Have you ever had the love of a pet? Vicki shares how her dog has given her and her husband great comfort.
“The poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him” (2 Samuel 12:3).
A while back, we found out our beloved cocker spaniel had cancer. An ultrasound showed that Allegro had a twelve inch tumor in his body. Removing the mass would cost thousands of dollars. How we loved our furry family member.
Everyone shared their sympathies. At ten years old, it seemed time to put him down.
But, my husband couldn’t let go. Howie wanted to spend the money we saved for a romantic vacation on surgery for Allegro. Keeping our pet alive even for a short time longer meant more to him than a trip to the tropics.
So, for the love of a pet, we decided to take Allegro to the veterinary hospital. Not knowing if he’d survive the surgery.
Five days after Allegro’s surgery, Howie found out his job would be eliminated. During the uncertain months that followed, Howie had the comfort of his faithful dog.
It’s been over two years since the mass was removed and Allegro is still alive. At twelve years old, he still runs around our home like a puppy.
Howie’s not the only one who benefits from our pet. Allegro helps me in countless ways. Medication slows the progression of multiple sclerosis, pills can mask the pain, but, my four-legged companion comforts me.
Pets have a way of easing our sorrow and helping us forget our physical pain. Without any side effects.
Alone because you can no longer work? A pet is your companion.
Feeling lonely? A pet listens to your every word.
Sad because of what your illness prevents you from doing? A pet licks away your tears.
Fearful of what your future holds? A pet’s calming presence helps ease anxieties.
In pain? A pet demonstrates how to bear it without complaining.
Betrayed by a loved one who abandoned you in your illness? A pet remains.
Trouble getting around? Trained service animals and guide dogs help.
Seizure prone? God created dogs that can sense a seizure coming and warn you.
2 Corinthians 7:6 gives us an example of how God uses Christian friends to comfort the downcast. He blesses us with the love of a pet who can do the same.
Prayer: Dear Father, Thank You for creating animals that You use as instruments of comfort. I ask that Allegro will always be a reminder of Your unconditional love for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the Author:
Vicki understands special needs as a patient, parent, and professor. She has had multiple sclerosis since 1993. Her 31 year old son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She’s taught special education as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct professor. Through her online community she reaches out to other parents of children with special needs. http://theblogfrog.com/1505794
What ways does the love of a pet help you deal with your illness or pain?
Oh, so many cute puppy videos to choose from! Here is one of a puppy who thinks he has found a friend (in the mirror!)
I can relate to how much pets help. My dogs have always been a great comfort for me, especially when I’m not feeling well. The excitement they show at seeing you, even if you’ve only been gone for an hour, cannot help but bring a smile to my face even if I’m not feeling like smiling. We have, unfortunately, had a lot of dogs in our lives that have since passed away…but I look forward to the day when I’m in heaven and they all come running over to me and topple me down, to cover me with licks and kisses. Thanks for the reminder on how blessed I am to have these little guys in my life!
Dogs are such a blessing. They never seem to be moody. I thank God for those little furry guys.
Can’t even imagine Allegro being moody. Another reason why I love him…he’s a great reminder for me to continue to reflect the joy of the Lord even in the midst of pain.
“Looking forward to the day when I’m in heaven” What a wonderful day that will be!
Any cat lovers out there besides me? She’s usually at the door to greet me when I come home. She cuddles on my lap in the morning when I drink my tea and read the Word of God. She can sense when I don’t feel well or when I’m sad or upset. She loves to play peek-a-boo because she knows it makes me laugh every time. Yes, so glad I have my Chari. She brightens my day even on the cloudiest of days.
I think all animals are awesome. And to think what fun God must have had when He created them all…and His imagination! Who would have thought of creating something like a giraffe…or an elephant…or something as cute as a koala bear. I can’t wait to get to heaven to see what other wonders we’ll find there
Here are the last two verse of a poem I wrote after having to return a pup we’d bonded with, to her breeder. It was a heartbreak to me especially, but my husband had just been diagnosed with clots on his lungs, causing him breathing difficulties. He was relieved, but, although I knew neither of us could handle this responsibility at that time, I missed her terribly.
I miss my darling puppy.
She gave us so much pleasure,
Such comfort when she’d cuddle.
She was a nine-pound treasure.
Dear God, how very good You are
To give us these dear creatures,
Your sweet, attentive love to show
In such compelling teachers.
Dear Beth,
What a beautiful poem! Thanks for sharing. I’ll tell my aunt about it because she recently had to put down 2 adoption dogs she rescued (in the time span of a few months).
Vicki: How sad what your aunt went through. We’ve had several dogs (one at a time) since we’ve been married and loved every one dearly. Not counting the one the poem is about, each one lived a good long life, but it was always hard when the time came to say good-bye.
I wrote the poem over a period of a week or so. I found it really helpful as I grieved her loss.
One of the things we found very hard, since we had only short gaps of time between dogs, was coming home to an empty house. With no furry friend to get all excited over our return.
As I watched the video, I recalled the fun we had watching our golden retriever puppy going through the same things with the uncooperative mirror puppy. She showed the most interest in various things that she’d never seen or heard before. Like coming out to the kitchen when she first heard our kettle whistle. She cocked her head this way and that. It was so cute.
Thanks for writing this devo.
I know Allegro & her wonderful masters he is a precious dog even knows how to fold his paws in prayer. I had to put down my Biichon one year ago & my heart is so heavy with sadness he was 15 & my constant companion I also believe he will come to meet me along with my Cocer Spaniel Cocoa in heaven, They are Gods gift to us to love us unconditionally,
Hi Jeanne,
I know you understand the sadness we have at the loss of Allegro. Yes, pets truly are a gift from God. A companion to love us unconditionally…just a hint of our Father’s perfect love for us. We may not have Allegro any longer, but I’m so grateful to have you as my dear friend.