He was a lucky dog. He traveled several times a year to Colorado, relaxing at the cabin and going on hikes through the mountains. Sometimes when his little legs got tired dad would prop him up on his shoulders like a lamb or hold him with one arm like a parrot. We were always nervous he'd turn into bear food one of those trips, but luckily that was not the case. An animal he did experience during one trip to Colorado though was the cow. He managed to get out of the car when we were stopped once and started chasing the cows around the pasture. With the grass so long and Cin-dog so little, when dad chased after him it looked like dad was the one chasing cows. We all had a good laugh from the car and of course didn't help dad out, as it was too funny to watch!
I keep thinking to myself that it seems so silly to sit here and cry and reminisce about a dog. I mean, I know he was just a dog, but after 15+ years of my life, he became a friend and a companion. You know you find yourself talking to your dog when it's just the two of you, don't lie. They're nice to talk to and good company. :) I think the reason why death is so difficult (in any form), something that a good friend reminded me of today, is that we were not originally made to experience death. Before sin entered the world, there was no death or pain. There's hope though, because through the death of Jesus we've been given eternal life on a "new earth" where "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Revelation 21:4) I know the only way to be freed from this everlasting pain and death is through following Jesus and I rest assured in that promise.
