• Home
  • My Story
  • My MAP
  • Register
  • Login

gregstier.org

Rantings of a Jesus-loving, raving lunatic

Categories

  • Conferences (14)
  • God Moments (7)
  • Guest Bloggers (1)
  • Home Sweet Home (23)
  • Rants (275)
  • Stier Trek (6)
Discuss Ministry Mutiny Principals

Favorite Websites

  • Christian Post
  • Dare 2 Share
  • Derwin Gray
  • Group Magazine
  • Interl’inc
  • Rob Kelly
  • Tim Schmoyer
  • Youth Specialties

Current Music

  • 4th Avenue Jones:
    Stereo: The Evolution of Hiprocksoul Stereo: The Evolution of Hiprocksoul
  • Skillet:
    Comatose Comatose
  • Casting Pearls:
    Casting Pearls Casting Pearls
  • Tobymac:
    Welcome to Diverse City Welcome to Diverse City

Current Books

  • Leonardo Boff:
    Holy Trinity, Perfect Community Holy Trinity, Perfect Community
  • John MacArthur:
    The Truth War: Fighting for Certainty in an Age of Deception The Truth War: Fighting for Certainty in an Age of Deception
  • W. Chan Kim, RenĂ©e Mauborgne:
    Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make Competition Irrelevant Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make Competition Irrelevant
  • Alan Gotthardt:
    The Eternity Portfolio (Generous Giving) The Eternity Portfolio (Generous Giving)

Syndicate

  • General RSS Feed
  • Subscribe to MyMSN
  • Subscribe to MyYahoo!
  • Subscribe to Google Reader
  • Subscribe to Bloglines
  • Subscribe to Newsgator
Invincible Youth Ministry Conference Tour

My dog died last night

Posted on Tuesday 14 November 2006 by Greg @ 7:19 am
Filed under: Home Sweet Home

I’m sad this morning. Our little "weiner" dog, shadow, died last night. She had a blood disorder and we knew she wouldn’t last long. She has been a source of joy for the last twelve years or so. She loved kids. She loved everybody. If somebody ever broke into our house I’m sure she would wag her tail with joy and leave a little love puddle of pee at their feet. She was the most gentle, upbeat, "happy" dog I’ve ever been around. We will all miss her.

Shadow always slept at our feet at night. She would snuggle up against our legs to keep warm. My wife will especially miss her presence when I am gone on the road (which is a lot).

When I came home last night my wife was holding shadow against her chest as she struggled to breathe. My wife then said, "Greg, I think Shadow is dying right now." With that she stretched back as far as her little neck would allow her to, licked my wife on the cheek one last time, jerked three times and died. Jeremy, my five year old son, didn’t quite get it until I told him to come over and say goodbye to shadow. When I said, "Shadow is dead. She is gone and she won’t be coming back" it finally hit him. Jeremy began to cry like I’ve never seen him cry before. Kailey, our two year old, began to cry because everyone else was crying. It was a house of mourning over our little dog last night.

I ended up telling stories about Shadow for about thirty minutes to distract my wife and son from the pain. We laughed, cried, remembered and thanked God together for our special little dog.

The saddest thing last night was not when Shadow died. I was expecting that. The saddest thing I saw was when Jeremy ran down the stairs to say goodbye "one last time." I followed him part way down so that I could witness this poignant moment. He knelt down by shadow, put his hand gently on her paw, whispered something to shadow and then leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. He began crying again.

It’s tough to watch your little boy "get" death for the first time. Last night we talked about life and death. We talked about "resurrection". We debated on whether or not dogs will resurrect from the dead someday (Jeremy is pro dog resurrection. I am not.) We hugged, cried, laughed and prayed.

Although she was a little dog she lived a pretty big life. We love her. We’ll miss her. Pray for my wife who is heartbroken, my little boy who is struggling with the reality of death for the first time and for my little daughter who is crying because everyone else is. Pray for me to have wisdom to know how to comfort them.

We will all miss you Shadow. You were the best dog I’ve ever had.

