Winter

Winter

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Thoughts on Saturday Morning


I thought since all I have done is told stories this week, I might
as well tell one on Saturday morning.
For one thing I am always so glad when God goes
before me and I just have to follow.

Fridays are a busy day. I have piano lessons and I
do a Bible study with my married girls, since I only
have a car on Fridays I do all of my errands too.

But this Friday was different. My grand children have
colds so no Bible study and the piano teacher called
and canceled lessons. I really didn't have that many
errands to run so I thought, the house was clean and the laundry done.
But of course things change.

I walked into the kitchen and I heard a sound and
it was my old dog Shelbie and she was having a major
seizure. I thought she was going to die right then.
I went over and petted her until it stopped and she
came to herself. I thought maybe she was paralyzed
because she couldn't move. After a bit though, she got
up and was walking around.

Shelbie was a Shetland Sheep dog, she was 12 years old, she had gone
blind and she was deaf. She could still get around and today,
she even walked around the pasture with me. I knew though
her quality of life was slipping. I really hate having animals to
put animals down, but I would rather do that than let them suffer.
I think she was suffering.

I have known it was coming and I always pray being
the chicken I am that God will show me when the time
has come. I knew then in my spirit that I needed to call
the vet. So I did and they told me when to bring her
in, the hardest is the waiting part.

But I set my face like flint and did the "Next Thing."
I think that the hardest things about having animals,
is having to make those kind of decisions.

Later I thought about that today I had the car, I didn't
have things I had to cancel, the vet was able to get me right
in and I think the hard part was I was so calm it freaked the vet and
his staff out.
But, God is with me and goes before me and lives in me
and He made it so everything fell into place.

So I am thankful that God always shows me the way, and shows
me the times when things need to be done. I am very thankful that
we still have Sasha.

There is comfort in knowing I am not in control.
Have a great Saturday!

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, for His wonderful works to the children of men!

(Psalm. 107:6)

16 comments:

Julia said...

Kim I'm so sorry that you had to put Sheltie to sleep. You are a strong woman. I can't stand to see animals suffer either. It breaks my heart. You did the right thing and I'm sure that Sheltie will be missed. Dogs are such loyal friends. I'm glad that you still have Sasha as companion.

When I had to make the decision of having to put my big long hair orange marmalade cat, Leo to sleep I cried like a baby from the minute I put the phone receiver down and cried all the way to the vet who lives about a minute away from here. They wrapped him in a baby blanket and gave him back to me in the cage. I was so heart broken that I cried the whole time and on my way back home. I couldn't even go to his burial. It was at a time when I was going through the change of life and had a difficult time dealing with it. So I decided that after my other two cats were gone, there would be no more pets.

Hugs, JB

Verde Farm said...

Oh Kim, I am very sorry. I know exactly what you mean. My oldest dog has cancer. He is still in great shape and giving lots of love and I've had to decide what to do. I thing God has shown me too. I am taking Pappy to OSU Vet Center and they think they can treat him and give him another 3 years-which would make him 13. I won't let him suffer though. No matter what, he won't suffer. Sorry for the loss of a dear friend and family member. I know you loved him greatly.
Amy

Kent Island Red said...

Hi Kim,
I'm so very sorry to hear this news about Shelbie. My oldest dog, Snoopy, is 13 or 14 and every year he gets a little weaker. He's almost completely deaf now and his night vision is gone. I know this day is coming for me, too, but I'm certainly not looking forward to it. He's been the best dog with just the sweetest personality and I don't even like to think about him not being around.

Have a good day and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

TexWisGirl said...

I'm very sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is. I too have been amazed over the past couple of years when the days came to put down 2 mares and 1 huge dog that God provided me with people (my Husband, vets, neighbors, etc.) to make the process happen as best as it could. I'm glad your day was orchestrated so that you could send Shelbie on without other worries or distractions. God bless all of our animals for their love and devotion...

Kessie said...

Aww, I'm sad to hear it. But it's kind of a relief, too, because she had gotten to where she bit so bad. She was probably in pain. It's weird that God had orchestrated your day in such a way that you had the opportunity to take care of that. He's with us even through the hard things, and I'm so glad. He answered one of my prayers with a Gideon's Fleece, and I've just chuckled about it for two days.

Patrice said...

I'm so sorry about your Shelbie. That's one of the hardest things about owning animals. That decision, no matter how right it may have been at the time, has left me heartbroken more than once.
I still cry if I think of putting our mare down and that was seven years ago!
Blessings, Kim, you did the right thing.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

So sorry about your family loved pet...that is always so hard...been there too many times myself.

Your illustration is just wonderful. I know the Father just smiles because you acknowledged His hand in your day.

I sometimes wonder if I tend to ask Him "why" instead of thank Him for all He have saved me from and for how He arranged things for my good.

Every emergency with our children my husband has been around....that is a miracle since he traveled for his business for years. God knew!

Thanks for sharing and encouraging and so sorry!
Have a wonderful weekend

myletterstoemily said...

what a poignant story. so sorry about your beloved
shelbie. i know you will miss her.

i remember every pet i ever had.

blessings,
lea

Meg said...

That's so sad. I'm sorry you had to put her down. But it will be better now, she's been in such a bad mood for so long. She must have really been hurting.

Sue said...

I am so sorry Kim about Shelbie,, and thankful for the strength the Lord gave you. How awesome is He, and for you to know this and to be able to rest in Him. The peace you experienced was for Shelbie too. I know she will be missed. praying for you as you make this adjustment.
Much love, Sue

Heather's Blog-o-rama said...

Hi Kim...I'm visiting from Sue over at Pear Tree Lane Farmhouse :) :) She mentioned you in her recent blog post...so I thought I'd pop on over to say hello :) :) :) Have a lovely week. Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

oh I'm so sorry Kim. I'm so glad these things matter to God, the very one who made Shelbie, and that He helped you to be strong.

Kim said...

Kim,
So very sorry that this has happened. However, I am impressed by the bravery you showed in doing what was necessary yet painful.
Hugs to you dear friend.
Kim xoxo

Dog Trot Farm said...

Kim, I am so sorry for your loss.... losing a beloved animal is so very difficult.... my heart goes out to you and your family. You are a very strong women and hold such a deep faith, I admire you. Blessings to you, Julie.

Simple Home said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Shelbie. One of our dogs is a Sheltie too, and she's also 12. We had another Sheltie for 10 years. I know what wonderful, smart dogs they are. Thank you so much for sharing the way God worked in this. He's always concerned about every detail of our life.
Blessings,
Marcia

Cotton Eyed Jo said...

Sorry for your loss of Shelbie. It is hard to have to make a decision of this sort. Bless you for choosing her comfort over your own.

Hugs!