Remington's Heartbreak

“Ask wild animals, birds, fish and flowers – any one of them will tell you of God’s loving grace.” - -Job 12:7-10

His expression said it all – playful, confident, fun, friendly and so eager to please.  Like most Golden Retrievers, he made a great family pet.  He was gentle with kids, always tolerant of their endless attention.  After all, he was just a kid at heart – he loved to play as much as they did.

Goldens are also amazingly devoted; they possess an intense nurturing instinct.  Remington was no exception.  Sam gave him two brisk walks a day and a good run weekly.  In return, Remington offered undivided loyalty, companionship and affection.

He often lay curled up in his kennel, at times gazing at a nearby picture of his master.  When Sam was away on business, Remington roamed the neighborhood searching for him, crying himself to sleep at night.  When he heard Sam’s voice over the phone, Sherri (Sam’s wife) put the dog's ear to the receiver and at the sound of his own name he barked blissfully.

Remington always knew when Sam was headed home and ran to the front door, wagging his tail and sitting patiently until Sam’s car pulled into the driveway.

To Sam, in was no coincidence that ‘Dog’ is ‘God’ spelled backwards.  Dogs have all man's virtues without any vices.  That’s why it was so sad when at age 45 and after a courageous battle with cancer – Sam died.  Throughout his illness, Remington laid beside Sam’s bed, provided support when he walked, and a listening ear when fear plagued him.  Instinctively, he knew Sam was sick and never left his side.

After Sam’s death, Remington sat at the front door all day, every day, whining and waiting for Sam’s return.  He stopped eating and refused to play with the children he loved.  “Guard duty” was now his only purpose; leaving his post only when he needed to be walked. 

Sherri’s heart was breaking for her grieving dog and decided to help him understand.  Hesitantly, the faithful hound left his post and was coaxed into the car with her.  Remington paced nervously from window to window searching for Sam.  She drove to the cemetery and unleashed him.  Remington dashed away from her and ran directly to an unmarked grave, the earth still freshly mounded.  He lay down on Sam’s grave, closed his eyes, and moaned tenderly. 

Sherri was careful not to disturb him – he needed this time to mourn.  Eventually, Remington got up and walked toward her using his mouth to hand over his leash.  He licked her face as if to say “thank you!”  He now understood; he was going home to begin healing too.

God of all creation, thank you for the gift of his companionship and for the time we had together.  Assign him to a place of honor, for he has been a faithful servant and has always done his best to care for me.  ~ Remington