At times I do wonder what attracts some to animals and others have little interest in them. I guess probably our different personalities, but who knows. I’m one who has always been attracted to these beautiful creatures ever since I was a young girl.
Naturally, being out with the animals for a month has allowed a lot more bonding with them again. We don’t have a lot, but our dog, cat, and four horses have been a part of the family for almost two decades. I got to spend yesterday with all of them, but it didn’t really turn out to be as wonderful as hoped for.
My neighbor and I went on a horse ride early in the morning on Tuesday so that I could explore a little of the 200 acres they are grazing on and to get on Ginger’s back again. We set out with her dog and ours (Buddy). The land in the hills is so beautiful! One of my favorite things about SD is that you can see for miles and miles into the vast creation that God has so beautifully made. She took me up to the peak of her land and I just gazed, in awe of creation.
On the way back down, I noticed Buddy breathing pretty hard. I knew he wasn’t in the greatest shape, but I didn’t really think too much of it until his abnormal breathing persisted. I had Pat (neighbor) gallop home to get some water for him, as I stayed with him and Ginger until Pat’s return.
Can I tell you that watching an animal die is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to experience? Probably second to that was being there when Reed found out his first dog was gone. Oh, the pain and heartache I felt. All I could think of is what I could’ve done differently that day. Left him home. Stopped for him earlier. Gone on a shorter ride. Let go of my mare and carry him home.
I’ll never forget Buddy and his big, Golden Retriever smile that he gave to everyone who greeted him. His 9th birthday was just the day before he died, and those nine years seemed so full of good memories with him. Like for instance, the ice cream cone we gave him for his birthday just two days ago. Or when he’d come with us camping in Yankton. Or just sittin on the front porch with his paws crossed looking out into the horizon.
As much as I’ll miss him, I realize that people all across the universe experience even worse pain every day. Grandmas. Dads. Moms. Friends. Babies. How precious our lives are and how often I take for granted the people around me. More and more I’m inclined to spend quality time with the people that I love, and hope that through me they can be directed to the love of God that I am so blessed to know.
As Paul once said, “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19)
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