Signed, Greg Stier

47 Comments for 'My dog died last night'

  1. On November 14, 2006 @ 7:29 am Becky said:
    • Awwwww how sad.My doggy is about to die to.So I know exactly how you feel.My mom came home yesterday and my dog was laying on the couch in a dead postion.Man it is hard to have a dog so loyal die.I will be praying.PS:We have a dog named shawdow.You can have her if you wanna get her when you come to dare 2 share.~Becky~ 

    • Permalink to Becky's comment

  2. On November 14, 2006 @ 10:18 am joannie said:
    • Sorry for your pain Greg.  May you be comforted as you comfort those you love.  Attila

    • Permalink to joannie's comment

  3. On November 14, 2006 @ 10:31 am Tim said:
    • I think it’s awesome how such a sad time for your family was turned around as an object lesson to teach your son some theological truths.

    • Permalink to Tim's comment

  4. On November 14, 2006 @ 10:58 am Jenny Freyta said:
    • Ohhhh I’m so sorry Greg! I know how difficult it is to lose a pet, especially as a child. I will be praying for all of you, and especially Jeremy. I remember my first dealing with death, and it was really hard to grasp, especially since my Dad told me he didn’t think that Tiki would be in heaven. To this day- almost twenty years later, I still have a hard time believing that.

    • Permalink to Jenny Freyta's comment

  5. On November 14, 2006 @ 11:17 am Carol Ann said:
    • Sorry to hear about Shadow. :-(    Know that I’m praying.  

    • Permalink to Carol Ann's comment

  6. On November 14, 2006 @ 11:41 am christian said:
    • Dear G…… All dogs go to heaven… P.L.U.R. Christian

    • Permalink to christian's comment

  7. On November 14, 2006 @ 11:49 am chelsea good said:
    • oh im so sorry greg ill prey that your wife will grow from this(remember everything happens for a reason) well i was so insprired by your speach or sermon(whatever its calle) and ii came to tell you that the 48 hour challange turned into a 72 hour challange for me and it was a challange but in the end god one her soul shes is now my sister in christ

    • Permalink to chelsea good's comment

  8. On November 14, 2006 @ 12:33 pm Brittany Golden said:
    • You know, I believe that the furry friends go to heaven so just hope you will see Shadow in heaven. We are all on this earth for a short period of time and just think of it as a waiting room in a doctor’s office, it seems like forever but we eventually go in for the check up! I will pray for your family especially when your at the D2S tour.

    • Permalink to Brittany Golden's comment

  9. On November 14, 2006 @ 2:08 pm BESS MCCALL said:
    • I am so deeply sorry about your Shadow.  I know how difficult it is when we lose a pet which is a member of the family.  I will be praying for you and your family during this sad time.

    • Permalink to BESS MCCALL's comment

  10. On November 14, 2006 @ 3:35 pm kacy said:
    • im so sorry to hear about your dog last night my aunt beverlys dog got hit lastnight  and died i was on my way to a youth rally when my mom hit the  brakes and said i think thats flash we pulled on the  side of the highway and it was him so we got him off the side of the road and took him to my aunt house it is really sad that he had to go i know i cant change things but i wish i could rewind time but i cant i will be praying for you and you and your familey agin im am truly sorry                                            god bless                                             kacy   

    • Permalink to kacy's comment

  11. On November 14, 2006 @ 4:25 pm Kayla said:
    • Greg im sorry about you loss!! I am praying for you! Atleast he isn’t suffering!!! My dog died a couple of years back and I didn’t handle it well at all but then I kept thinking that he is with God and he is going to be with Jesus for eternity, which stand for L!!!!:)

    • Permalink to Kayla's comment

  12. On November 14, 2006 @ 5:11 pm Abby said:
    • Hey greg. sorry to hear about your dog- know that i’m praying for you and your family. abby

    • Permalink to Abby's comment

  13. On November 14, 2006 @ 5:35 pm Stephanie said:
    • Aww Greg…My puppy (it was a dauchsaund too!) died about 5 years ago….she got hit by a car and instantly died. She was our little bundle of joy.  So I know how you feel.  I’m really sorry for Jeremy and Kailey!  Give them a hug for me =)  We’ll be praying for you!  BTW….There’s a book called "Dog Heaven" and its kinda cute.  Its more of a "Pro-Dog Heaven" book, but its funny and cute! Jeremy and Kailey might like it!

