This is the blog post I never wanted to write.
My dogs have always been my heart healing, safe place on this earth. It has been my privilege to share Mavis and Gracie as they have been that healing presence for others. Many of you know the health struggles these two girls have endured over the past months. They were soul sisters, joined at the hip, and even in their painful days they endured it together.
We knew Gracie was leaving us as we watched her health deteriorate day by day. I have been thankful for every second we’ve had with her, even though it has been heartbreaking to watch. This week she took a turn for the worst. Mavis has been struggling as well, and when she saw Gracie in a bad place, she seemed to join her there. They were descending together, and I knew what was coming.
There are those long moments when God’s grace carries us through and gives us the gentle strength to do what we never thought we could. God walks us through loss in exactly the way we need to experience it, and this was no different. Why am I so surprised when He continues to come through in these gracious ways?
Gracie and Mavis took their journey to heaven together on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. God sent Dr. Jana Bone to help them say their goodbyes at home, in their favorite place, holding on to each other. This rainbow bridge crossing was peaceful and sweet, and that gives me comfort. These two sisters served so many and touched more lives than I could have imagined possible. They taught me lessons that continue to carry me forward. Gracie helped me conquer my fear of getting in the ring and competing in
obedience trials, and when I went in my prayer closet every day, she was by my side.
Mavis came into this world called to greatness and walked out her calling until her very last breath. She knew when the season of my own life changed, and that her calling was now complete. It was time to close that chapter, and Mavis was there to help Mabel step into a new chapter. Gracie and Mavis taught Mabel well, and Mabel added days to their lives. The three formed a bond that is hard to explain unless you watched it happened.
Mabel Joy will miss them deeply, but she is now ready to carry on dog therapy work in this new season. God knew what was ahead, and He placed Mabel in our lives at just the right time. As she takes on her role as the ambassador of Lisa Bain Ministries, she carries on a legacy of healing, serving, and blessing many lives. And she will not be alone for long. The cycle will continue as we share the heart healing that dogs bring.
Skipper and I want to let you know how much we love and appreciate you. Many of you knew Gracie and Mavis weren’t well, and your prayers and support have comforted us when we needed it most. I am writing this just hours after Gracie and Mavis have left us, and it feels like part of our hearts are missing as well. But they are finally free of the pain and struggle, and we are thankful they are released. Now, we step into a season of new ministry with Mabel as we carry with us the memories of our time with Gracie and Mavis. As those memories mingle with the sorrow, we say goodbye, knowing it’s not the end.
My sweet girls, you have fulfilled your mission and I am so proud of you both. Fly high. As Mom would say, “It’s not goodbye. It’s see you later.”