Jackson Lee's Song

The passing of Lilia’s Grundys family dog reminds her that God is with us in every moment.

“He’s the most handsome guy in the litter!” the young gal told us as we selected our little Brittany Spaniel to join our family. And this was true—Jackson was the most beautiful, sweet pup. So adorable, I would dance with joy each time I saw him and one day began spontaneously singing “Jackson Lee, Jackson Lee, Oh Jackson, Jackson Lee ...” based off the tune of the (1957) song “Mr. Lee” by the Bobbettes.

Jackson was rambunctious, silly and strong. He powered through various incidents—a broken leg running after my husband’s truck in the snow, battled salmonellosis (twice) after eating salmon remains at my Father-in-law’s river home, and survived an intense surgery after swallowing three rocks in our backyard. He was a fighter, and his nudges of love showed us how much he loved to be alive.

So, it was a shock then, that after a long, holy-filled day—activities from attending Mass, Adoration, praying the Rosary, to watching the newly released film Jesus Revolution, that our dear Jackson passed.

Paws of Suffering

When we pray continually, God will enlighten us as to what we must do in each situation, even the most difficult. God will speak in our hearts. He will find ways. (St. Porphyrios)

Last summer, the veterinarian had advised me that Jackson was most likely suffering from laryngeal disease, after an episode of breathing difficulty. The prognosis looked dim, but at the time, with the dissipation of the heat wave—hope arose, as he got better.

But then, when we came home this Lenten Sunday, to sounds of Jackson wheezing, I had a feeling this time, it wouldn’t be OK. I prayed the Memorae and asked Mother Mary to give me and my family peace, no matter the outcome.

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When we arrived to the ER, my girls and husband were crying and heartbroken. I suggested we pray but reminded them that even though our prayers were being heard, they wouldn’t necessarily end up the way we wanted. I shared that I had once heard that God answers prayers in three ways: 1) Yes 2) Not yet or 3) I have something better in store.

The staff at the hospital were kind and gentle. The doctor gave us the dire news that our beloved Jackson Lee could no longer breathe on his own. And as we went to say our good-byes, I prayed over our little pup to thank our Heavenly Father for the time he gave us with him.

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I suggested we pray but reminded them that even though our prayers were being heard, they wouldn’t necessarily end up the way we wanted. #CatholicMom

I don’t know why we had to lose our little guy after such a holy day—but I’d like to think that the medical team were angels. I’d like to think that Mary helped me to be decisive. I’d like to think that the preliminary diagnosis last summer was a way of preparing me to surrender. I’d like to think that our Jackson Lee is now dancing away, breathing freely, sending me pup hugs from heaven—and singing back to me, “Jackson Lee, Jackson Lee …”

What does the Church teach about whether our pets go to heaven? An article at Simply Catholic explains what we believe.

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