Pond. Dogs. Camera

Tempo and Jack playing at the pond.

One of my new favorite things to do now, is to take Jack down to the pond and watch the sun go down while he swims and chases birds.... And anything else that moves.

Ho hum...

I am MISSING CHICAGO....
Portillos
Walking
People watching
Window shopping
The horses on Michigan Avenue
The beautiful Lake view
Tourists
Activity
Variety
Greek town
Moody Church
The Brown Line
Millennium Park
The Art Institute
Grant park
Taking pictures
AmaAaaaazing Chicago deep dish pizza
Gene and Giorgetti
People
Treasure Island free bread samples
Knowing North, South, East, and West
Being able to give directions
People from Everywhere
The Lights
Borders
CVS
Kathleen
My Friends
MBI
Independence
Freedom
Everything....

I love home... Don't get me wrong. It's just a tough time at the Schneider residence and I'm a little claustrophobic.

It's been a month and 3 days...
God is Sovereign....

Meet Jack

After we got home from putting Bunker down, my dad asked me if I wanted to go with him and mom to the Humane society to pick out a new dog... He didn't waste any time. I wasn't sure how I felt about it but decided to go with my parents anyway. My sister e-mailed my dad information about an English Springer Spaniel named Jack who was brought into the shelter for economic reasons.

Before Bunker, we had a Springer named Rocky- He was by far my dad's favorite dog of ours and Springers are his favorite breed. he wanted to go meet Jack before someone scooped him up.

We made our first stop at the Green bay animal shelter since we were in the area. I felt so bad leaving all of those animals there! Ugh, they break your heart! Then, after no luck in finding "the dog" we made our way to Appleton to meet Jack.

When we got there we were greeted politely by all of the shelter staff. we made our way down the Kennel hall and saw a variety of dogs and cats. I was determined not to get attached to another dog after losing Bunker so when I saw Jack, I pretended he wasn't the cutest dog I've ever seen and hurried down to the next kennel. I ended up going back to meet him and I just fell in love with him. He was drooling and wagging all over, he could not hold still because he was so excited to see us!

He became a member of our family instantly. We ended up being able to take him home the same day, which normally never happens because there's a 24 hour waiting period/ reference check and vet records etc. But they sped up the process ( probably due to my dad's businessman persistence) so we didn't have to wait till today to get him.

He is already such a little companion. He's eager to please and loves being around people. My MOM even likes him! That's a miracle if you ask me. she even agreed to let him in the house if we train him not to go on the carpet.

So, this week has been a bit of a roller coaster. I'm grieving Bunker, but celebrating Jack. I lost a gentle, loving companion and gained a drooly wiggle worm who's ears hang in his water dish.

I praise God for both of them.

Where did my dog go?

So... Yesterday.

We had to let our sweet Bunker go... He had lymphoma.
My dad wanted to wait until I graduated and moved home so I could say goodbye. Then, once I did get home, he waited another week. During that time, I saw Bunker progressively get worse. He was so skinny, weak and tired. He was given a steroid shot a few weeks ago to reduce inflammation and to alleviate some of the pain. He kept looking up at us as if saying " What's going on with me? Why can't I run or bark or eat?" It was heartbreaking. I spent so much time by his side and so much time crying. I think it was mostly because I don't know what happens to animals when they die... Where do they go?

I kept telling myself, God is good. He loves all His creation... He takes care of everything on the earth. He's in control.... But, watching my dog die didn't get any easier with that reassurance. I kept hearing " he's going to a better place." But who really knows for sure if he goes anywhere at all?

I want animals to go to heaven. I do. I know, I sound like a six-year-old. One of my reasons for being such a pathetic animal lover is this: they love us unconditionally. If we love them, they love us. They want our love. They love our love.

They don't care how we smell, how we look, how much money we make, or debt we owe, or how good we are at scrabble. They just want to have your love, affection,food and some belly-rubs.
I know I sound childish. I know I shouldn't get so attached to animals. I know they are put here a short while and then they die. But I do get attached. I don't think I can help it.

Anyway. I'm not sure what my point is... I rarely even have one. I'm not sure anyone will even, ever read this. But, I do know that I love my dog and I trust that God loves him more and God's hands are the safest hands to ever be held in... I hope that will be enough assurance for me.