Woody Options

[Steve K.]

I was here ten years ago for my Beauregard. Now I am here for my Woody. Woody was a dog that nobody wanted so me and the wife took him in. He was a handful at first and he made us wonder if we made the right decision but he turned out to be a wonderful dog. He was a retriever mix and a beautiful red color.

Well, on Sunday 09/21/08, I went out for the day and the wife took the dogs (we have another shelter dog) for a walk. They were both on a leash but Woody pulled away from my wife and ran into the street. He was hit by a car and the wife got animal control to take him to the emergency clinic where the vet said it didn't look good. The wife made the decision to let Woody go and when I got home, my heart was broken. My poor wife had to watch him get hit by the car and then make the decision to let him go. We are both heartbroken. I can't sleep, I can't eat, and all I do is cry at the drop of a hat. Our other dog (Smokey Joe) is 9 years old but Woody was only four. I expected him to be around for many years. Why did God take our dog from us? I don't think that we are bad people. We took in both dogs and two stray cats. We love our animals like children. Why was he taken from us?

[moon_beam]

Hi, Steve, when it comes to "hit by car" injuries, there are a lot of variables. Even though the "hit" may not have "looked all that serious", the internal damage escalates over time -- bleeding / bruising in the lungs itself can be fatal. Add to that shock and other injuries - - your wife followed the vet's advice in Woody's best interest. Part of the grief journey is the questioning process "what if" and "why didn't I" and "I should have" - - it's normal. The second guessing can almost drive us insane because we want so much to "make sense" of what happened. I am so glad you have found a book that may help you find some peace, and I will look forward to reading your book reivew of it. Goliath has certainly given you many good Scriptures to read. Revelation 5:13 is absolutely proof positive that animals are in heaven - - and not just in heaven but are gathered around God's throne. I have also done an extensive Scripture study on animals in heaven, and would be glad to send it to you - - but only if you would like to receive it. Steve, this grief journey just takes time to get through - - there is no "proper way" of doing it. We each must find what is helpful for us individually. But it is a journey that no one has to travel alone, and I am so glad you are here so that you can receive support, encouragement, and comfort along the way. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Steve, and please keep us posted as to how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[Candy's Dad]

Hi Steve,

I wanted to tell you how sorry I am to hear about your loss of Woody. I lost my Candy several months ago, but it was her sister Pepper who we lost several years ago when she too got struck by a car. It's been years and I still miss her. I wish I had the words that would help make the pain go away. Just know that we all are hurting with you and that one day, we will see our precious ones again.

Hang in there.

Candy's Dad

Hal