My dog died today and I don't really know how to feel about it. On one hand, I don't feel terribly sad because she was 15(ish) and honestly, we expected her to go years ago. Of course, she was just a dog, so I would feel kind of silly being all sentimental about it. But I've never really had a pet die before, so I don't know what to think.
On the other hand, I am sad about it. I mean, she's been around since I was in early junior high. She was one of those dogs who knew the line between too energetic and too boring: she could be really fun or really sweet. She was as much a part of the family as a pet can be.
Seriously, I'm not looking for sympathy here, but I'm wondering what other people think about this: obviously, God made animals in such a way that people have some sort of relationship with them and affection for them, so how are we supposed to feel about animals?
Your mom and I feel very sad today. We were sad to see her suffer and sad to see her go. We cried, but we also knew it was time.
As a part of our family, Shasta received the benefits of the covenant household -- since I belong to God so do the things I possess – children, land, money and animals -- they are extensions of me -- it is my children, my land, my money and my animals.
Animals are blessings at many levels, but pets are special because they bring us joy, entertainment, companionship, comfort and more. It seems odd to say of an animal, “she has her own personality,” (since she is not really a person), but what else do you call it? Your dog treats you like you’re a god; it’s close to worship. No matter how the world has treated you that day, your dog still loves you and thrills at your presence. A pat on the head, a scratch on the belly, a toss of the ball, or a chase around the yard is all it takes to give them pure delight. In many ways they remind us of what’s important. (Who doesn’t want a pat on the head -- or somewhere -- from time-to-time?)
Shasta was playful, affectionate, occasionally naughty, but always loyal and a blessing to the Booth household. She was a gift from God. “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” We will miss her.
Wow, that's a great eulogy. I love my dog and will be devastated when he dies. Not as though a person had died, but still, an important part of my life will be gone.
Posted by: gosey at July 10, 2003 03:51 PMThanks, Dad. I was going to be all tough and not cry (at work) but you got me.
Posted by: Christin at July 10, 2003 04:41 PMI tried to read Mr. Booth's post three times yesterday and I couldn't get past the first paragraph! I am such a softy when it comes to pets.
Posted by: JeniLiz at July 11, 2003 08:58 AMShasta is a cool name.
Posted by: Shannon at July 11, 2003 01:56 PMWhen dad called to tell me that Shasta died, I can't say that I was shocked. I knew it was coming. I had even talked about it the day before and asked myself, "do I cry, or not?" I couldn't answer at the time, but as it turns out I did cry. I was at Blue Light eating lunch, and as soon as I got off the phone with dad a few tears slipped out. I probably would have cried more if I hadn't been in public. She was a good dog...I miss her already.
Posted by: litle Booth at July 11, 2003 03:14 PMI think your Dad said it all. I'm so sorry. The sadness lightens in a short time, and all of a sudden one day you realize you think of all the funny and kind things she did, and you become almost happy again.
I had three dear cats die, one I grew up with who died when he was 14. I was sad for a long time, and my eyes still tear up if I think about how I miss all of them. But mostly I just remember them, and I am glad I had them because they were exactly what I needed in my life.
If we believe God directs everything in our life, then we must understand that He put Shasta with your family because she was the best dog for the Booths. There wouldn't have been a better family for her, and there wouldn't have been a better dog for you.
Posted by: Sarah at July 12, 2003 08:11 AM