The Story of Snowball: Our Fading Flower & Friend

Believe it or not, our wonderful family friend is hanging on and doing better than ever with a little extra TLC...:-)

He was just a tiny puppy when we got him thirteen years ago.  A playful little white-fluffy-ball of fur peering at us through the pet store window, as if to say, "Pick me!  P-l-e-a-s-e  pick me!"  I was vehemently opposed to male dogs, after having grown up with them.  We had just moved to New Mexico, and happened into the Acoma Pet Store in Albuquerque on Wyoming Boulevard one day, only a short distance from the Airforce Base where we were staying while house hunting.  Our three children, Shawn, then eight, Michaeli at five, and Chad at three-years-old jumped up and down excitely in the pet store, begging us to buy this white little ball of fur. Every other pet in the store seemed to pale in comparison to this adorable and playful little guy.   "Please Mommy, please Daddy, can we get him?  Can we get him?"  We went through all of the usual lecturing that parents do:  "Well, you would have to take care of him.  You have to feed him everyday, give him water, take him for walks, and bathe him.  Having a pet is a lot of responsibility, you know..."  And, of course each of their responses were typical for children their ages:  "We will, we will.  We promise!"  

We told the kids we needed a few days to think about it but found ourselves back in the pet store the very next day.  Since we hadn't yet found a permanent place to live, we gave the lady who owned the pet store a deposit on our precious little Volpino Pomeranian, and agreed to pay the rest as soon as we'd purchased our new home.  Two weeks had passed and at last, we had found the very home we had been praying for .  The time had finally arrived for us to go pick up our new puppy. We all piled in the car and headed off to Walmart to buy a collar, leash,  crate, and dog food and then we were off to the pet store.  It was a joyous day for all of us.  Naming our little guy was a cinch.  Shawn immediately dubbed him Snowball, and given all of his white fluffy fur, we were all in unanimous agreement.  His name couldn't have been more perfect.  

Time has passed quickly, too quickly in fact.  Snowball is now the equivalent of a ninety-one-year-old man.  There are days he doesn't want to come out of his crate, except to eat.  Even getting him out of the back door to go to the bathroom seems to be a chore.  He is starting to lose bladder control and we have found ourselves batheing him and cleaning his crate almost daily. Petting his once strong frame is but a memory, as he is now frail, delicate and boney. I can't help but feel sad as I run my fingers down his head and along his slender thread bare spine.  My thoughts trail back to his playful puppy years, his robust frame, and the energetic enthusiasm that he so often greeted us with at the front door.  I have begun the journey of prayer for our long-time family member and friend. Death is inevitable, and we are now faced with the tender decision of putting Snowball down or letting God take him gently as he sleeps. God knows the day and the hour that Snowball will enter the pearly gates of heaven and lay at the fire place hearth of my mom and dad's heavenly mansion, until we too, shall make our way to glory.  I will look for him to greet us on that day in his healthy heavenly body as energetically and enthusiastically as he always did.  Following along behind him will be our five cats, a lop-earred rabbit named Susie, a Yellow-naped parrot named Shadow, and several parakeets and Cockateils that went on before him.  

For those that say our pets can't go to heaven because they are only body and soul, I will say this:  Isn't Jesus coming back to receive us to himself on a WHITE HORSE?  My request to Snowball on the day he meets the Saviour will be this:  "Hold down the fort until we get there old boy!  Hold down the fort until we get there!"

Reviews

[An Ordinary Woman]

Gave me goosebumps and I had to dab a tear from my eye ... this is beautiful and precious ...
a wonderful tribute to Snowball. What a lucky little pooch to have such a loving family as you.

I found this to be very well written and a pleasure to read, a wonderful flow and a very easy read.

I'm a "dog person" myself, I have two of my own. I also love cats and just about every other animal that comes to mind except for slugs, lol, they really gross me out. :+)

[Valentine]

Pets can be a great comfort to the old , ill, child, and lonely..Me I have 4 dogs now and if one was too old I could not put it down..Our last two dies here in their big run we have for them..When they are out they romp and play with us on our many acres and walk along with me when I go for a walk..they go with me..Heck..my full blooded cocker's hair cuts costd more thatn me cuts and permanents together..but he is worth it for the love he gives to both of us..Animals will be in Heaven I am going to see my white dove Snowflake their when I get there..lol and God bless..Valentine

[Michael X]

Carol, i am astonished by the over all messge in this writing, it reveals your
introspective outlook on death, and how faith can change the idea of what
life after death is, in an inspirational way, and to me that is uplifting, as
well as encouraging, My heart goes out to the loss of your family pet,
and i agree, time passes by much to quickly, and you show how memories
are sacred jewels in your heart's treasure chest , beautiful outlook, your
talent for expression shines through with passonate, sentimental effect, mike

[Dezaraye]

This is so very, very touching. I'm a pet lover and six months ago, my sister got a pomeranian that she named "Captain Jack." He's such a little doofus, but he wormed his way into my heart. He's as adorable as he is a pain. I love him.

I lost my cat, Thumper last November and it broke my heart. I hand-raised him from the day he was born, bottle feeding him and watching him grow. I saw him enter the world and my heart shattered the day he left. He was only 4 and 1/2, but was very ill.

Pet are angels on Earth and I know that he will be there keeping my place warm in Heaven. Thank you for sharing this with us. It's beautiful.

[Crystal L. Test]

Ahhhh, this was such a sad and touching piece. I had the same kitty for 22 years! I lost her 4 years ago. Her health had severly detiorated, also. Renal Kidney Failure. It took me until this January to be able to get a new kitty. His name is Brady and I'm so glad that I found true furry love again. He's awesome. I can completely relate to this. Just know that you gave him a good home and great friends. He has lived a very happy and full life.

Great job and thanks for sharing.

[* Mourning Starr *]

Wow brought a tear to my eye I know the feeling you had with that decision upon you. We too had a pet and family friend Emmy a beautiful golden retriever our best friend, first she went blind, then deaf and then all of her internal organs began to shut down but she hung on I think she was doing it for us....We decided as a family to end her suffering for her, she died in my arms that day and my heart was broken....This was a very touching piece and a lovely tribute to your Snowball.....