    • Permalink to Stephanie's comment

  14. On November 14, 2006 @ 5:46 pm lilangel said:
    • hey greg its lisa.thats relly sad i will  miss her.but i will know how you guys feel soon.my dog midnite is 11 and is starting to have little seizurs.she is my baby.we grew up together,but unfortunately we all have to face death and see people or things we love die.man sometimes i wish i could go back and see adam and eve to tell them "DO NOT eat the fruit from that tree.trust me youll adventually you will understand if you dont!!!!"but life doesnt work that way.well i will pray for you ,dab,jeremy,and of course little kailey.love you guys and thanx for the tikets.lisa koon

    • Permalink to lilangel's comment

  15. On November 14, 2006 @ 6:08 pm Sarah said:
    • WOW! Greg I am so sorry! It is very hard to loose someone you love! You will be in my prayers!

    • Permalink to Sarah's comment

  16. On November 14, 2006 @ 6:14 pm Sarah said:
    • Greg! That’s sad. I will be praying for you! But I would like you to know that I am very excited now…just after reading this one blog…that you’re coming to NYC. I think it will be an awesome trip, and i’m excited to hear you speak. Love in Christ Sarah 

    • Permalink to Sarah's comment

  17. On November 14, 2006 @ 7:28 pm Sammi Basinger said:
    •                          How sad!  Don’t worry I pray that everything is better and she is in God’s hands now.  I am sure that she has brought your family much joy. :( it’s so sad that she had to go though.                               sending much luv,                                      sammi

    • Permalink to Sammi Basinger's comment

  18. On November 14, 2006 @ 7:48 pm Corey Mann said:
    • Greg, I went through this same thing this summer.  My dog of 15 years had cancer and we had to put her down.  I took her to the vet and they were so helpful.  I had quite a God moment in that office though. As the nurse and doctor held the dog and injected her, the dog looked right at me nad I had a moment of "My dog is thinking ‘What did you just do?"… I tried to get past it by saying over and over to myself…It’s just a dog, it’s just a dog, it’s just a dog. I felt God grabbing me and saying "You are the same with people."  It’s just another person, its just somebody else, it’s just another human.  Every single one of them matters to God, now  get out there and spread the word.  I like you Greg, your messages inspire me-I’ve listened to your Willow Creek talk a good handful of times….your family is in my thoughts. Corey

    • Permalink to Corey Mann's comment

  19. On November 14, 2006 @ 10:40 pm Jeremy Hughey said:
    • Hey man,  This reminds me of Jeremy and his firm conviction in the grocery store with the lady whose dog had died.  I believe the quote from Jeremy goes like this, "lady, your doggy is in Heaven, and you can go to heaven to"….. I think i side with you Greg and whether or not dogs go to Heaven, but the heart of a child is amazing….. My prayer for Jeremy is that he always has the ability to believe in the unbelievable.  Hang in there, and tell that little evangelist that God is taking good care of Shadow!!!   the other Jeremy in DC

    • Permalink to Jeremy Hughey's comment

  20. On November 15, 2006 @ 2:11 am Alice from Chicago said:
    • I am soo sorry to hear of your loss.  We have 3 dogs and 2 cats.  Our pets are a part of our family and the loss is felt the same as losing a family member.  I am not sure who to feel the saddest for though.  Learning about death the first time is hard but at least your son holds onto the hope and faith that God gives.  I would be interested however to hear of your reasoning for the disbelief that your beloved pet would not be a part of Gods kingdom.  I know especially that our cat, Baby, will be interested in your thoughts.  Baby gets excited when the Bible comes to the dining room table and anytime there is reciting of the Bible or discussion regarding the Bible he will meow as if he understands.  This mind you is a cat that is usually quiet and distant.

