Grief Brought Them Together

 “The Lord is near to the heartbroken and saves those crushed in spirit.” ~ Psalm 34:18

The little puppy had been Jason’s companion in quiet moments and those flashes of hilarity that dogs bring.  With big looping curls and a tail in perpetual motion, Gracie had been by his side when he and Maria exchanged marriage vows.  She watched them become parents.  For ten years, Gracie silently observed their daily lives.

Jason loved her - perhaps more than he realized.  During her last days, he often found himself holding his breath, hoping that by doing so, he might stop time as well, keeping her death at bay.

After Gracie crossed the Rainbow Bridge, Jason took her to be cremated.  Grief nearly stopped his heart when they handed over her collar.  Gracie’s death left an emptiness not just in the house, but also in his heart; a void nothing seemed to fill.

Friends encouraged him to get another dog, a young pup whose antics would make him smile, but he couldn’t bear the thought.  Loving and losing a dog hurt too much.

Eventually, he found himself looking through dog bios online.  One photo caught his attention.  Maddie was the kind of dog you shied away from at a shelter.  She was nearly blind, could barely walk, and had patches of fur missing.  She was “10-ish” when her owner passed away leaving no provision for her care.  Heartbroken, Maddie could die alone. 

So, Jason adopted her; hoping to give her a loving home for her remaining months.  They started her on quality dog food and medication for her arthritis.  Maddie quickly became a different dog.  

She still struggled with mobility, but soon adapted to her new surroundings.  She miraculously came to life; charming every person she met along the way.

Maddie’s joy filled their home for more than a year before her body finally gave out; her infectious smile beaming until the very end.  Jason knew bringing Maddie home would change her life … he never realized how much she would change his.

Jason found comfort knowing the entire family loved Maddie.  Yet holding Maddie’s collar brought a punch that landed like a Mack truck.  But it felt different.  It hurt to lose that sweet gal so soon, yet the grief couldn’t overshadow the joy she’d carried into their lives.

On the drive home, he thought about how God had brought them all together; at the perfect time and for the perfect reason.  Because they needed each other.  Maddie had filled the emptiness in their home and in his heart.  But they helped her too by giving her a home during her final days - a home where she was happy, well cared for, and loved.  If given the chance, he’d do it all again.

Lord of Living Things, God, we look forward to being reunited with our pets who have crossed or will cross the Rainbow Bridge to the place where we, our loved ones and Your creatures great and small will live together forever.  Amen