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.
Hi Jana and Abby,
So sorry to learn about Tuck. We were looking forward to meeting and interacting with him at Christmas time. Our Lord has not left you and as you draw comfort from Him, you will some day use that God-given comfort to bring comfort to someone else.
So very sorry. Nama and I love you two very much.
Papa
Thank you, papa. We were excited for you to meet him, too. He was just so dang sweet. But God is good and sweet things are coming from the pain. Love you much. Please give Nama a hug for us. xoxo
Jana, my heart bleeds for you. This had to have been so incredibly painful. I pray that you are comforted in the arms of the Savior.
Thank you, Kathy. I was amazed by the amount of emotion this little pup evoked from all of us. I have never grieved over the loss of a pet before. But this one really left a hole and he will definitely be missed. And especially hard since Abby loved him so much. He was just so much fun! Thanks for your sweet words. Hugs to you, friend.
Oh Jana my heart hurts for you and Abby especially. I didn’t even know Tuck but he sounds like he was one special dog. Praying for you and Abby today. Tell Abby that Jake sends her a big hug. Love you girl!
Thanks so much, sweet girl. It was horrible and heart wrenching. Have never felt like that with a pet before, but he was definitely a “Jarvis” and just added such a sweet spot to our family. Abby is so sad and it hurts her so much to think that he suffered. But God is good and healing is on the way…we all just miss him horribly. Thank you, sister love. Tell Jake I will pass his love and hugs on. Can’t wait to see you guys! And we still need to talk!
Oh Jana, I am so, so sorry! I know how much the love of a pet can warm a family and how much the loss can hurt. We’re grieving with you!
Thank you, Chris. It was so much more difficult than I ever would have imagined….thanks for your sweet words…:-)
So sorry to hear about Tuck. A pet can brighten your day no matter how bad it was and melt your heart with thier unconditional love. I only met you once, but it was enough to inspire me to read your blog and it inspires me every day. Thank you. So sorry for your loss.
Oh, Ladonna. You are so sweet! He is greatly missed. Thanks for reading the blog. It means the world to me! Hope that I get to see you again soon when you are visiting C and C!