I lost my first "baby" last November and it came as such a surprise. Of course, I knew it would come eventually but he had been healthy and I just didn't think it would happen so suddenly. He was fine earlier in the day and other than the fact he had been struggling with an ear infection, he was fine. He had never had ear problems before and really never been sick in all the 10 years he had been with me. But, nevertheless, his time had come and we were all so sad (especially me and the girls). You see, he was my dog. I had dreamed of having a yellow lab puppy since I was in high school and especially during college and for sure after I started my first job. Fast forward a few years and I was a newlywed and new homeowner. I (we) was now eligible for a dog! All the places I had lived before would not allow pets. So, one day at work, a co-worker asked if I wanted a 9 week old lab puppy. I called my husband that day and brought Marshall, the puppy, home! Hubby wasn't too excited and let's just say the first few nights were a little rough (pun intended:)). He slowly grew on dear hubby and we became a family. He was with us through it all: through moves, travel, through babies, and growing children who thought it was fun to wrestle. He befriended neighbors and relatives and many others. He loved people and was such a "gentle giant".
So, as you can see, he left a mark on the lives of many. We soon will be adding a baby cattle dog to our family and while I'm sure he will be a fine dog someday, he will never be...there will never be another Marshall.
On my walk today searching for signs of spring (yes, I have to search...we desperately need rain!), I wondered through the pasture and through the trees and ended up at Marshall's grave. A few weeks ago, the kids and I had visited and put a cross made out of sticks there for him. Although it was a makeshift display and no longer standing, there it was. I saw it, a light shining on a bright green little tuft of grass and a shadow of a cross overlaying nearby. All dogs surely go to heaven! I think about the forgiving nature of dogs and their willingness to serve day in and day out. I think about their endless optimism and hope for good things to come. And, it makes me think of the hope and love of our Savior Jesus Christ. Even though I fall short on a daily basis, He loves me and YOU!
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Rest in peace big fella!
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