Pam Padgett ... teacher
Several months ago I kept having the thought to look up the average
life expectancy for the breeds of my two dogs. This seemed like such a
fleshly thing to do, but I kept having this thought, so looked this up
on the internet and jotted down what I found. This really opened my
eyes to the fact that my dogs are nearing the ends of their lives and it
is normal for them to start slowing down. It wasn't realistic to
continue seeing them as the young energetic dogs they once were and
expecting them to do as they once did. Although it sound strange, I
believe it was the Holy Spirit leading me to look up this information,
showing me truth. (John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak:and he will shew you things to come.)
Recently I've been reminded of this truth again as I've been dealing
with health issues with one of my dogs. This dog was is about 12 years
ago and has obvious pain in his hips. For the past year he has been
taking pain medication to help minimize the pain, and a blood test is
required every 6 months in order to renew the pain medication
prescription. It was time to have the prescription renewed and I made
an appointment for the vet to come examine the dog, take blood, and give
some vaccinations. The vet asked if I wanted only minimum blood tests
as had been done in the past, or if I wanted a full set of tests on the
blood. My initial thought was that I wanted only what was absolutely
required to get the prescription refilled. But as we talked, I kept
being reminded to pray about this, and told the vet I would let him know
which tests to run when he came to take the blood.
In addition to not knowing what tests really needed to be done, I was
fearful about having the full set of blood tests done, fearing that some
problem(s) would be found and the vet would want to do more and more. I
laid all of this out before God, asking Him to show me what to do. As I
prayed, I kept having the thought that the dog would need dental work, which would require a full blood test since they
have to anesthetize the dog. I believed I was being shown to get the
full blood tests now instead of needing to get more blood taken later when the dental work was done.
Regarding the fears about problems that might be found with the full blood tests, I was reminded of
Psalm 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
When the vet came he noticed that the dog was in more pain than should
be expected considering the pain medication and said that a different
type of pain medicine may be more effective. He also noticed a problem
with some of his teeth that is likely causing pain to the dog as well,
and that dental work was needed ...just as I believe the Holy Spirit had
shown me. (John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak:and he will shew you things to come.)
The full blood tests were run and they showed a problem with the dog's
liver. This would not keep him from being able to have the dental work,
but the vet had sent the tests to specialists to see what they
recommended to do about the liver. The vet thought an ultrasound and a
biopsy would probably be needed to see exactly what the problem is. I
asked if the worse case liver problem would cause pain for the dog, and
the vet said it wouldn't cause pain, but make the dog weak and
eventually the dog would die. He also suggested consulting with a
animal pain specialist. The vet thinks he knows what pain medicine and
supplements the pain specialist will recommend, but said she would also
look at such things as laser therapy and physical therapy.
I had prayed for wisdom before talking with the vet. After getting all
of this information, I told the vet that this dog is an old dog, nearing
the end of his life at best. I do not want to make the remainder of
this dog's life a hell for both the dog and me by going through various
medical procedures. I just want to try to keep the dog as calm and
comfortable as possible. I also reminded the vet that the last time I
tried to get the dog into the car, I was unable to do so, so even taking
him places for the various medical procedures would be a problem. The
vet said that by not doing more tests we're not doing what is correct
from a medical standpoint, but sometimes that isn't reasonable or
practical (I don't remember the exact word he used). The vet is
changing the pain medicine and the dental work can be scheduled next
month, but we're not moving forward with any other medical procedures.
Those of
world rely on wisdom of this world, although it often changes. But God
knows all things, past, present, and future. When we turn to Him, He
leads us by His Spirit in the best way for us. Although I am glad there
are doctors and understand them trying to do the best job possible based on what they know, it is God who knows what will work best for us.
Psalm 146:5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help,
whose hope is in the Lord his God: 6 Which made heaven, and earth, the
sea, and all that therein is:
which keepeth truth for ever: