Paw Prints Left Behind

The other day I received a text from my niece informing me that she had to put her precious dog, Molly, down. Molly was up there in age and was experiencing health issues. Nevertheless, the loss, while you know is inevitable, is nothing short of heartbreaking. As I read her text, my heart sank, for I could feel her sadness come through her‌ words. How do I respond? What do I say? What can I say in moments like this?

I couldn’t help but put myself in her shoes. I know one day I will be in that very situation with Ella; unless, of course, God takes me home first. My heart will be broken. Nothing said will ease the heartbreak. Some may tell me to get a grip; but unless you have experienced the unconditional love from one of God’s creation you won’t understand the pure grief and devastation of losing your pet. They are part of your family; they are your family.

When pain and grief cloud my heart, I open God’s word to make sense of it. Even though ‌I may not understand the why, I take comfort knowing that He is the God of all comfort and He is close to the brokenhearted. Not only does He care about us, but He also cares about animals, even our pets. The Bible contains many verses that demonstrate this. It is also filled with ways in which Jesus used animals as teaching tools to explain spiritual truths.

In the book of Genesis, after God created land animals, He saw that “it was good.” Psalm 104:31 reassures us that God rejoices in all of His works, in everything He has created. God also included the Sabbath for our animals, stating in Deuteronomy 5:14 that on the seventh day we are not to do any work; “neither your ox, your donkey, or any of your animals….” The Bible doesn’t offer specific verses on whether animals will end up in heaven; however, I would like to think that they will end up there one day. Thinking differently is too painful.

While I wish I could offer my niece words of comfort, I am thankful that our Heavenly Father knows what she needs. After all, He created Molly and then chose my niece to care for His creation; a role that she did perfectly.