I am going to relay a story about an old dog an old friend and the Lords way of showing us that life is good and he wants to comfort us when we face losses. As told to me by my friends' beautiful wife that shines in the Lords light.
My old friend, not in age but in years that I have known this man, he probably influenced the way I look at hardships more than any person, by example. He has always had a smile on his face and never wore anything on his proverbial sleeve but understanding. One of those friends that no matter how long it has been or where you have been, you know without doubt he is your "friend".
My friend was raised farming tho he never had bonded with a dog, when a black lab puppy entered the family he persisted in his puppy ways until he won the heart and devotion of this man. Blackie went everywhere with my friend, pumping wells checking the livestock and farm ground and hunting with him and the sons and grand kids. Well years slow us all down and Blackie's years had been many, he went less and less until he stayed at home content to welcome his family when they arrived after their daily journeys. His body slowing to a slow stumbling walk his eyes covered with cateracs, the friend took Blackie to the vet, the prognoses, he's not in that much pain now, when he gets worse bring him in and we'll help him on his journey. Hunting time had arrived and one of the sons and grandsons had come in for the week-end to deer hunt, Blackie wasn't on the front porch so the search ensued and he was found at the barn unable to rise, tho greeting his person as always with wagging tail. My friend I am sure "drudged" back to the house to get his gun and told the son he'd catch up with them later to go ahead and go and get the grandson away so he wouldn't have to witness this process. My friend I am sure "drudged" back to the barn praying to God that this would be fast. When he got to Blackie, Blackie looked at my friend as he did so the cateracs cleared form his eyes and he wagged his tail with enthusiasm took three big breaths and died. No gunshot for my friend to remember, just a peaceful healing from the Lord.
I believe in a rainbow bridge where the Lord keeps the animals from this life in happy heaven, and that we are allowed to cross that bridge to reunite with our special friends for eternity. The Lord blesses us each and every day, by the friends we meet and the animals and things we see. So when things seem the darkest if you say a little prayer the Lord will lift the cloudiness from your vision and bless you with peace!
