Homeward Bound — Bentley’s Incredible Journey

A saying goes: “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder”. That is correct except that the beholder may not be able to physically see. On the other hand, I know some incredible sight-impaired people who see with their heart. I think that’s called their 6th sense.

In the case of our precious 14-years-old Bentley, my children’s beautiful, white fur, big dark eyes, Havanese dog, I’m sure he has had that 6th sense operating at full-on ability, even though he has been blind for the last couple of years.

What a joy that sweet doggy has been to our family. He has been Mama Shawntel’s sidekick for many years. In their travels, far and near, he accompanied her and the family. Many times, I took care of him at my place while the family was traveling about. It was my joy. I loved walking him to our dog park where he had pals who loved sniffing him. He didn’t mind at all.

You might notice that I am speaking in the past tense. That is because our darling Bentley went to doggy heaven yesterday. We close this chapter of caring for him and making him comfortable, but the love for him will never leave us. We’ll forever cherish the memories of our times with him.

I was there when Bentley’s big brother, Bryson (age 2), crawled into the kennel with him. I was there caring for the boys AND him many times in Seattle and Austin over these last fourteen years.

Honestly, I’ve never understood until now that the passing of a family dog is like losing a part of the family. Bentley has been that part and we will forever cherish the memories.

Bentley was feisty and playful in his young years, grabbing stuffed animals and running with them, initiating a good tug-of-war, loving a walk around the neighborhood (but always veering off and pulling the leash where he wanted to go). In his older years, he fell into a nice rhythm of rest and companionship.

Though Bentley couldn’t see or hear, he never failed in finding one of the family to be near. I think, rather than us comforting him, he made sure he was available for whoever needed him to be close to them.

Good Lord, my tears flowed on Friday when I said goodbye to him. He has been a big part of my life here in Austin. I came home and dug into my photo albums to find these cherished photos of him — so many milestones and holidays and memories! He has been a constant presence in our family.

I know people have a lot of different beliefs about afterlife and where pets go and how realistically we might struggle to put a comma where a period might be, but I’ve found that life – pets or our loved ones – is about loving, caring, giving and receiving.

I like to think about our Creator who made us AND our beloved pets. He loves us and them. Jesus said, “All things are possible to him who believes!” If we believe that, then we best be getting ready for a big people and animal reunion in Heaven!

We’ll miss you, dear Bentley. You will forever be loved by us!!