Sweet Sophie

If you have been reading this blog for long you will remember my brother's dog, Sophie.  The truth is that since my family lives within walking distance of each other, Sophie is sort of our "family" dog.  She actually spends most of her time at my parents' home and I walk over and play with her whenever I get a chance.

Last week we found out that Sophie has cancer and on Friday she had surgery.  It has been a difficult weekend for all of us.  We have been taking turns spending time with Sophie and trying to make sure she gets plenty of rest and refrains from taking the staples out of her leg.  Even though she is 11 years old, she is still very energetic and keeping her calm is not an easy task.

Saturday night I chose to stay up all night and keep an eye on our girl.  As I sat there looking at her, I thought about how she must feel.  I'm sure she is wondering why she had to go through the pain and suffering of this surgery.  Why is she being contained in very small area when she wants to run free.  Why is she being forced to wear this uncomfortable lampshade around her head.  She can't see that all of this hardship that she is going through is for her own good.  Then I thought, this must be how God feels.  I'm sure it hurts him to see us suffering.  We can't understand why we have to go through the things that we go through but God can see the whole picture.  He knows that sometimes we have to go through the valleys to get to the mountaintop. 

I was told that Sophie has a very aggressive form of cancer.  Please pray with us that the vet was able to remove it all before it spread.  No matter what the outcome, we are all thankful for each and every day we share with Sophie.  Pets are such a gift....they bring so much love and joy to our lives.  That is a very important and very much appreciated job!