Little Zo

I don't mention them very often, but we have two dogs - Zoe and Thor. We've had Zoe for more than 11 years now, right after we got married, and Thor joined us a couple of years later.

Zoe's been showing her age recently. More than that, she's been really sick for a little while. She's had lumps growing on her neck and face, a nose that's chronically blocked, and a lot of trouble breathing. After several trips to the vet and no clear diagnosis without invasive tests and a lot of money, we've made the very sad decision to have Zoe put to sleep. At 4pm, I'll be making the lonely trip to take her to the vet for the last time.

There is part of me that's wondering if this is the right thing to do, and most of me that's sure it is. After all, growing up with dogs, we've always had to deal with 'finding' them (as often as not, in the road). With the number of bids for freedom she has made in her 13 years, I'm surprised she's lasted this long. I'm grateful that we can offer her a peaceful and loving farewell, rather than the altnernative.

Please do pray for our little family, who will be minus one tonight. Abigail is especially distressed, but handling the situation with a surprising amount of grace.

In spite of the sadnes of losing Zoe, we are still grateful for the time we've had with her, for the great deal of fun and laughter she's brought our family, and the knowledge that our good God cares for all of His creation - even Zoe.