I never expected to help dig a grave, but that was my very sad plight on Tuesday morning, July 9. In reality, I did little digging. I was primarily there to support my son, Jeff, who was saying goodbye to Tucker, his companion of almost 12 years, who had passed away the previous evening. Often in life, the best we can do is practice the ministry of presence—just showing up during times of grief and despair; and that’s what I was trying to do. Just be there.

What had started as a perfectly normal Monday ended with heartbreak when Tucker began having seizures. Just as we got him to the vet, he passed away. It was a heartbreaking loss.

We can, I think, learn much from our pets. Tucker, for example, modeled extremely well the fruit of the spirit even though he was a dog. He was loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, gentle, faithful, and self-controlled.

On a recent afternoon, he accompanied me through the neighborhood. Ever obedient, he walked right by my side without a leash. Except for a short stop at every mailbox, he stayed with me. Even when tempted to chase a squirrel and then a rabbit, he refrained from running away—hovering close beside me.

Jeff had trained him well. His favorite things to do in all the world were to sit at Jeff’s feet or ride beside him in his pick-up truck with his head out the window or ride out on the pontoon for an afternoon of fishing. He loved and obeyed his daddy. Too bad we aren’t as loyal and faithful to our Father.

He would have made a wonderful therapy dog. He just loved everyone and wanted a good rubbing from anyone willing to pet him. Ever the optimist, he never came into a room without his tail wagging or a paw extended in greeting—his way of asking for a back-rub.

Even when tormented with hisses from Puddy-Tat, my 18-pound cat, he remained the peacemaker, always walking away from a good fight.

I have on occasion heard people discuss whether our pets will join us in heaven. Three scripture passages in particular  seem to indicate that they will.

• “In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together;
  the leopard will lie down with the baby goat.
  The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion,
  and a little child will lead them all.
  The cow will graze near the bear.
  The cub and the calf will lie down together.
  The lion will eat hay like a cow.
  The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra.
  Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm. Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for as the waters fill the sea,so the earth will be filled with people who know the Lord.” (Isaiah 11:6-9 NLT)
• ^“For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.  Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.  For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” (Romans 8:19-22 NLT)
• “And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: ‘Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.’”  (Revelation 5:13 NLT)

In Tucker’s case, I also wonder if he could have been an angel in disguise, in which case he may have rejoined the heavenly host.

Farewell, good and faithful friend. We will miss you. Till we meet again!

What about you? Ever had a beloved pet that you hope to see again one day in heaven? Ever learn any valuable lessons from him or her? If so, I’d love to hear from you. Thanks for reading and sharing. Many blessings.