A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
Above is one of my all-time favorite pictures of Jackson, our beloved boxer. Jackson has been with our family for over 7 years. He is my 3rd child in many ways. He thinks he is human and has little understanding of a dog's life. It has been very rewarding to have him be a part of our lives. One couldn't ask for a better companion.
I suppose, that's why it's been so hard to come to grips that my boy is getting old. More than old. He's sick. We saw a specialty surgeon vet on Monday who gave us some ideas of what we're looking at. After I heard the diagnosis and prognosis, I had to let that go emotionally and then spiritually. It took time but I had to do it to restore my relationship with Jackson. He doesn't want me to pity him. He is still full of life in his heart. He's still #1 cat chaser (never harms) in his mind although it is no longer wise for him to sprint. He still wants face to face hugs with his mom and dad, although it is no longer wise to stand on his back legs. He still wants people food in every bowl of food from now until the end. He still needs for mommy to spend those quiet moments rubbing his ears, his chest and his boxer bum. He still needs somebody to wipe up those 6" long drool-sicles from his mouth.
In the midst of his full body massage today, I saw a dog that didn't feel pain. He didn't collapse into a split. He merely repositioned himself time and time again for another workover. He's not ready to let go of his body nor tired of living each day. I have the same boy I had before I walked into the vet's on Monday morning.
The best thing that I could probably do for my dear friend is to listen to him and what his needs are. Sure, there are a couple little things that I need to do now, but mostly, this is the time to listen. The best way I can honor "regarding the life" of the Proverb is to let Jackson make all the calls and for me to consider every day a gift from God. I am called to love him through the good times and the bad.
Psalm 5:11
But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits.
Here is a picture I took of Jackson today, quite content with life and the curiousities that it holds. I have found peace and joy residing back in my soul again. God fills me with His strength and gives me hope in each day, regardless of any timeline or any bumps in the road.
Back to the sea next time,
Robin
2 comments:
[[[hugs]]]
I know how you feel, as we are big pet lovers ourselves. Since I was 7, I've not been without either a cat, dog, or both. Yes, they can and do become our extra children. Cherish the time you have with Jackson.
Kathy
Such a hard thing to live with. I hate hate hate that they get old so quickly. All I can say is, if I knew my time on earth was very limited, I'd mostly want to spend the rest of it with my family--and I'm sure that's what our dogs would want, too.
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