In April 2025, a friend passed away after a long-complicated illness. His Will expressed wishes for my husband and I to resume care for his 13-year-old Chiweenie dog, Lucy. A few days before his passing, he had to be moved to a local in house hospice facility. That day, we became new pet owners. Oddly, first time in house dog owners. Like welcoming a new baby, we had things to purchase before the arrival of our new bundle. This new adventure brought surprises, challenges, pleasures, and disappointments. So, I am going to share with you some, “Lessons Learned From Lucy”.

Scary Situations

Overnight, everything became new for Lucy. New person, bed, house, food, routine. Shaking in fear was her frequent activity. To ease her anxiety required my attention. It was like she was in constant need saying, “Hold me, hold me I have lost everything!” In reality, she had. So, I held her, rubbed her, talked to her, and gave comfort. I was reminded of God’s promise to me when I too walk in dark valleys:

Lesson Learned: When I lose my way and nothing is going right, I must recall the Bible is a place to find hope and support until I can stand again. Others that love me need to hold me and guide me even if I don’t understand what I need.

A Symptom of Grief

Day 1, 2, 3 without food or water. “Eat Lucy Eat” I begged her. No luck. Her previous diet had been more of human cuisine, but I do not believe it was her diet. It was her heart of grief. With much concern, I took her to the veterinarian. The Doctor shared that in the mind of Lucy; she had abandoned her first love. Lucy did not understand the circumstances, and I could not explain them to her. She was in grief.

Lesson Learned: God wants to remind me that He is always close and will never leave me. Circumstances like grief, separation, or even life transitions are His opportunity to meet with me. My body will follow my heart, but I need the LORD to rescue me.

I’ll Show You

Finding an uneaten snack on the floor, I picked it up and put it out of reach on the counter. Immediately, Lucy jumped up and sniffed trying to find it. Somehow it was gone and she knew I had something to do with it. Later, I took her for a walk with the plan to do “business”. No results. In an unusual fashion, she wanted to come inside. Shortly after, I found a puddle on the floor. Standing close by was Lucy watching me and my reaction. I remembered taking her bone away earlier. I quietly and calmly cleaned up the puddle. Unable to communicate in words, Lucy’s actions revealed her true attitude, “I’ll show you!”

Lesson Learned: How often do I use manipulation or insinuation to express my unhappiness in a situation? Sometimes even to my God because I do not like or trust the plan He has given me. Too often, I fear. I need to trust in God’s love and plans more. It may seem I am being cheated in the moment, but He will work my future for good.

I’ve often heard it said, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Having never had a dog, I just assumed that it was true. Now that I am a senior dog pet owner, I know it is not! It’s very possible to teach an old dog and a new dog owner how to share life together post grief. I am trusting that God believes the same and understands that until my last day on earth, I, like Lucy, am a work in progress.

Think abouts:

1. Has a situation come into your life leaving you scattered into pieces? If so, where did you turn? Who are the people in your life that you know you can run for refuge?
2. Has grief become a companion causing you to question God’s love and trust his plans?

I encourage you to run to God the Father through Jesus Christ and sit there. He will come to you in His spirit and meet you with open arms. Rely on Him to keep His promises in your life with His plans for you. He will provide. He will Love. He will renew.

Sources

Holy Bible, New King James Version,1982/2020, Thomas Nelson.

Vonda Jennings RN, BSN
First Love on Main Volunteer