The one best place to bury a good dog is in the heart of his master.
Our beloved dog, Freckles, passed away very unexpectedly the week of Thanksgiving. Needless to say, my family was and still is very shocked and emotional over this loss. All of us who have lost a pet understand how difficult it can be to grieve this type of loss. It's not something that you can "get over" quickly.
Throughout Freckles' brief time with our family, he always tried his best to please us and keep us smiling. He seemed to know just what to do to lift my spirits when I was feeling down and was a faithful companion when I needed some serious relaxation. He never seemed to hold my lack of know-how against me and he never judged me for my looks first thing in the morning or my mistakes at the end of a long, hard day.
My Sunday School lesson this past week was titled "God's Thankful People." The author wrote,"Grateful people give gifts." As silly as it may sound, as soon as I read that, I immediately thought about Freckles. He depended on us for everything: food, water, shelter, exercise, grooming, training, etc. In return, he displayed his gratefulness by giving to us the gifts in life that really matter: loyalty, devotion, and love. Giving is a way of showing how much we are thankful.
It seems funny. We, as humans, are supposed to be the dog's trainers and masters. Freckles, however, has taught me a pretty big life lesson. Is my life a reflection of how truly grateful I am? What gifts am I offering to God to show my deep appreciation for the good things he has given me? Am I giving my offering as "cheerfully" as I should or do I sometimes give out of guilt? My time, my service and my worship are all appropriate gifts of thanksgiving to God, but do I sometimes see them as duties or obligations? After all, think of His love and sacrifice for me!
I guess Freckles helped me to become more aware of the ordinary pleasures life has to offer and to find contentment in those. I hope that I can honor his memory by noticing and appreciating each day's gifts and sharing my gifts with others. And even though he is no longer here shaking, shedding, panting, and banging his tail into everything, I am so honored that he shared four years of his life as a member of my family. For that, I will always feel grateful!
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| Freckles posing with his trophy won for "Best In Show" |
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That is such insight you gained from that sweet smart dog. I guess he accomplished his mission. Freckles will be missed by the Wilsons, too.
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