I am convinced that God blesses us with dogs as a further example of what unconditional love should look like.
Rocco wasn’t just a dog or a pet to us, to me. He was a blessing. In a world full of corruption and disappointment, he was a pure creature. He was a blessing to me in the wake of Parkland, when police had to sit in front of our home, when my kids couldn’t wear their names on their jerseys at games. He was an emotional replacement for those who left when the political glare became too much. He was a constant. Never judging, always loving, always loyal. He would have put himself through the worst for us, which is why in the end, we chose to put ourselves through the worst for him.
It’s a weird feeling to be wrapped up in so much thankfulness that God blessed us with such a wonderful creature and the anger at his being called away after nearly ten years. Tyrants seem to live forever and the good run on a fuel in limited supply.
People who don’t have pets struggle to understand, and as such, I don’t blame them for questioning such intense attachment to something not even of blood or species. It’s supernatural. Godly. A blessing.
I take great comfort in Matthew 10:29: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of then will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” And Proverbs 12:10: “The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the cruel are wicked.” God cares for his precious creatures.
Rocco’s water bowl still has water in it.
He has a bed in my office. His harness is by the door. His blanket, turned back by his paws, still on his little dog sofa. We had planned for his end of life to be on Monday, tomorrow. After years of fighting intervertebral disc disease, surgery for IVDD, a recent eye surgery, losing mobility in his right leg and growing slower, he was diagnosed with late stage laryngeal paralysis on top of it. He was slowly suffocating. His ability to drink and eat was fast diminishing. Last night his breathing was labored. It grew worse the later it got. He would not wait until Monday without great suffering. Good boys deserve good endings.
And at the end we looked into his eyes, told him how much we fiercely loved him, held his paw, and said goodbye. We are, and I am, utterly and completely heartbroken. He might be a dog to some, but my work does not make me as rich in good people and love as one may think. I treasure every good thing and every good thing lost is a heavy strike at the heart. Rocco was one of the very best of all the good things.
I am grateful for your prayers, kind words, and the camaraderie forged through such a sad experience.
I will be back on air Tuesday.
To honor Rocco or a treasured family member you’ve loved and lost, please consider supporting local animal shelters, like Back Roads Animal Rescue. They do God’s work stewarding His creatures and operate on a shoestring budget with no frills.
Prayers for you and your family. Its never easy losing a very loved furry family member. Yet its a pain we willingly go through because we love them. This is such a beautiful way to express your love for him. Now he’s doing his favorite things like he’s a young guy all over again. I lost a sweet 16 and 1/2 year old kitty the Friday before Christmas to a cancer that spread quickly. I thanked God for the 16 years I had with her. Still have her collar and her meds are still on the dresser. Bless you for taking wonderful care of him and giving him a loving home.
So sorry for your loss. Thankful for the time you had with him.