It is reported to me that my dog will not leave Mrs. Caldo’s side. He must know. I have heard that this is typical behavior right until the very end; at which point they go off to die alone. Last night a company email informed me that a friend has executed this same maneuver. A month ago he moved to be closer to his mother. When he didn’t show up to a Sunday function a search party was sent to his house. He appeared to have died in his sleep, years shy of 50.
I do not know if I will see him again. He was a non-practicing Methodist who had little interest in talking about Christ, church, etc. The way he spoke of them was as a part of his childhood environment.
The laptop, being fully of this world, limps on with a prosthetic. The drive is fine, and is now in an enclosure from which I can boot via the USB bus.
Things that We have Heard and Known 
“I do not know if I will see him again. He was a non-practicing Methodist who had little interest in talking about Christ, church, etc. The way he spoke of them was as a part of his childhood environment.”
It’s interesting, but I think there is a distinction that must be made from salvation and that of the kingdom of God.
It’s pretty easy to be saved: “if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;”
But walking in the ways of the kingdom of God requires great sacrifice. Though overall, I suppose you could say it is an issue of if you believe “once saved always saved.” I believe that is the case because it is the nature of the Father — the primary identity of God in the New Covenant — to uphold mercy over judgment.
Sorry to hear about the dog and friend.
The dog part is very true. They do know and sense impending death. Had a couple do this when I was a kid. Part of the reason I don’t have pets now is that I’m rather allergic to anything with dander, part is dealing with the loss. Still breaks my heart remembering both animals.
My dog that went 3+ years ago had congestive heart failure so we knew it was coming. Heart was swollen so it pressed the trachea and he coughed, and abdomen was filling with fluid. They drained it and he would bouce back. Asked vet when would i know to take him for his one way trip. She said something id never heard.
“he will stare at a wall, or go to most remote corner of yard”. One morning, I collected him from the utility room and he had soiled his bed, he went outside. Few minutes I looked out he was in far corner facing the fence. Never a clearer signal. Family, each by one, went there and said what they needed to say and off I went. Hurts to write about even now.
Point is, yea, I think they know then you’ll know. Hope you go home soon.
Condolences on the loss of your friend, Cane. I tend to lean toward DS’s belief system in faith that you may indeed see him again. And I hope you make it home to your dog as well.
Sorry for your pain. I pray God comforts you and yours and the family of your friend.
Appreciate, folks.
At school we were told the “Fr. E” theory of animal salvation (as my theology teacher said, no comment on whether or not the theology really works): If God’s death and Resurrection paved the way for eternal life for man, perhaps man’s death and eventual resurrection will pave the way for eternal life for dogs.
We can hope.
Randy Alcorn’s book “Heaven” , a decent study of the topic of heaven, has a section about animals in the perfected Kingdom. Im not selling that or any other view, just thought i point it out
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I remember reading this post when it came out and I’m glad I was able to find it again. It kind of choked me up a bit when reading it the first time.
Those pet behaviors described in the above posts when death is near were evident in my friend’s dog for the last few months. This morning I got a knock on the bedroom door(I’ve been a long term renter) and was told of the situation. He was having a difficult time holding up his big frame and the breathing was heavy.
At the vet clinic we held him as they administered the juice and as he began to lose his balance we eased him onto his side and he just slipped away.
I think the hardest part will be coming home from work and forgetting that he won’t be there. He was a good dog.