Thanks very much Anne, for your comforting words. I agree with you. However we did learn a very hard lesson this time - it was our first cat and what a high price we paid. I understand we should not blame ourselves too much but we should learn a lesson - our cat John went into a neigbor's place several times but we still did not realize the danger out there and continued to let my careless mother to take him out. My mother has done such things to animals many times and she should not have our trust in this regard any more - it is a life and death matter. I would forgive her because God has forgiven me, and John loves my mother the most when he was here.

I love the verses you sent to me. When we lost our bird in a similar way years ago, I spoke to God a lot and this verse "Love never ends" also appeared very clearly in my heart. I really do not know whether pets would go to heaven or not but I believe God loves my bird as much as I do. He created these loving creatures and entrusted them to human's care. He knows how much we care for our pets and I believe He would make the best arrangement for them.

My heart is still aching when I think of John but we would learn a lesson from it. My father is an atheist but this time he asked me to pray for John. I believe John is doing good for our family and he will continue to do so. I would memorize him in the way you suggested - I think it is a Western way that we don't usually do in our culture.

The grief has exhausted me and I need to take a rest now. After the incident happened I could not sleep for a few nights. Our pets are really part of our souls.

God bless,
Kitty

Hi Kitty,

What a sad story and such a young cat. I feel for you. It is dangerous for a kitty outside, but I also know how much mine hates to be cooped up inside. There is not a moment's peace in this house if the cat can't go out, and every time I let him out, my heart goes into my throat because I know one of these days he might not come back. But he wants it so very much. I've finally come to the place of thinking that although his life might be shorter going outside, it will be a happier life for him.

We can never completely protect those we love from harm, so please take the guilt off your plate. It's hard enough as it is. Every creature has free will and, like with my cat, it's always a balance between safety and freedom.

I know the Hong Kong culture is very different regarding pets than it is here in the US, so I feel for you not finding someone who can understand how much it hurts. You won't ever forget John. Every animal is unique and special in their own way. I believe they live on because of the love we share. The Bible says that God is love, so whatever is established in love is eternal. As Paul says in 1 Cor. 13: "Love never ends." John is still with you, but I know how much it hurts not to have him there in the flesh.

Two weeks is not a long time. If you still can't get beyond the loss in two months time (and by "beyond" I mean the rawness of the grief. You will always miss him in some way) then you might want to consider seeing somebody. Our losses and our loves get all tangled up together and sometimes we can't get past one thing because what we're really mourning is something else entirely. Losing a beloved pet is hard enough, but it often reminds us of other losses in our lives, making the grief more intense. Sometimes it's an actual death we mourn, sometimes the loss or absence of other things.

But it is still early. Hang in there. Many here know exactly what you're going through and feel for you. Even Jesus wept at the tomb of his friend Lazarus. It will feel bad for awhile. Try lighting a candle in a quiet place for John, talk to him and tell him how you feel. He will be there through God's love.

Anne

We lost our 18 months' old cat John in a tragic way two weeks ago. My mother let him run freely outside at night despite my repeated warnings and one night John went to a neigbor's unit and jumped off the high building and died. We lived on 20th floor. My father took its corpse back and he cursed my mother all night. I tried to calm him down by saying some nice words to protect my mother but now I also started to get mad at her. Similar incidents have happened for several times but this time it was the most tragic and heartbreaking one. I started feeling very lonely without him and of course, guilty too as I did not stop mother from doing silly things again. I also started to cry and cry. I tried to get close to God, pray and share this with a few friends but I still feel extremely bad and miss John very much. Now I dare not share this with my friends any more as it sounds silly.

I hesitated to go to help as I thought this is not so difficult to go over especially when I am a Christian. But as time progresses, I find I miss John even more as he won't come back. I hope to get some comfort from animal lovers in this website to go through the hard time as in our culture people are not so fond of animals. How can I ever forget John especially he left us this way? I love him very much but couldn't protect him from harm. Any suggestions or spiritual words? Thanks very much!

Kitty
From Hong Kong

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss...you know what is great is that your kitties had someone that loved them sooooo much. Even though they passed young, at least they were loved!!!

I know your heartbreak. I lost my 18 year-old Persian named Precious about three years ago. She had an enlarged heart that I didn't know about and have always felt guilty about that. I know she's waiting for me.

With so many pets without homes, feel good about what a great pet owner you are and keep your chin up!

God bless!
Sheri

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Susan, oh my! That is an awful lot of loss in a short period of time. It is very hard when they should still have a lot of life left in them.

