Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-7

(picture is of Shiner in better days!) Last night as I cried while looking at Shiner’s doggy bed, I felt a nudge to contact the veterinarians we used when we lived in Florida.  Actually, I had felt this nudge several times in the past couple of months, but I always chalked it off to me missing Florida.  We really “clicked” with Drs. Fred and Sheri Cone at Plantation Animal Hospital.  They loved Shiner just as much as we do, and they were there to help us first with the TPLO surgery referral and then they did the surgery when the other knee went out.  Actually, I mourned the loss of them as our veterinarians as much as I did the tropical sunshine and views!

Today I can say that the nudge was the Holy Spirit.  God knows just what we need, doesn’t he?

So last night I found their website and sent them an email via the appointments scheduler.  This evening, Dr. Cone called me.  She remembered us even though we’ve been away for over two years now.  Shiner was one of her favorite patients.  In her gentle way, Dr. Cone listened and said that she agreed that we are indeed at the end of the road.  There isn’t anything else to do for him.  If he were in his “right mind,” he’d be mortified at the messes he’s making.  She said it’s possible a brain tumor is wreaking havoc — but the only way to know is with expensive scans — and then what do you do?  Either way, as difficult as it is, the time has come to say good-bye.  We have done everything we could possibly do to make him comfortable. She said she agreed with our decision to say good-bye.

As I sat and let her words wash over me, I felt a peace inside that I haven’t known.  Several nights ago as I lay sobbing in bed, I told God all about it.  I told him I couldn’t handle this anymore, and I laid it all at his feet.  Then last night I felt the prompting to contact Dr. Cone.  When I obeyed that prompting, God used her to help me see that we are on the right track.  We aren’t being mean, horrible pet owners.  We are doing the right thing for the right reasons.

I am still unbelievably sad…but a measure of peace that I can’t explain is enveloping me like a cloud.

So thank you for your warm prayers.  Keep them coming!  Each day brings new challenges, new thoughts, new griefs.  But for this evening at least, I am feeling a measure of relief.  Thank you, Lord!