    • Permalink to Alice from Chicago's comment

  21. On November 15, 2006 @ 12:42 pm Sarah said:
    • Greg, Dogs are precious and its hard to believe when they are gone! But one thing that is a blessing beacause of the whole ordeal your son will be able to see and feel the hurt of death but know that joy that we have knowing that someday we will be able to be reunited in Christ in heaven.  Granted….Shadow may not be there.. but all the loved ones who’ve gone before who have had faith in the one true GOD will be! How exciting this truth is as scary as it is for each of us to think about it is an exciting time something we are all living for! Sarah

    • Permalink to Sarah's comment

  22. On November 15, 2006 @ 1:01 pm Janna H said:
    • Greg, I am so incredibly sorry to hear about your loss. I had a Shadow once (actually, his name was Hoover because he ate everything off the floor) and we had to watch him suffer with seizures for a month before we had him put to sleep. I truly believe that God gives us all kinds of companions in life to teach us lessons and give us unconditional love. Some of these are the pets that love us even when we punish them for eating our eye glasses and pillows…several times. I know it’s hard watching Jeremy grieve but explaining to him the joy in life and the release in death is so critical and you are just the person to show him. No one puts lays it out more clearly than you. Keep Trucking for the Lord. His love and mine, Janna Huhtala — Laurel, MT – UMC

    • Permalink to Janna H's comment

  23. On November 15, 2006 @ 4:48 pm Brianna said:
    • that is a very tough thing to live through at such a young age. I remember when my first dog died I couldn’t go to school the next morning because I was still crying from the night before. Tell Jermey that I am sorry about losing a very close friend.

    • Permalink to Brianna's comment

  24. On November 15, 2006 @ 5:22 pm Melissa said:
    • I’m so sorry Greg! Give Deb and the kids a hug for me! Love ya- Melissa

    • Permalink to Melissa's comment

  25. On November 15, 2006 @ 6:03 pm chivadecorazon15 said:
    • Hey Greg sorry for the lose but you can thank God for all the good times you had with Shadow. Take care and ill be praying for Jeremy.  If you could email me at Chivadecorazon15@aol.com. I have a question I would like to ask about last years D2S conference.

    • Permalink to chivadecorazon15's comment

  26. On November 15, 2006 @ 6:20 pm dreamer08 said:
    • sorry about your dog….i’m sure all dogs go to heaven..just like the movie…praying for you all

    • Permalink to dreamer08's comment

  27. On November 15, 2006 @ 8:06 pm Andi said:
    • Greg, That is such a touching story about what happened.  Isn’t it amazing how God can use the littlest things in life , like your dog, to impact the most of your life?! God have effected my lofe with many things including my dog.  You impacted me so much when you came to Colorado for a weekend.  You mean so much to me. Thank you!

    • Permalink to Andi's comment

  28. On November 15, 2006 @ 8:26 pm Logan said:
    • Im so sorry to her about shaddow my dog died because it bit someone because she woke him up and we had to put him down i will pray   P.S. I loved the cell phone challenge at the denver d2s. 

    • Permalink to Logan's comment

  29. On November 15, 2006 @ 10:22 pm Eric said:
    • hey greg i just want to say sorry about shadow. last june we had to put our dog boomer down because of possible cancer and nerve damage. but but i know God did good things through his death because he showed me how much my youth group loves me and how ive learned to rely on him more to take my pain away. time doesnt heal, God does.

    • Permalink to Eric's comment

  30. On November 16, 2006 @ 12:27 am Jim Ward said:
    • Greg, I have been there and do feel the pain you and your family are going through. I will be saying a few extra prayers for each of you.

    • Permalink to Jim Ward's comment

  31. On November 16, 2006 @ 5:33 pm Jams said:
    • Greg & Family: Sorry for your loss with Shadow!!!!! We recently lost our Malamute and it was very hard on the family. He came to us at a time when we all needed a little hope. My brother had passed away and we had to give up his dog at the time. One day my step-dad was out talking to a neighbor when a dog who looked just like my brother’s showed up with a note on his collar that stated his age, health status, and what he liked to eat and asked if the person who found him if they would take him in. The part that touched our family so deeply was that he looked exactly like my brother’s dog and was the same (approx.) age. My family is not a family of believers aside from my husband, me and our kids, and the rest of the family was pretty upset with God for taking my brother, so this "miracle" if you will, was the hope our family needed to begin again. Dogs Rule!!  GOD RULES EVEN MORE!!  Needless to say it was difficult to lose him, but like your family, we shared the memories in a cathartic point in time and our dog (and my brother) will remain in our hearts forever! Abundant blessings to you and your family and may He bring you another dog someday that will add to your already treasured memory bank. Jamie 

    • Permalink to Jams's comment

  32. On November 16, 2006 @ 5:49 pm Alex said:
    • Sorry about your lost.  I wonder if that’s how God feels when one of His creation slips into hell because they have died without ever placing their faith in Jesus for eternity.  I will look at my little dog a little differently tonight as he snuggles up at the foot of my bed (which usually annoys me).  Thanks for sharing such a special moment with all of us Greg!

