Tuesday, September 08, 2009

All Creatures Great and Small

In this three-minute break from all things busy, I am sitting down to blog while a cup (or two) of coffee is brewing in the kitchen.


I want to write about all sorts of asunder things, which carry very little importance. 

I want to talk about the weather, and the sales, and the typical water cooler topics.

I want to write something funny or witty or profoundly deep, but instead I will tell you about our long weekend.

We took a trip to Asheville that was both bitter and sweet. 

Its taste lingers in my heart.

The short story is that our puppy Sophie now lives with a wonderful semi-retired couple in Alabama. They met us in Asheville on Saturday to pick her up.

Here is the long story:

After nearly a year with that sweet little Maltese we realized that we couldn't keep up with all the care she needed. She was smart, but needed a lot more training time than we could give her. 

I could go on and on about the hardships we faced with this sweet puppy, but I won't. Just know that if we could have made this situation different, we would have...

This decision was led by The Girl who felt stressed by all the things that had to be done: early morning potty breaks, grooming, feeding, walking, playing, picking up dog "accidents", and trying with all her effort to train Sophie in basic commands.

Before I say another word I want to say this: The Girl went above and beyond the call of duty. I am ever so proud of her.
 
It was too much for a nine year old.

She tried with all her heart...and was more than overwhelmed. 

After a couple weeks of deliberation (and a last ditch effort at puppy school), The Girl bravely decided the right decision would be to find someone who could give more than just love to our puppy. 

Sophie needed someone who could give her constant training as well.

I decided my first course of action would be to send out an email. I wasn't sure how I was going to find just the right home for Sophie, so I did what I do when I feel completely at a loss, I prayed.

I sent a quick email to three bloggers that I thought might have some animal-friendly connections. One of those bloggers was TheCarpoolQueen

What I didn't know was that I had typed her email address incorrectly in the "to" box and sent it to a complete stranger who lives in Kentucky.

A complete stranger, whose parents live in Alabama, and had just lost their beloved sixteen-year old maltese, Kapi the month before. 

I hadn't realized the "mistake" until this (very nice) complete stranger emailed me a few days later and asked how I got her email address.

Divine intervention, is all I could say.

And I really believe its so....

God cares for His creation. 

He cares about the sparrows . 

He cares about Sophie. 

He cares about a couple in Alabama. 

He cares for you...

And he's caring for the tender hearts of this family, who has done what is hard, but what is right.

17 comments:

Carrie B said...

Oh my gosh! goosebumps. God DOES work in mysterious ways.
That totally was meant to happen!

Anonymous said...

I am with Carrie.. goosebumps and watery eyes!! Glad Sophie has a wonderful new home :-)

meh said...

What a "coincidence"! Glad you made it through the weekend and give the girl a hug from me please!

Charity said...

I know it must have been so bittersweet for all of you.. I was thinking about you guys this weekend. Still can't get over how that lady got your e-mail...such a cool story.

Kristin said...

I can totally relate - we had to give away our dog this year after we'd had it a few months. My girls were heartbroken, even though they agreed it had to be done :( We got another dog a few months ago - this one is (almost!) much better! I'm sure you are proud of The Girl - what a brave thing for her to do! :)

Unknown said...

Hugs to you, and to your sweet girl. What a tough decision and such a grown up one for your precious girl. What an awesome God moment to remember for always. love from Jessica from Anna's account....

Michele said...

What a cool story. We got rid of our dog Max about 3 months ago. . . it was so important to us to find him a good home where he would be well treated. I know you guys are glad to have some freedom again.

really.truly said...

That is an amazing story!

Tracey said...

God is so good! What a brave little girl you have..thanks for sharing this. It made my day!

stephanie j. said...

Amazing story, Kellie! I told Ingy about Sophie this morning (before I read this post)...she seemed to understand a little bit better now why we can't get a sweet puppy...

Anonymous said...

sweet story, and so true - God does care about the details...

Megan O. said...

What a great reminder that God cares about every little detail of our lives. Sorry for the loss on your part but glad you got to witness God work in such a neat way.

Gretchen said...

To God be the glory--for the way He covered these circumstances; for The Girl's beyond-her-years-maturity & courage to do the right thing; for a momma's tears & prayers for discernment; for 2 families who can heal & move forward; for the love of all creatures, great & small.

Anonymous said...

CPQ had told me this story. I'm so glad you wrote it here. I know this was a God Hug for your family but what a great reminder for the rest of us that He cares about what matters to us.

Still praying for your sweet, tenderhearted girl.

Anonymous said...

I'm still amazed at how that happened....

Missing you today, friend! Looking forward to catching up in early October.

His Girl said...

absolutely unbelievable. I am just... speechless.

Glory to God, who knows each hair on our heads and each sparrow who falls and each tear that falls.

The Buntens said...

Wow! I did not know the entire story. That is just amazing, Kellie. I am so glad Sophie went to a good home! I know that was a hard decision.