Ridgell's Originals

If you are not a dog lover, you will not understand this. So do not bother reading further unless you get the whole "they really are family" connection with dogs.

The Ridgells are grieving today, especially Marsha and Julie. Yesterday we had to put Jaxon, our Shih Tzu, to sleep. He has had kidney disease for several months, but a few days ago he quit eating, and we had to make the decision to spare any more suffering.

He was actually Julie's dog and during one of her moves several years ago we inherited him. Just like Remington, our golden retriever, was a Joe Don legacy. Jaxon had a special place in my heart because he was actually a dog, not a pampered psuedo dog. He stayed outside during the day, was fiercely protective of his family, and kept Mimi company during all my travels.

When Julie was living by herself, an intruder tried to get in her bedroom window. Jax went nuts barking and ran the bad guy off. He would torment Rem to play and when the big dog had enough, he would pin Jaxon with his paw till we rescued him.

So even Remington is a little off balance. He misses his little buddy. I also know I better get ready because it will be very tough on me when Rem passes.

And before you ask, yes we buried Jaxon, he has a marker, and we prayed over him. And yes, I think Romans 8 and creation waiting to be liberated might be a way to think dogs can be in heaven. And if not, God will still have taken care of them... and us.

So what do you think? Are we crazy, or are your pets family too?

So, Jaxon, thanks for joy, love, and laughter for the past 12 years.

You loved us and we loved you.