I feel compelled to share something very personal. Last Sunday morning, I lost my beloved Chihuahua, Katy, who had been a cherished part of our family for over 17 years. She was a very good girl, and I think she deserves to be remembered.

On Saturday evening, she was enjoying being hand fed roast beef (she was very spoiled), but I could see that something was wrong. She began to cough. After checking and finding nothing in her mouth or obstructing her throat, we suspected it was linked to a growth on her neck that our vet had indicated might be cancer. The growth had gotten larger and given her age, we decided against surgery, knowing it was likely inoperable. For months, we had been giving her medication and trying to keep her comfortable, but the signs of aging were becoming harder to ignore—she would bump into walls, run in circles in confusion, and struggle with her mobility, especially at night.

Despite her challenges, Katie remained an amazing, lovable companion. She had to wear diapers—something she hated—but had always been so good about not having accidents until her last year.

I knew that death was approaching; I had witnessed it before. Yet, in the last few days, she had seemed to be doing better—eating more, being alert, and even interacting with our younger dog, who is full of energy and mischief. So, it was a shock when she started coughing and I watched her quickly deteriorating through the night.

I held her tight, promising her that I would not leave her side, and at 4 AM, she had a seizure. In that moment, I cried out to God, asking, “Why would you let this little dog suffer, Lord? She is such a good girl. Please take her pain away.” Moments later, Katie took her last breath in my arms.

My Bible reading for Sunday was from Isaiah 25:7-8 —-

“On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken.”

This verse gives me hope when grieving loss and separation and I read it often.

There are many others grieving today, perhaps suffering from loss of a beloved pet, or even worse, a family member or friend. Or even the devastation of losing a home to fire, floods, or other disasters. Remember you are not alone, and hold onto your faith, for without it grief and loss can be overwhelming.

I am grateful that God provided a way for us to be saved through His Son, Jesus Christ, and that is what gives me hope and strength. Death and separation are temporary, and we will reunite in eternity, which, while comforting, doesn’t lessen the pain of separation, or saying goodbye.

Katy was the last of my herd of chihuahuas, we owned four at the time she joined the pack. I grieved each one as they passed. One thing that helped me is that I truly believe that all dogs go to heaven, especially sweet little souls like Katie, who shower us with unconditional love, even when we don’t deserve it.

God sent His Son to save us while we were still sinners, when we didn’t deserve to be saved, demonstrating the purest form of love. I think our pets come into our lives to teach us how to love and live, and how to forgive.

Thank you for letting me share my heart today. Katie was a very good girl, and I wanted you all to know just how special she was to me.

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GeorgeAnn Dingus
"Southern Grace & Gratitude"- Passionately Pursuing Purpose in Every Chapter of Life. Welcome to my world, where faith, family, and the written word converge into an inspiring tapestry. Originally hailing from Knoxville, Tennessee, I now call Christiana, Tennessee, near Nashville, home. I share this space with my husband and our adorable Chihuahua, Katie. I wear many hats: wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. I have a deep appreciation for nature, savoring the flavors of Southern cuisine, immersing myself in music, indulging in a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, and savoring the joy of laughter. But above all, it is my unwavering passion for Jesus Christ that fuels my life and writing with depth and purpose. Recently retired after years of experience in the corporate world, I've held various management roles, including marketing, fundraising, event management, and public speaking. I take pride in striving to be a servant-leader and have received recognition for my unwavering dedication. My hope is to touch your heart and kindle your soul. Join me on my journey as I share stories inspired by faith, family, laughter, and love. Through my writings, you'll discover enchanting stories of a life well-lived, and perhaps, you'll even find a piece of your own story woven within.

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