On July 25, we experienced the greatest heartache of owning a pet – the end of their earthly existence. Unfortunately, Hank, our beloved Doberman who would have been nine years old in September, succumbed to a terrible heart issue referred to as DCM (dilated cardio-myopathy) that eventually entered its final phase of congestive heart failure within the last month or so. Although we have rescued dogs, and cats, for the past 51 years – ever since Janet and I were married, we have never had this type of illness end the life of one of our pets. It’s something I would not wish on anyone.
Like so many of our other rescues, we picked up Hank from a rescue organization when he had just turned two years old. We found out that he had been surrendered twice by the time we adopted him and from the beginning it was evident that he was a very special guy. He was allergic to almost every kind of food and it was clear that he would require unusual care – something that Janet and I signed on for. He wasn’t our first Dobie – we had Sadie and Lexie before him. Unfortunately, both of them had passed away, but for different reasons.
Clearly, Hank was our greatest challenge and Janet and I both agree that we were somehow divinely chosen to give Hank his best possible life here on earth. Likewise, Hank brought both of us a joy that was beyond expectations or words. It was a win for all of us. And we are grateful to have had the stewardship of his care for the past six years.
Several years ago, during a regular exam, a heart sound was discovered that signaled the beginning of a serious heart condition. We were fortunate to have Purdue University cardiologists take an active role in his care and for the past two years, we had special meds compounded in New Jersey to extend his life. Recently, after living more than six months past his projected life expectancy, Hank developed congestive heart failure and was given another six months. We knew this was the last chapter. However, it wasn’t to be. About a month into his latest rounds of medications, we knew the time to say goodbye had arrived. There is no way that we were going to watch him suffer and be unable to breathe as his chest filled with fluid. In an act of kindness, he crossed the Rainbow Bridge a little more than a week ago.
We can’t thank his caregivers enough. They were unbelievable. Now Hank joins Bobby, Sassy, Beau, Abby, Ellie, Sadie and Lexie, the dogs we have been blessed to have. He also follows Nibbles, Ernie, CB and KC, our cats throughout the years. That doesn’t include all the other pets we have had during the last half century. I’m sure that I don’t need to go into additional detail about Hank – many of you know what it is like to lose a part of the family. A dear friend of our always counsels her friends and rescue families that it is better to be a day early than a minute late when deciding on when the end will happen. We are at peace with the decision but Hank’s absence is palpable and we are now firmly in the grieving process.
One of the things that I am asked is whether our pets will be with us in heaven. I believe that there is significant evidence that they will be there when we arrive. God gave us dominion over the animals and has made it clear that our fate is the same. God made a covenant with Noah and all living creatures that He would never destroy the earth with water again (Genesis 9:12-16). And King Solomon tells us, in Ecclesiastes 3:19-20, “Man’s fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; man has no advantage over the animal. Everything is meaningless. All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return.”
It may be argued that these example are both from the Old Testament and we are living under grace in the New Testament. Does that change anything? Well, I think not. The apostle John, who experienced the hereafter and actually wrote the book of Revelation, had a very clear view of what heaven was like. He tells us, in Revelation 5:13, “Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever! Did you catch that?
It seems to me that if John witnessed every creature worshipping God, that includes our pets. I sure hope so. And it gives me great comfort that those four legged members of our family will be waiting for us when we enter heaven. My encouragement this evening is that God did give us dominion over the animal kingdom. That means that we have a sacred responsibility to take care of those pets who have been entrusted to our care. Janet and I have fulfilled that mandate for more than half a century. It is true, however, that as we age, it gets more difficult to say goodbye. Time will tell how we feel led in the future. My prayer is that if God wants us to shepherd another of His creatures, Janet and I will have an undeniable sign that it is our destiny. Otherwise, we will enjoy the pets of our children and friends. For now, we are just grieving. My other prayer tonight is that you will have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…