A Love That Heals

A Love That Heals

It’s no accident that the word “Dog” is “God” spelled backward. Dogs show us unconditional love, staying by our side through everything. Truthfully, I often prefer their company over humans.

My first dog was Ginger, a black cocker spaniel my parents adopted when I was in kindergarten. He was sweet and calm, though no one else seemed to want him. Ginger became my brother in every way that mattered, and we grew up together. When he went blind toward the end of his life, I hardly slept, afraid he’d fall down the stairs. We said goodbye when I was a senior in high school, and it broke my heart.

Years later, as a mom of three kids under two, I longed for another dog. My husband, much wiser than me, said no, knowing we couldn’t handle one more responsibility. Instead, we adopted a cat named Mercedes, who had “her people”—and I wasn’t always one of them. But she loved my son Brandon unconditionally, and I believe God brought her to us for him. Soon after, Brandon was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, and Mercedes became his comfort and joy.

When life finally calmed down, I convinced my husband to let me get a dog, if it was a lazy one. Enter Zowie, (Zoey) a basset hound with beautiful red-and-white fur and a playful spirit. Lazy? Not until after five years old! But she was worth it—my girl, my companion, and my joy. Toward the end of her life, she went deaf, and it broke my heart to see her cry for me to hold her. At 50 pounds, I’d still lift her onto my lap because I couldn’t resist her love.

Zowie 1

Saying goodbye to Zowie was devastating. I felt like I lost a part of myself. Not long after, my world shifted: my kids moved out, we left our dream home, and I found myself in a tiny cottage with no pets and an aching heart. All I had left was God and my husband, and we worked hard to rebuild. It hadn't just been "us" since even the beginning of our marriage.

Off we moved to Houston! And then, a few years later came....

Mr. Bentley the basset hound brought joy back into my life!

Bentley

Bentley was my rock, even thru countless health scares that nearly took him from me. But in September 2023, I kissed him goodbye, telling him, "Mommy loves you, I'll be home soon." When I returned that evening, he was gone & in the arms of Jesus. Bentley was only days away from his eighth birthday, and my world stopped. I collapsed into his bed, sobbing, begging God to take my pain. I didn’t think I could survive the heartbreak. Truth be told, I didn't want to be here anymore. I wanted to be with Jesus if that's where so many pieces of my heart resided now.

But God was there. He was there the whole time. He felt my pain; He captured my tears and wiped them away with a quiet small voice. and comforted me with songs, friends (even ones that would move into your house and let you sob!) Friends who had pets would let me cry into their fur. God reminded me that His love for me is even greater than the love I had for Zowie, Ginger, Mercedes, or even Mr. Bentley. He loved me enough to send His Son to die for me.

If you’re in a season of emptiness—whether from loss, loneliness, or change—know this: God hears you. Cry out to Him. He is the God who turns graves into gardens. He can fill the emptiness with His unshakable love.