I'm laying awake tonight laughing and crying, replaying a lifetime of memories in my head. My little dog Cinnamon died last night (12/27) just before midnight at an age I can't even recall, as we stopped counting a while ago. He was mischievous from the start. They said it was the bichon in him. I remember learning quickly to always close my bedroom door or I'd come in to find the room in complete disarray. That might have been where he won the name shithead, but I can't be completely sure. That name ended up carrying on through the rest of his life. :)

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reason why death is so difficult (in any form), something that a good friend reminded me of today, is that we were not originally made to experience death.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.

2 comments

1. Jeffrey on December 29, 2009 at 7:29 AM

   Renee, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your pet and friend Cinnamon. For being such little things they sure do take up a large spot in our hearts. Cricket died last March. I cried for a week. Funny thing, I still whistle for her once and a while.
   ~ Walking with you in your time of sorrow. Jeff

    
2. Amie on December 29, 2009 at 6:00 PM

   Wish I could have seen the cow-chasing! I'm sure i would have wet myself laughing!
   
   I'm sorry for your loss Nae... I look forward to experiencing a deathless&painless future with you, and the rest of God's new creations to come. xox