Shasta: 9/1/89 - 7/10/03
If you’ve seen verbingnouns today, then you're aware of our family loss. After
Dad called to tell me Shasta died I spent some time this afternoon thinking
about the nature of the relationship between people and pets (particularly
dogs). Dogs are a special gift from God for man. Aside from the many useful
things dogs have done over the years, they also provide a simple joy just to be
around (at least good dogs). Dad said it best in his comment on Christin's post
titled Shasta:
Your mom and I feel very sad today. We were sad to see her suffer and sad to see
her go. We cried, but we also knew it was time.
As a part of our family, Shasta received the benefits of the covenant household
-- since I belong to God so do the things I possess – children, land, money and
animals -- they are extensions of me -- it is my children, my land, my money and
my animals.
Animals are blessings at many levels, but pets are special because they bring us
joy, entertainment, companionship, comfort and more. It seems odd to say of an
animal, “she has her own personality,” (since she is not really a person), but
what else do you call it? Your dog treats you like you’re a god; it’s close to
worship. No matter how the world has treated you that day, your dog still loves
you and thrills at your presence. A pat on the head, a scratch on the belly, a
toss of the ball, or a chase around the yard is all it takes to give them pure
delight. In many ways they remind us of what’s important. (Who doesn’t want a
pat on the head -- or somewhere -- from time-to-time?)
Shasta was playful, affectionate, occasionally naughty, but always loyal and a
blessing to the Booth household. She was a gift from God. “The Lord gives and
the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” We will miss her.