When the vet calls to confirm Tuesday’s appointment don’t cancel this time.” My husband had made two appointments to put our fourteen-and-a-half-year-old lab down, but each time she seemed to rally. So I’d canceled the appointments.

Larry’s back is more important than giving our girl a little more time, I told myself. But I grieved. Corrie was deaf and lame but still alert in the evenings. She never whimpered when she fell, though her falls had to hurt her arthritic body. Our vet said most dogs would be grumpy at her stage in life. Corrie never was.

I spent Sunday afternoon alone with Corrie. She ate the food I placed between her front paws. She loved her biscuits, so I gave her extra. I selected the thinnest rawhide chew, but by evening she was too weak to hold her head up. I brushed away the tears her lab eyes summoned when she looked at me.

This was her last gift to me. Her way of saying, “Larry’s right. It is time.” 

For the last year my husband and son had carried Corrie outside because she could no longer negotiate steps. But she still had her spirit. She would lean her head into your hand when you petted her. She perked up for her treats, and she always roused when my son came home.

Why would we hang on to a pet who could do nothing for us? She had numerous accidents. Christmas Eve Larry had to bathe her between dinner and dessert. We washed her bed several times a week. She was heavy to lift.

We hung on because we loved her.

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God” (Luke 12:6 NIV). 

If God remembers sparrows, how much more does He treasure you. God uses our pets to say, “If you love Corrie (your pet) this much, think how much more I love you.”

The world may not remember us or care what we do each day. But God knows, cares, and remembers (Psalm 139:1-6). He loves us with a perfect Father’s love. 

Our family will never forget Corrie. Her puppy antics, adult mischief, and constant affection have memorialized her in our hearts. 

Do you have an imperfect pet you’ll never forget? When you think about your pet, remember God loves you more.


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