Christian Photographers Community

Posting for ByGrace...

I received a very sad email from Tom last evening and I'm going to put it in here in full.  Please let's remember to pray for our dear friend, Tom and his wife as they struggle with sickness most of the time.

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Thank you for your Prayers, The Lord is faithful, and abounding in Love.

My wife and I have had various trials lately,  most recent being the need to put our beloved dog Mya, to sleep.

Over 16 and 1/2 years ago I prayed to the Lord for a dog that I could get for my wife, who was just beginning to undergo chemotherapy for her Lupus related renal failure.  A few years previous we had lost all 6 babies to miscarriages. so that is why I began to pray for a special dog as a companion to her.

Well The Lord answered that request abundantly.  At that time, a woman in the church came up to me and asked if I was interested in one of her dog's puppies, and that there happened to be a particular one that was gentle and had a good disposition.  She did not know that I had been praying for one.  I asked her if I could hold that puppy.

On our way back from our 10th wedding anniversary get-a-way, we drove out to the country to pick her up. Ever since then she has been a great blessing to both of us.  

It was exceedingly difficult to put her to sleep today, December 9, 2003.  She had kidney failure and spinal deterioration, and was in a pain.

But we thank The Lord even for this one small creature of His.  



The attached Photo is of me holding Mya the day before we had to put her to sleep, she would always greet me when I would return from work.

Tom Bernard  - ByGrace

Tom, having a lovely little border collie myself who is my constant companion in this lonely life, I just can't imagine having to do what you had to do.  I'm crying here as I posting this for you.

Please try to keep in touch and I know that there are many on CP who will be remembering you in prayer daily.  Join us as we remember Tom and his wife in prayer HERE (http://christianphotographers.com/yabbse/index.php?board=3;action=display;threadid=1939;start=new;boardseen=1).

God bless you brother.

I am sitting here crying remembering when I put my little Gitsie down because of pneumonia in August. I thank God everyday for my Happydog (a border collie mix) and my Bebe (a rescue Am staff terrier.) Tom I have put your prayer request in my prayer book for daily prayer.

Oh Tom, I am praying for you and your dear wife.  I too watched my beloved Piquet, a large Yorkshire terrier, put to sleep.  He was 17 and he was my dearest friend.  Although I now have a dear little doggie called Sunday, no other animal can ever replace my Piquet and I still weep for him as I do for you.

God Bless.
Jenny X

I am so sorry to read this.  Thank you for sharing this with us.  

Peace to you
karmat

It is making me so sad to read this all
But i keep you Tom and your wife in my prayers.
RIA

Tom, I am so sorry about your beloved dog.  I hope you and your wife find comfort in this loss.  May the love of God enfold you both and bring you peace.

I have no Scripture texts to prove it, but I tend to believe that we will have the immense privilege of caring for some of our Father's animal creatures after Christ's return.  I can't help thinking that dogs will be some of them.  They exhibit such wonderful characters.  Oh God, bless Tom and his wife, and grant them, if it is Your best for them, to care for another of your wonderful creatures soon.

Tom  what a lovely lovable personable friend.



Ruth

Thank you for your kind words and prayers. It is amazing that such a tiny part of God's creation can have such an impact in one's life. It only shows how infinite is God's glory, and immeasurable his greatness is.
ByGrace

Tom...so sorry to hear you had to put your beloved Doggy down.  Praying that God will comfort your heart.  


Ruthie

Tom

My eyes are full and my heart is heavy reading about your loss and  your struggle.  Your photo so moving.   You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Many years ago I read this which I do hope helps in your loss.  My special friend is fourteen and I know one day we will part.  


                                   RAINBOW BRIDGE
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Alan

Thank you all for your care.
Alan, the RAINBOW BRIDGE story is a beautiful story, a blessing to read. It reminded me of when Mya would spot me from a distant, then run as fast as she could to reach me. Thanks for sharing, May your special friend have a long life.
Tom