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Yesterday I wrote a post about a sweet little “Tigger-like” puppy who has for the last six months or so made us smile, laugh and fall in love. A little guy named Tuck who met every day with a smile and a wag, couldn’t greet you without putting up his arms for a hug, and made you feel like a rock star every time you entered a room.  He was a great cuddler and for every pat given, he would happily return the favor with a kiss.  A true love of a dog. And the only dog that ever stole my heart.

Today, as I was getting ready for work our curious little friend put his head into his empty dog food bag and tragically got stuck and asphyxiated.  I walked in to the laundry room to find him lifeless on the ground.  It was horrible and surreal.  A freak accident that left all of us shocked, confused and so very sad.  This sweet bundle of life and energy, our representative of youth, was gone.

Reality took a while to register.  I somehow hysterically thought that he had simply fainted and that I could breathe life back into him.  But the wag had stopped for the first time since I had met him.  The rascally sparkle in his eyes was no longer there.  And no amount of coaxing or crying or screaming his name could bring him back to us.

It was a horrible, no good, very bad day.  He was Abby’s dog, her baby, and my grief for her was even greater than my own.  I would have done anything if I could have spared her the pain of finding out that he wasn’t here when she got home from work.  Of knowing that he won’t be sleeping on her bed tonight at the end of this very long day.  Of knowing that when she wakes up tomorrow she will not be greeted by a wag or a lick.  And that breaks my heart.

And yet….amid the sadness and ugliness of pain, there has been a beauty that has shown it’s face.  Little brilliant glimmers of sweet light.  In the form of precious, supportive friends who by visits, phone calls and messages of various kinds have expressed their care and love.  Precious moments of conversations, hugs, tears and laughter that have brought hearts ever closer.

I know that Tuck was just a dog.  Yet somehow, he touched us and impacted our lives in ways we didn’t anticipate.  And today was an “in your face” reminder of how life can change on a dime.  It is fragile and unpredictable and precious. It is short. Every day, every opportunity, every person counts.

Hug your pet tonight.  But more importantly, hold your loved ones.  Tell them you love them one more time before you go to bed.  Squeeze their hand a little tighter.  Laugh with them a little louder.  And let’s all thank Jesus every day for life with all of its joy and pain, by living every single minute as if it were our last…

Psalm 34:18 – (offered by several people today and tatooed on Abby’s wrist – very appropriate for today)  The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 

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I promise to send some encouragement your way, and a bit of hope for the soul...

xo, jana

 

 

 

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