I had to make a heart-wrenching decision today (Thursday). My vet and I agreed that the time had come to put down my sweet 15-year-old cat Peyton. But we are waiting till tomorrow (Friday). I wanted one final night with this precious, faithful companion.

For those of you who have put pets down, you know the emotions overwhelming me as I write this. But I want to turn this into a positive in the midst of the pain. I want to honor Peyton by sharing some of the lessons she has taught me over these past 15 years. (Yes, God has used my cat to teach me.)

1. Be faithful to those God has put in your life. Peyton has been faithful to me since day one. She is really a one-person kitty. She loves me and only me. She doesn’t shower love on the cat sitters or friends or family who come to visit. She is loyal to her owner.
2. Enjoy God’s creation, especially the little things we often take for granted. Peyton is happiest when she is sitting outside, watching the birds, bugs, trees, flies, whatever is going on out there. She could spend hours at a time just laying there on the patio basking in God’s sunshine and enjoying the breeze on her face. It doesn’t take alot to make her content, even when she’s not feeling good.
3. Rest is a good thing. Peyton knows how to rest and can tune out distractions all around her. She makes sure that rest is a vital part of her day. And she only wakes me up at night when she hears me moving. She knows I need rest, too.
4. Embrace every day you have with those you love. You never know how long you have left together.
5. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the Name of the Lord. (Job 1:20) All things are created by Him and belong to Him. He’s allowed me to enjoy Peyton for 15 years, and now it’s time to let her go. Thank You, Lord, for these 15 years with her.

One of my professors in seminary discussed the question of whether or not animals go to heaven when they die. We don’t know for sure, but he shared a verse from Revelation 5:13 he uses to answer that question.

The setting is around the throne in heaven. “And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, ‘To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.'”

It gives me hope that Peyton will be there. I am so grateful that God blessed me with this precious companion for these many years.