God’s Ways Are Perfect!

Dolly "chillin" Before the Days of Bows

So, how is it that I can lose my wonderful pet and furry friend of fourteen years and still say that God’s ways are perfect?  My little American Eskimo Spitz dog, Dolly, died June 2, 2011.  If you have ever had a pet, you know that after so long, pets are a part of your family.  For my family, Dolly was the best dog we have ever had.  She had the most beautiful, soft, silky, white coat you have ever seen.  She was smart, perky, and brought so much fun, laughter, and life to our family.   Her cute face was adorned with two sparkling bright eyes, the perfect nose, two perfectly, pure white, pointy ears and two colored bows, which she grew to hang onto, even to the day of her death.  Among some of my favorite bows that she wore, were the pastel green ones, the red ones, and the ones she had on last, the red, white polka dotted bows.  She had the most charming personality, which at times displayed the gracefulness of a Paso Fino Horse, as she majestically ran up our deck stairs, or the speed of a Cheetah, as she sped to, from, and around our yard, and yes livingroom too (Thank God for rugs with traction that prevented her from flying off our living room stairs.).  Dolly was unique, incredible, fun, endearing, and loved dearly!

They say the bows look pretty.  I guess I will keep them on.

Dolly enjoyed her company with Grandma Toňa.  Dolly saw Annette go away to college, finish two degrees, see her marry Adam, and get a job at Southern University.   Dolly witnessed Miguel, Jr. grow through adolescence, numerous hair styles, go away to Bible School and nursing school, marry Gloria, and become nursing manager.  Dolly was my little companion on days when school was closed and on days when I typed my zillion papers for my third degree.   Dolly saw her daddy start a very successful business, now in its twelfth year, which on various occasions she guarded with her teeth (Thank goodness they were wearing long pants!).   Miguel, Jr. begged his dad and I to get Dolly, to fill the absence of his sister going away to college, and in no time, daddy became Dolly’s daddy too.  She had him wrapped around her little paw!  Yup!  Almost literally!  There was nothing that Dolly wanted that Dolly did not get!  She slowly moved from being trained NEVER to go in our kitchen, to eventually owning our kitchen and having dinner with Miguel, Sr. and I at the feet of the kitchen table.  

 

Every Sabbath for fourteen years, Dolly sat by our fence, as we waved good-bye to go to church.  Every Sabbath, she welcomed us back from church in the same manner.  In our family, Dolly experienced that we value God, each other, education, and of course her.  I will always remember her perked ears and wagging tail as she welcomed us home each evening, our petting sessions, the song I sang to her, and the way she stretched so that I could rub her ribs and sing:  “Scrunchies! Scrunchies!  Scrunchies!”  I will always remember the way she made me feel so safe, as she guarded our house sitting quietly at the top of our steps in our living room or growling and barking with a vengeance, at anything that even came near our house.  Dolly was the best little guard dog in the world.  Dolly was our best pet ever!

 

This week, as I have mourned my little Dolly girl, God has once again reminded me that life is so fragile.  The first time I learned that lesson was Christmas Eve, 1979, when I lost my dad suddenly and tragically.   Thank God Dolly did not die tragically, although years ago, she could have died that way, after an awful accident.  She did however, die suddenly.  I always prayed for God not to let Dolly get ill and decline in health, so that we would not have to put her to sleep.  God honored my prayer.   Dolly was full of life, until the very morning of her sudden death.  Our guess is that she died of cardiac arrest.  We found her peacefully in her room.  She looked like she was sleeping.  She did not suffer.  She was not in pain.  She brought us happiness until her very last moments here on earth.   Our family is so grateful to God for taking care of our little Dolly girl for fourteen years.  Our family is grateful for all the joy, laughter, life, and fun memories she brought us.  We are grateful to God for being such a good God.  I am comforted by God’s word that says that the lions and lambs will play together in heaven. There will be animals in heaven and knowing how merciful God is, I would like to think that our loving God will reunite pet owners with their pets too.  Thank you God for the peace and comfort of your word.  Thank you for your perfect timing.  Thank you because your ways are perfect!  Thank you because in everything, you are worthy to be praised.

 Psalm 9:1-2; New Living Translation (NLT)

¹ I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.
² I will be filled with joy because of you.
I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.