Lola Cunningham, age fifteen, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2024 at 11:45 PM surrounded by family. Initially, when we were looking into the prospect of adopting a dog, we scrolled online through numerous profiles from various dog rescue sites. Nevertheless, when we saw Lola’s picture and her serene, adorable brown eyes, we knew she was the perfect dog for us. She had a tranquil temperament, and whenever we casually talked to her, she would tilt her head as if trying to comprehend what we were saying. In late 2015, we went to her foster home to check her out. There, Lola naturally wandered over to us and refused to leave our side, even when her guardian at the time beckoned her over. Henceforth, confirming our inclination to take her into our home later that year. Not once did we have any doubts.
Lola loved chicken or anything chicken-flavored. She also relished everything soft: pillows, blankets, sofas, folded (as well as unfolded) laundry – you name it! Although she could be a spoiled princess at times, especially with her fondness of the color pink. Now that she has passed, however, there is a hole in our hearts. We will all miss Lola’s presence in our lives. We will miss the clicking sound of her walk, her whimpers at the door, and her staccato barks whenever friends and acquaintances entered our house. Regardless, there is also a glimmer of hope. A hope that she will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, among God’s wondrous creation.
“The LORD is my shepherd. There is nothing I shall want. He leads me to lie in green pastures. To still waters, He leads me. He restores my soul. He guides me on the path of righteousness. Although I shall walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff comfort me. You set a table before me in front of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. Indeed, goodness and mercy will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life” – Psalm 23.