by Cathee Poulsen
I held her close this morning and rubbed her soft underbelly which she loves. How do you say goodbye to a companion who has followed your every step with her bright black eyes, ready to accept any assignment you might dole out? For sixteen years? Faithful and true, hopelessly devoted to you?
We’ve known for some time that Maggie’s years were coming to a close, but we kept pushing the thought away. Not yet. Just a little while longer, please?
Do dogs go to heaven? I’ve heard that question over and over and the answers can be somewhat ridiculous.
“If that’s what it takes to make you happy in heaven, your dog will be there.” Really? Somehow I don’t think we have that kind of control over what heaven will be like.
When Azlynn was about 10 and we’d had Maggie maybe six months, she kept asking me, “What will you do when Maggie dies?” She knew how much I loved her and she was worried. Maggie wasn’t even one yet.
“Maggie is a dog. When it’s time for her to die, I’ll accept it. I’ll miss her terribly, but I’ll be okay.”
Easier said than done. And today I have to live up to those words.
While I don’t think Heaven will be redesigned to suit my desires, I have come to a peaceful resolution.
The Word of God is clear about this simple truth – He’s making all things new.
And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Rev. 21:5
“Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.” Acts 3:21 NIV
If Jesus is making all things new, and He will eventually restore everything, wouldn’t that include Riley and Maggie and your pet too? Of course it would.
So this morning as Bob held that beloved sweet dog while they administered the shot, I prayed Jesus would be ready on the other side to receive His creation who has blessed us for these many years. As she gave a little sigh and went limp in his arms, we released her to wherever Jesus took her till the restoration of all things.
Our hearts are heavy tonight, Magster. I looked for you at 5 when you appear magically in the kitchen for your dinner. And when I get in bed tonight and see the empty place in the corner, I’ll cry again. But we’re gonna be okay and so are you. Because, call me a fool, when He said He’s making all things new — I think that includes you.
Goodnight my angel, now it’s time to sleep
And still so many things I want to say…
Someday we’ll all be gone
But lullabies go on and on
They never die
That’s how you and I will be.
~ Billy Joel
So sad. We are so sorry to lose a friend. She was loved and loved back all the more. She was a joy and a blessing where ever she went. Sincerely, Gary
I Can’t Read This!!!
Yes I am crying…,
So very sorry for your loss. 2018 has been the worst year for losing many favorite long time family dogs for so many that I know. It’s never easy but she had a blessed wonderful life as your “Maggie” & if she could speak would thank you all for your love for all these years. Time will help your loss, prayers to all
Our hearts break with yours. Losing our furry kids is just hard. No other way to say it that makes it any better. They are the ones that always accept us no matter how much we fail, just like our Heavenly Father. We know how hard that decision was and the days to follow will have its moments that will cause you to question, but in the end, it was the most humane decision for Maggie. She was a sweet, sweet dog and we will miss her and also celebrate her new life, and she will be waiting and panting to feel your touch when you join her. Love you guys!
we share your sorrow! It won’t be any easier when we have to do the same thing. They are such a joy when they are here and they leave enough memories to hold us until we see them again. Good Bye, Maggie, until that day we meet again!
The tears are flowing! Hugs to you both – love you much!
That is so tough, guys. My prayers and hugs.
So sorry, Cathee and Bob. Our pets are such a blessing and oh our hearts do mourn their passing.
I am so so sorry and I know that doesn’t take away the tears (I’m shedding my own right now).
I really don’t even know what to say except she knew she was loved and she loved you back.
Enjoy the memories – love you
Oh my heart is just breaking…typing thru the tears…..I am so sorry…love to you my friend.
Sending love and prayers in the loss of Maggie. It’s so hard to lose our babies. Time does heal, but the pain is real. Love, deb.
I will send you the letter that our son wrote to his Delta a few months ago. I am sorry for your loss, but what a wonderful life she had with you!
Love you…..
Ellis Naegele
So sorry for your loss. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
When I saw your title, I knew. And I’m crying for your loss. Maggie was a sweet pet and friend. Grieving with you! I love you.
Words can’t describe how sad I am. Sorry guys. Love you
Im an advocate. A fierce defender of all things furry. There is no greater love than to know when the time has come; when their pain overrides what we know will become ours.
And then, as if time reversed, bright black eyes and a wagging tail will be behind pearly gates. Im countin’ on it!
Precious thoughts, Diane. Thank you.
Oh Cathee, I’m so sorry….Maggie just belonged where ever she was. I loved her from the moment we met. When I saw your title, I too thought “oh, no not Maggie”.
She was the sweetest dog ever!
Love you,
Kate
I’m so sorry. Someone said recently to me, ” Life’s not fair, but neither is God’s grace “.
I’m so sad for you that you are experiencing the unfairness of life and praying that you sense the overwhelmingness of his grace peace and love.
Thank God for His undeserving grace.
So sorry for the hole in your heart. Patti
Thinking of you all at this sad time; and sending light, love and blessings to you all, including Maggie.
So sorry to receive such sad news. May the memories of Maggie fill that empty space that she now leaves. May the Lord hold you, Bob and family in His tight grasp . . . nothing beats a long hug from our Lord . . . as you deal with the deep pain of her loss.
Oh, Cathee…
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Maggie. Funny how such small creatures can occupy such BIG spaces in our hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Bob and I will be asking our loving Father to grant peace to your hearts.
Love and hugs to you, my friends.
Lynnie~
Yes, Cathee I agree with you. When God made man and woman in the garden of Eden, he made plants and animals too. I can’t imagine heaven will not have animals in it too. I think all of the pets of believers will be there.
Psalm 84:3
The bird also has found a house, And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, Even Your altars, O LORD of hosts, My King and my God.
I look forward to seeing and being with all my furry babies, Maddie, JBoy, Chivas, Sam and many more. I think Jesus has some flamingos and elephants for me too. He gives us the desires of our heart!
Choke. The lion will lay down with the lamb! Doesn’t that include Maggie??!! Hugs.
We often teach about our love for our furry family members in the groups/classes I teach, I believe that we may learn more from them than they do from us!! Love to you and Bob Cathee!
Catnip, there never was a happier sidekick than Maggie. She touched our lives too. I have always thought that dogs take on some of their human’s personality and Mags was no exception. I get a lump in my throat thinking of you missing her. It’s been a long happy walk together and I share your sorrow. Much love to you and Bob during this sorrowful time. ?
There are no words! Our hearts grieve with yours.
Dear Cathee,
I’m so sorry for your lost, and I totally agree with you about Jesus making everything new – including our beloved pets. I can’t imagine spending eternity without them.
Cathee,
I re-read this post today. How much the words touch my heart. We had to relinquish our dear Lilly to God. The whole family was by her side at the Vet. It was an emotional experience. Love you so much.
Somehow I missed this and have to say it was so sad to accept! Needless to say, I’ve been there and am so sorry for your loss?
So sorry you lost your little Maggie she was the sweetest thing. Our hearts are sad today. With lots of love and hugs Sheryl and John.