It is such a deep, painful hurt. One that cannot be described. Dogs are wonderful gifts from the Lord. They reflect perfectly His love for us. They love us no matter what, they miss us when we are away (even if only for a moment), they forgive us immediately and they are always always there for us. A perfect reflection of God's love.
And that constant love that we receive from them makes it that much harder when we lose them. Because that love that they gave to us so freely is no longer there. And it hurts so desperately.
My husband and I don't have children, so our furbabies are our kids. And like your precious Kia and Sydney - my October was my most precious little girl. I visited her grave today for the first time since her burial. I cried and prayed, and prayed some more. I wish I could have just dove down in there to get her and then I realize only her body is there. Her spirit is with her Creator in heaven.
All through the Bible we find God's love for His creation and all of His creation was created not for only a short time, but for His eternal purpose. Knowing I will see my sweet October again gives me a peace in which I don't understand. Revelation 5:13 speaks of heaven when it says, "Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!" Every creature! How comforting.
Shortly after October went to be with the Lord, I saw a rainbow over our home. I remember thinking, "I wonder if October sees that rainbow?" Then, the very next day I read these verses in Genesis 9:8-17:
Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him:
“I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you—every living creature on earth. I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.” And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.”
Amazing! Over and over we hear the Lord God speak of His covenant not only with the human race, but with all living creatures! That means our precious babies! I've read those verses over and over in the past, but never did they speak to me like they did when I lost October. To know that the Lord also made a covenant with them as well. Truly a magnificent truth. It has comforted me.
There is one more thing I'd like to share with you that also brought me comfort; it is about a 15 minute youtube video. It is so wonderful about explaining God's love for His animals. You can watch it here if you ever have a spare moment, it is so good - I will warn you, I had to have multiple tissues at the time.
Cats & Dogs. Pets in Heaven: Is It Biblical? (Easy Read Version) - YouTube
It is interesting you mentioned your former pastor being there for you and your husband at your time of loss. My former pastor (before we moved and when I was younger) has also been there for me and my husband. He has a Yorkie (senior boy) and he's always had precious pets. He too believes they will be in heaven. And truthfully, one cannot read and believe God's Word and NOT believe they will be there! They will be there and they will praise Him with us! And we will be so happy to be reunited and praise the Lord together. Seems so far away, but its not really - life is so short. I realize that now more than ever.
I am sorry this post is so long, but I just want you to know that I feel your unbelievable pain and sorrow. The greiving process is one that is not easy, its one that is not easily explicable and its one that has no time table. Please know I am right here with you in this great time of sadness and hurt and pain. I am just so sorry.