Tribute to God’s Gift to Mankind
Angel, my beloved dog of fourteen and a half years suddenly died in early June. (The vet thought it was a heart attack or stroke.) Our daughter originally got her, and the dog was a lifesaver for her rough times growing up (as my childhood dog was for me). When our daughter went off to college, she let Kim and me keep Angel, who became a surrogate child for us.
I’m a pathetic, incorrigible dog lover. Kim came from a country where they ate dogs, but she came to love the dog far more than she ever let on or even realized herself. I wept for a week and was surprised at how much Kim wept with me. If you’re not like this and you roll your eyes at me, that’s okay. But why would anyone grieve so much over a four-legged animal?
Yes, she was a mercenary for treats and belly rubs, and if a tissue box was on the floor, she delighted in tearing out tissues. But we owed her a debt far greater than all the money and care we put into her—what she did for our daughter, how she was there for me when Kim frequently was away during our peak years of ministry, and how she was there for Kim when I was away. After Angel died Kim is still saying the whole house feels empty by the absence of this little dog.
Angel showed us how to love. Like many dogs, and some cats, she was always there for us, without judgment, without complaint. Always sweet. Always patient. Always forgiving. Always full of joy. Always beside us wherever we were in the house. Always wanted to go with us whenever we went out, and we took her whenever we possibly could. And when she wanted something, she expressed it in the sweetest ways. That’s better than many eulogies I’ve heard at funerals.
Like many dogs, if ours had been human, we would say she manifest all the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). And we would say she had a most godly character (Ephesians 4:1–2). At first glance that may seem absurd to say of a dog, but if you think about it, it’s undeniable.
Most of all, by Angel’s long and profound influence on our lives, Kim and I have realized that we need to be more aware and committed to thinking of each other and being with each other and treating each other in the beautiful ways that Angel did with us. Yes, dogs will teach us to be better, even more godly, people.
And that is why this dog’s life was worth a tribute.
If you have any kind of beloved pet, or are close to someone who does, may that creature be a form of God’s gift to you.
I can totally relate. The dog of my youth had a similar impact on me. When I married, my wife loved cats more than dogs, so I became a cat lover, too. We’ve grieved over many a cat in our 50 years of marriage, each having taught us something uniquely their own. Our most understanding prayers are with you.
I feel so sorry for the loss of your darling dog. I hope too much stress won’t hurt you. Take good care of your health.
Dear Mr Lundell,
I am sorry to hear about your dog. I am sure Angel is in heaven with my male Australian Silky Terrier Winnie.
Today, I thought of getting a new dog and then I miss my dog heaps. Then I saw your tribute to Angel.
I totally agree with you on how loving dogs are and how dogs save us, because they reduce our stress and keep us balanced. Pet dogs are family members.
And I believe God created dogs as part of His plan to love us and to help us learn to live in the present moments and to love unconditionally. I miss my dog every day since 2012. At least we have fond memories of our beloved dogs that God bestows us. Sending you and your family love, Claire.