Monday, August 31, 2009

Suddenly, Sad Day

I woke up this morning to our 14-year-old wiener dog, Oscar, being very sick. He's been having bowel problems here and there, but this time there was blood in it, and it was completely uncontrollable. I took these picture of him just before Michael took him to our veterinarian approximately two hours after we got out of bed. I'm so glad I did. We had to make the tough decision to put him down. I know it was the right thing, but it is was/still is heartbreaking. Josiah was extremely upset at first, but he's already getting over it, so that is a praise. I'm the one who is still having a hard time. I'm hoping that by blogging this, it will help me process it better. There is a huge blessing in all this that I just have to share. I've been worried that Michael would be gone when it was Oscar's time to go and I didn't think I could handle it. Praise God, Michael happened to be home this morning, purely a God thing. He took care of everything and even brought Oscar back to be buried in our backyard and make a cross for him. I can't tell you how grateful I am that he happened to be here when the day came.

Like my Dad said when I told him about Oscar, "There are dogs and there are a few really good dogs. Oscar was a good one". What is funny, is that I grew up with cow dogs and at first I didn't want a "rat dog". Michael grew up with them and really wanted one. I finally conceded two years after we were married because we didn't have room for a big dog and I was desperate for company because Michael was gone so much due to military duties. When I saw Oscar for the first time, I fell in love with him instantly. He was our baby for 6 years before we had Josiah. He did everything with us. I'd take him everywhere and all our friends and family welcomed him because he was such a good dog. He always slept in bed with us/me. I'm really going to miss him tonight. I already miss him greeting us at the door and cleaning up my food messes in the kitchen. We always joked that he was our "vacuum cleaner dog". I wish I had a digital picture of him when he was young. He was the best looking wiener dog I've ever seen and the best natured as well. Never a yapper or overly protective. He just loved being with people.

Here is a picture of Oscar's grave. Michael hurriedly took the time to bury him and make him a wooden cross before he rushed to work. I wrote "Oscar R.I.P." and "Beloved Dog" on it. We sang "Amazing Grace" and said a prayer and cried. It was good for Josiah and I to have some closure. It happened so suddenly and it is going to take me awhile to process it. Josiah already seems like he has accepted it. Luckily, Hailey doesn't really have a clue. I'm the one who falls apart every time someone asks me how I'm doing. Please keep us in your prayers as we grieve this loss of an important member of our family.
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7 comments:

Stacie, A Firefighter's Wife said...

Jack, I'm so sorry. What a loving and perfect tribute to a darn good dog.

I love the picture of the kids with his grave. I wish we could have done that for Bubba, but the ground was too frozen.

What a blessing that Michael was there. What are the chances of that happening. God truly said, "it's time."

I love you and call me if you need me. I know tonight is going to rough without him.

Farmgirl Cyn said...

I am SO sorry. How heartbreaking for you. The hardest part about having pets is knowing they will leave us someday. I still miss our funny little dog, Harry, and he's been gone 25 years. We STILL tell "Harry" stories, and you will tell your dog's stories, even years from now.

blessedmomof3 said...

So very sad to hear this! Our sweet little furry friends sure become so much a part of our families! I will be praying for you guys as you deal with the loss of Oscar, and that God will be of comfort to you all!

God bless!
Andrea

Connie said...

How sweet of God to have your hubby there when you needed him.

These little pets really steal our hearts. They give soooooooo much love. It is amazing how much friendship they provide in their life time.

Give yourself time to heal. The tears will come when you least expect them - know it is okay.

Love and prayers.

Amy@theredheaddiaries.blogspot.com said...

What a sad day. I'm so sorry for your loss. Praise God that your husband was home. I will be praying for you all.

Catherine said...

Sweet Jackie, I'm so sorry; may God bless you with good memories and very little pain in the time of grieving.

christy rose said...

Jackie, I am so sorry to hear about your dog. I am so glad that Michael was there with you. I could not have handled that without my husband either. We have a almost 13 year old golden retriever and I am sure he will not be around for many more years either. That is so sad to me. I can imagine how you must be feeling. We also have a 4 year old beagle. She is our vacuum cleaner too. :) I will keep you in my prayers this week.
Christy

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