I was thinking about LIZZY the other day. She died last July 13th. LIZZY was "put to sleep". That's a euphemism for put to death. She had been ill for some time, losing weight, and for quite a while, had been neglecting to use her facility. Every once in a while she would cry, as though in pain. LIZZY was miserable; so were we. Even more so, as Katherine and I pondered the inevitable decision we knew was coming.
Finally the day came. It couldn't be put off any longer. I held LIZZY while the Doctor administered the needle. Almost immediately she relaxed, but her eyes remained open. She looked at me as if she knew what was going on, and it was O.K. Swiftly and peacefully she left us.
LIZZY was a much-loved cat for over 11 years. Well traveled, she had been to Alaska and New Mexico and many places in between. She was pampered and babied, especially by Katherine, and lived the life of 'Reilly'. In return, she gave us devotion, companionship and much entertainment.
She was a creation of God, put into our hands to care for as His representatives. We thank Him for the privilege. We miss her. This in part, is what God means when He "gives us dominion over the works of His hands". It means to care enough to make the hard, responsible decisions for that part of the creation that cannot do so for itself. This is how God has arranged it.