    • Permalink to Alex's comment

  33. On November 17, 2006 @ 1:08 am Ashley Buckner said:
    • I’m sorry for your loss. I have two dogs and your dog sounds like she was a lot like both of them. Our little dog is cranky and barks like she’s tough, but once you go to pet her she pees all over the floor. Our big dog is the happiest dog you’ll ever meet. When her tail wags, it wags! I’m so sorry that Shadow is gone. I know how sad it is to lose a dog. I’ll pray for you guys. L8r. Signing off, Greg

    • Permalink to Ashley Buckner's comment

  34. On November 17, 2006 @ 4:24 pm Ali said:
    • I’m sorry to hear about Shadow. :-(

    • Permalink to Ali's comment

  35. On November 17, 2006 @ 9:21 pm Chelsea said:
    • I’m so sad Greg! :( sounds horriable! On a brighter note… can’t wait until St.Louis In Feb! :) it will be awesome! later

    • Permalink to Chelsea's comment

  36. On November 18, 2006 @ 9:20 pm Some Body said:
    • Wow. I haven’t been here in a long time! This is weird!    Ooh, that’s sad. . . It’s always tough when someone/something dies.  It made me remember when my next-door neighbor died. She was in her 80’s, and a Christian, so I’ll see her later, but she was a ‘great grandma’ to us kids, it was sooo sad when she died. I still miss her (that was, oh, 4 years ago.  .  .)  Well, I won’t be able to go the Dare2Share this year. Last year was my first year. I was soo excited to go again last year, but it’s just not working out. (Another sad thought) Ooh well.  I hope Jeremy gets over his loss soon!

    • Permalink to Some Body's comment

  37. On November 19, 2006 @ 11:04 pm Vickie said:
    • Greg, So sorry to hear about your dog Shadow. I had a chocolate lab that had lung cancer and I had to put him to sleep a few years ago. Tell your wife and kids I believe ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN! I have another chocolate lab and he is more spoiled than the first! It’s amazing how a dog can become a part of your family. Wait 2 or 3 months then get another dog!

    • Permalink to Vickie's comment

  38. On November 21, 2006 @ 9:59 pm Caitlin said:
    • Thank you for sharing - as weird as that may sound.  I lost my cat this past weekend and it broke my heart.  My husband tries to understand but he’s never had a pet before.  Thank you for letting me know that I’m not alone in mourning my family pet.  

    • Permalink to Caitlin's comment

  39. On November 24, 2006 @ 1:05 pm Maria said:
    • I am so sorry about Shadow. This really struck close to home because we also have a dog named Shadow that we all love very much. I can’t imagine life without her. The day before thanksgiving my teen daughter, Katie lost her beloved bunny, Gandi (short for Gandolf from Lord of the Rings). I guess it was just his time to go. He died in her arms. It was so heartbreaking. God has given us these wonderful animals to love. They give us so much joy. I think that when we lose our animals it’s God’s way of preparing us for bigger things to lose. 

    • Permalink to Maria's comment

  40. On November 26, 2006 @ 3:43 pm Emily said:
    • I am still convinced that animals go to Heaven and I wanted to know what you thought Thanks

