Paul Derengowski, PhD
Last night we received word that my sister-in-law’s border collie, Hall, had to be put to sleep.
The news broke our hearts, as I know it broke hers.
For an animal, Hall was such a sweet, kind, loving dog, as I’m sure many of you can relate, if you’ve ever owned a pet that was similar.
I called him “Mr. Pesky,” not in a negative way, but because he always wanted to love-on or be loved by everyone he met; and I mean everyone!
And if you didn’t warm-up to him, or tried to ignore him, then he would just keep nuzzling your hand or stand on your foot with one of his paws until you finally acknowledged his presence.
Then it went from a pat on the head to rubbing or scratching his belly while sprawled out on the floor, and all because you liked it.
Never in all the years that I knew of Hall did he ever get testy or mean with anyone.
In human terms he was “the perfect gentleman,” especially with children, who were immediately drawn to him.
He was always this energetic, let’s go for a run (or walk), type of animal that would not hurt a fly—instead he would just eat the cat’s food.
Many a night when when we would stay at my sister-in-law’s house during our summer excursions, Hall would come downstairs and sleep at the foot of our bed, even though he was accustomed to sleeping upstairs on my sister-in-law’s bed.
Of course, when 5 o’clock or so in the morning rolled around, and he heard my sister-in-law get up, it was up the stairs he went to greet her.
Besides, it was potty time and he needed to go outdoors.
In a few weeks, we’ll be making that trek again to visit everyone, but it’s going to be a bit different: Hall won’t be there. He has moved on.
I’ve heard it asked if there will be animals in heaven, and the Bible seems to teach that there will be.
Isaiah 66:25, speaking of the new heaven and earth to come, reveals, “The wolf and lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,” says the Lord.
Wolves, lambs, lions, oxen, and snakes—in heaven? Why not? God made them for our enjoyment.
So, one day I expect to see Hall there.
Until then, I’ll just say that I’ll miss him, cold nose and slobbers on my toes and all.
