards. It’s like a little cosmic Creator wink.
I saw/read this verse from Job recently that I’ve never read before. I pray it comforts and encourages you when you find yourself missing Lily:
“In God’s hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:10
Much love and gentle hugs,
Trace