There are situations that come into our lives and make such an impact that it changes everything you do, everything you are.
One year ago today, this life left mine. In his life and after, my life changed forever.
The way Suge came into my life, and ultimately left my life, defines an incredible turning point in my spiritual journey. I wasn't sure at the time what it all meant or what God was trying to say, but I knew he was saying something to me. Why else would we have brought home an abused and neglected boxer who we knew nothing about two weeks after having to make the difficult decision to put down our 5 year old dog for attacking our 2 year old daughter? Most people thought we were crazy! In fact, I am not sure anyone was on board with it, not even I. Even upon meeting Suge, I was unsure. But something in my heart was telling me YES, DO IT! He needs you, but more importantly, YOU need him.
At the time we brought Suge home, we were going through many changes in our lives. We were expecting (unexpectantly if I am completely honest) a second child. We also started going to a church that engaged us and brought us back to God's Word. In the two years that Suge was with me, my spiritual journey was defined. I believed...I truly believed. I believe in God, and I believe God sent his only son to die for my sins.
Suge helped me believe because he defined for me first hand the true meaning of forgiveness and unconditional love. The kind of love, grace and compassion God gives to us daily. It wasn't that I didn't know this to be true, but I needed to see it and feel it. Suge was neglected, abused, malnurished. In many ways, much of what Jesus endured. But yet despite all that Suge, and Jesus, went through, they loved the hands that mistreated them. I could finally see it! I believe God put Suge in my life to help me see it, to truly believe it.
I was not the only person that lost a part of my heart 1 year ago today. Everyone Suge encountered fell in love with him. He was a kind, gentle soul with an incredible story. The scar around his neck from a rope wrapped too tight was a constant reminder of his past life. He was our watchful servant - comforting my daugher every night as she drifted off to sleep, refusing to leave my son's crib side when he was very sick, licking my tears when I cried, protecting his fur brother from thunderstorms and proving that even the hardest exteriors have the softest interiors.
This heartwrenching picture below was taken three weeks after Suge passed away. I cherish this picture. Hutch is still with us today and what a great dog he is! To this day he will still wander over to see Suge, to pay his respects to his faithful friend.
I believe every person has the gift of compassion, but where you use your gift of compassion differentiates us as humans. I will be honest in my assessment of where my compassion lies. I was gifted with an innate love and passion for our four legged canine friends. It's not that I don't care about people, I really do, but my heart softens for these voiceless souls. I believe God instills grace and compassion in all of us, and this is where God speaks through me. Suge also gave me the gift of rescue...without him I would not have become so passionate and involved in rescue (and of course with the boxer breed). I am humbled daily and it's a constant reminder of the forgiveness and unconditional love that Suge showed to me – which God gives to us every day.
Suge will always be in my heart, rescue will always be in my heart, and there will always be voiceless souls that will need a voice. I will continue to rescue, and although I can't bring Suge back, I will rest in knowing I will have the opportunity to save another.
I was once again humbled and honored when a story of a one year old boxer came in to the rescue coordinator. Hit by a car with a broken pelvis and leg, as well as scrapes and bruises and a wound that will make the strongest of eyes cringe, he was left suffering for three days before a rescue volunteer found him and pulled him from the horrible shelter. The rescue named him Suge in rememberence of my Suge. He was flown from Kentucky to Minnesota via Pilots and Paws. I had the honor of picking him up from transport and loving him for a night. He is in good hands at our rescue vet and we await word on the severity of his injuries. I know he is in good hands now. Here is Suge II - despite his injuries and pain he is suffering, in all boxer fashion, he is the sweetest, most loving soul!
So today, as I reflect on the last year and Suge's life, it's bittersweet as I have taken part in saving another Suge's life. I reflect on where I am at now and what has transpired over the last year. I am grateful for all the family and friends that surround me. I am thankful for a faithful God, a loving husband, amazing kids and snuggly boxer boys.
And just when I didn't think I could love another as much as Suge, a face like this comes into my life.......
Jett came into our lives about a month after Suge passed away. He is so similar to Suge in soo many ways. Although he doesn't have the horrible past that Suge endured, Jett has a different story. He needed us as much as we needed him.
Despite what many people say or think, I believe Suge is waiting for me up there in heaven. I believe God will be there exclaiming, "Good job my faithful servant". And until that day, I will continue to serve Him and I will continue to rescue in honor of Suge.
