Puppy Love — A Borrowed Blessing
October 13, 2016 — 6:15 a.m.
I found my little dog lying on the side of the curb, all fours in the air, his back against the ground.
It was a devastating discovery — my little comforter was lifeless.
As I picked him up, fear poured into my heart. “Rilo!” I cried out in horror. My hands trembled as I lifted his limp body and rushed to my truck, laying him on my lap. Driving to the emergency animal hospital, I called upon the Almighty — praying, pleading that my little dog would be alright.
When I arrived, I handed him to the nurse, but hope was slipping away. Moments later, my worst fear was confirmed — my beloved little dog was gone.
I stood there dazed, numb, and in disbelief. As the doctor explained what might have caused his death, I could barely hear the words. In just a matter of minutes, my life had turned from joy to sorrow.
That little dog Rilo was Our Gift After Grief
We were led to this little pup by chance — or perhaps by divine appointment — after the most tragic loss of our son in 2007. That dreadful day had rushed to me once again and that feeling of loss that cuts the deepest part of my heart came about again. I found myself reliving the pain I felt when my beloved son died suddenly of unknown reason which to this day remains a mystery. Although it has been 9 years after his death, the pain from that loss never really went away, it just sort of dulled out and part of it because I’ve numbed myself. But that moment that my little comforter also suddenly left, all that dreadful and horrible feeling became overwhelming once again.
My daughter named the little Yorkie after a band her brother loved. He was only three months old when we brought him home, a bundle of joy sent to comfort our mourning hearts.
Our son had passed away suddenly while on vacation, shortly after his 20th birthday. His tragic loss left a void that no words could fill. Yet through a dream my wife had — in which she saw him barking like a dog — and through a friend who introduced us to their Yorkie pup, we were gently led to this little pup.
From that moment, Rilo became our source of laughter, warmth, and healing. He was cute when he ran, sat, or even when he made a mess. Every look, every bark, every wag of his tail reminded us of joy. Through his love, we found comfort and light after the darkest chapter of our lives.
Everyone who met Rilo loved him. He brought smiles, softened hearts, and lifted our spirits from the depths of grief. He was truly heaven’s little remedy — a four-legged blessing sent to heal a broken family.
When Love Is Taken Away
Rilo was to turn nine on November 10, 2016. For nine precious years, he was our faithful companion — our reminder of God’s mercy and tenderness. Then, in an instant, he was gone.
It felt as though I was reliving the pain of losing my beloved son all over again. The sorrow, the disbelief, the questions — all returned.
“Why, Lord? Why us again? Why must joy be so short-lived?”
I felt as though God had taken away my joy just as I was just beginning to savor it — as if the candy had been yanked from a mouth of a child too soon.
But then I remembered what Scripture says:
“The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
— Job 1:21 (KJV)
We come into this world with nothing, and we leave with nothing. Everything we have — our loved ones, our possessions, even our moments of joy — are gifts we only borrow for a while.
And how can we truly lose what was never ours to begin with, but God’s?
“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”
— 1 Timothy 6:7 (KJV)
The loss of our son and now our beloved Rilo feels like two great wounds upon one heart. Yet as I reflect on God’s love, I am reminded that His plan extends far beyond this life.
Faith in the Eternal Promise
Even in loss, there is meaning. For those who believe in Jesus Christ, there is comfort in knowing that this world is not the end — it is only the beginning of something eternal.
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you.”
— John 14:1–2 (KJV)
Rilo’s little life was a borrowed blessing — a reminder that love, even in its smallest form, is sacred.
He taught us that comfort can come in unexpected ways and that God’s love can shine through even the furriest of friends.
And though I grieve, I give thanks to God — for the love that was given, for the comfort that was shared, and for the hope that endures beyond death.
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”
— Isaiah 40:8 (KJV)
Final Reflection
I may never fully understand why losses come as they do, but I trust that every moment — even of pain — is part of a divine story far greater than my own.
So, I choose to wear the armor of God — to hold on to His Word, to stand firm in faith, and to believe that all things, even heartbreak, will work together for good.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,
to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
— Romans 8:28 (KJV)
Until that day when all tears are wiped away, I will cherish the memories of those I’ve loved and lost — both my son Trent and my little Rilo — knowing that one day, in God’s eternal kingdom, joy will never end.
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