Crowned Cultivators Blog Raising Heirs of a King – Grieving the Loss of a Pet

Over fourteen years ago, the wandering stray approached my husband while he worked in the yard of our rural home. Since then, she had never wanted to leave his side. She had such a sweet disposition. The only time I ever recall her barking was when he was outside, and she was in the house. Her separation anxiety was both silly and adorable.

In Sickness and in Health

What none of us ever wanted to think about was that fateful day when our faithful companion would have to leave us. Over the past several years, we have turned to prayer more than ever. After witnessing healing miracles occur before our very eyes, it was only natural to pray for our beloved pet when she was ill. I must admit, there were many times when I prepared for the worst, but then she would seem to recover. After a year of bowel control loss and several months of vomiting multiple times a day, we were facing a difficult decision none of us wanted to make. 

To Know When it’s Time to Say Goodbye

Every life is precious. I didn’t believe we had the right to terminate hers for whatever reason. I was sure God would take her when He was ready. After seeking His guidance, the Lord reminded me that our prayers extended her life, but her quality was in decline. “But she’s only 14 years old,” I told Him. “She is 98 years old,” He replied. Then the reality of her age struck me. I didn’t want to take her life. I intended to leave it up to God. Then He reminded me that our beloved pet was not an “heir,” and as pet owners, it is a decision we must make and do so considering her comfort, not ours. 

Saying Farewell

Since she had been gradually losing weight, we knew the unthinkable was inevitable. What made the call even harder was the fact that she never complained. She did not whimper or whine when it hurt to stand or walk. She remained alert after throwing up multiple times a day. After talking it over and praying about her health and quality of life as a family, we came to the unanimous decision to have her put to sleep. In the end, we didn’t want her to die a painful death or die alone when we were not at home. Sorrowfully, we were all there for our aged sweet black lab at the veterinarian’s office. We held each other and prayed. Tears were shed. Her lovable face expressed sadness but also a sense of relief. We told her we loved her as we laid our hands on her. Then she left us. Our beloved dog regained her youth and vigor as she took off into the fields with Jesus.