    • Permalink to Emily's comment

  41. On July 4, 2007 @ 3:35 pm Michael Roescher said:
    • On July 1, 2007 at 11:58am I held my dearest friend while the vet at my approval injected him with that life ending juice. He barked 5 times before he died, I kept saying its ok, but it wasnt! He was going to die. I wish I could go with him. I never  felt loved so much as I did by him. Now I can only dream of the day that I am taken and my hopes of being reunited with him are realized. John Doe ( my dog ) was a stray Havanese I found a 2am June 20, 2002 walking down the center of a highway. He was old blinded by cataracts and in horrible shape. After a trip to the vet’s they told me because he was old blind and a fear biter he was not adoptable, so either I take him or they would put him down. So I took him, tried to find his owners, failed. I already had a cat in CRF so I was not looking for more tasks.  JD became my best friend. We batteled his challanges together, diabetes, seizures, kidney stone, cataracts, bronchitus, kidney insuffiency, and most recently an unbeatable pneumonia.  Over my years with him we had great times. I spent over $50,000.00 in vet bills, $16,000 this year alone. Each battle we won, until this past week. Something in his stomach causing pain. His kidneys crashed and they had nothing to explain the intestines. If I took him off antibiotics his pneumonia would return quickly. I was trapped. 4 of the pat 7 days we were at the hospital. I wanted to hospitalize him and try but he was in such pain………… I  hope he and god forgives me. I loved him more than I can understand.  I understand your loss but would have wished my friend passed on his own as yours did. God saved you from my anguish                 expertsystems@earthlink.net

    • Permalink to Michael Roescher's comment

  42. On February 24, 2008 @ 11:24 pm S.B. said:
    • I’ve never been to this site before but I am so sad reading about your dog. We just had to bury my grandad’s dog yesterday and I am so distressed. She was the best dog we’ve ever had and I just want to see her again, play with her, kiss her head. I miss her so much and I am consoled only by the words that time heals all wounds. I pray they are true.

    • Permalink to S.B.'s comment

  43. On March 9, 2008 @ 11:56 am Bear15 said:
    • I know how you feel Greg. I lost two of my pets in Feb. 2 weeks apart. I didn’t know what to do I cried so hard. i didn’t even want to school. I got through it with the support of family,God,& friends. I thank God mostly for what he as done in my life.

    • Permalink to Bear15's comment

  44. On March 11, 2008 @ 6:39 pm r.baek4380 said:
    • wow. im so sry. i had so many dogs too. i dont even noe how many. i had a poodle and he died. wen i was in 4th grade. he died becuz his spine was boken so it made all her legs not funstion. so we took her to the hospital and he was having surgery while i was at skool. then i came home after school and my mom said hes dead. i started crying. weeping. i went upstairs to my moms room and started crying on her bed. she sat next to me and she started crying too with me. ive always treated him bad. i feel bad. he loved my mom the best and so i always did bad things to him. just becuz he didnt like me the best and i got him for my birthday present so i wanted him to love me. but then he didnt. and then he had died. i noe that my mom was crying more than i was on her bed. she loved him soo much. but its all okayy cuz god went through an even worse pain. so lets just say it went fine. :)

      <3Rachel Baek

    • Permalink to r.baek4380's comment

  45. On April 1, 2008 @ 8:58 am Will said:
    • hey Greg, I’m in the same boat as you, our dog Piper died on thursday from a house fire, he only suffocated, he was the best little guy and there’s no reason for it that i can see. over the past few days i have been seeking Jesus on raising him from the dead. I am going with my family today to pray for it. praise God either way. I will keep ya posted.

    • Permalink to Will's comment

  46. On April 3, 2008 @ 12:06 pm Denise said:
    • I wonder if Christ had a little black dog
      all curly and woolly like mine
      with two silky ears and a nose round and wet
      and two eyes, brown and tender that shine.

      I’m afraid that He hadn’t because I have read
      how He prayed in the garden alone
      for all of his friends and disciples had fled
      even Peter, the one called the stone.

      And, oh, I and sure that little black dog
      with a heart tender and warm
      would never have left Him to suffer alone
      but creeping right under His arm and counting all favors but loss,
      when they took Him away would have trotted behind
      and followed Him right to the cross.

      Might our friendship and loyalty to each other and God grow stronger with the passing of each day.

    • Permalink to Denise's comment

  47. On April 3, 2008 @ 12:11 pm Denise said:
    • I did not write that poem by the way, but it is one of my favorite.

    • Permalink to Denise's comment

Name (required)

e-mail (required)

Website

Information for comment users

  • Line and paragraph breaks are implemented automatically.
  • Your e-mail address is never displayed.
  • Please consider what you're posting.
  • Please use the buttons below to customize your comment.
  • No HTML is allowed at this time.
  • You can also register or login.

Free Youth Ministry Christian Resources.
Copyright 2008 Dare 2 Share Ministries International.

Free Youth Ministry Christian Resources