How many of the cats were related? It sounds like maybe there's a genetic heart issue going on--certainly with the three siblings you've described. If your other cats potentially have either of the same parents, maybe there's a problem there.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in a very difficult time. You're right, they are all special.

We lost our 6 yr old persian cat last Monday to a heart attack. We had been treating him for a herpes virus and thought that was why he was so sick and so thin and not eating. We had no idea the reason he was not getting better is because he had a bad heart. The vets did not know either. We found out from the emergency room vet when he arrived DOA. I feel I should have known because both his sisters died young too. One was only 8 months old and never grew past 1 1/2 lbs and could barely walk. The other sister also had heart failure and died at age 2 while we were at work. The symptoms were so subtle I had no idea she was sick. I am so devastated to lose another cat, such a young cat. It feels so unfair to the cat to have such a short life. Last year we lost two other cats to heart failure. One was 9 yrs old and had been sick his whole life and the other showed NO signs of illness and died suddenly and he was only about 5 yrs old. I don't know how much more cat loss I can take and remain sane. I still have a lot of cats but that does not make it any easier because they are all special. I have lost cats that are older and it's not easy but it is so much harder when they are so young.

dsxFV6

Kim, I'm so sorry. Your baby had a good, long life, but that doesn't make it any easier. You had all the more time to bond. You shared love and that can't ever be taken from you. Love is eternal...nothing can break it...not even death. Your kitty is there for you now, just in another form, and you will be able to see her (him?) again one day.

But there's no way to get around that it hurts terribly now. Take time to cry and grieve. Have a little ceremony...light a candle, say a prayer, remember the fun days, and express your thanks for the light and love brought to you by one of God's special creatures.

Then start to keep watch for the next special one...the one who needs your love as much as you need theirs.

I'm here!
I had to make that painful decision for my 18 year old, Persian,
Precious in 2006! She had an enlarged heart and was having seizures! It was one of the hardest things I've ever done! I was so lost! ...and my other kitty seemed to tell me that I did the right thing...and I know I did but it's still so hard! I'm so sorry for your loss! There's no avoiding the pain, you must go through the grief! I know it's hard, but it will get easier!
Keep praying, remembering the happy times, and grieving...write a letter to your kitty or something to help get it all out!
I'm here and share in your sorrow! Just remember,...YOU WILL SEE YOUR KITTY AGAIN!!!! (Rainbow Bridge)
Sheri

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i HAD TO SAY GOODBYE TO MY 18 1/2 YEAR OLD ORIENTAL CAT TODAY AND I FEEL SO LOST & LONELY AND NEED TO SHARE WITH SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS - IS ANYONE OUT THERE??

It's okay! Grieve, grieve, grieve! It's the only way for your feelings for Ferbie to be released so you an enjoy your memories in a melancholy way!
It is losing your family, I lost Precious (my 18 year-old Persian kitty) about 4 years ago and I was so grateful for this website to help me through the pain of the loss. It will get easier, but only if you suffer through the grief. You will come out better rounded and more grateful for you best friend.
Best wishes!
Sheri :)

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Oh and also to Sheri, I know that feeling of guilt, whether or not you did the right thing but you did all you could with what you knew, You loved and that is the best gift you can give your pet to everyone on this site who may be grieving the loss of a pet it will take time and also to those who still have their beloved fur babies, cherish them and love them and I know that they will love you back.

I just want to first thank you Marlene and Darlene for your comments, I am very glad I found Anne's website it's great to see that their are people out there who understand exactly what I am feeling and that these feelings are very strong. To Marlene, I am deeply sorry that you have to deal with the circumstance of putting your cocker to rest, Your selfishness is in love not maliciousness, we would do everything we can to help our beautiful companions, I wish you the best and whatever you decide to do, remember it will be in love. To Darlene I know exactly what you mean, some days are better and other days I just begin to cry with out warning, maybe a sound or me walking pass the mirror and remembering her following right behind me set's it off, I am deeply sorry for your loss as well, I know she is over that rainbow bridge healthy, happy and at peace, I just wish I could see her again and be there with her.

Hi Stephanie: Everyone grieves in they own way. Some days are not so bad and others days are the worst, yet in there will come a time that you will manage. You won't ever forget your Furbaby, even when you start to feel better. This I know. I am not able to share what I went through but please trust me. Those that think your grief should be thing of the past.... who needs em Kiddo. Ferbie IS at the Rainbow and I suspect looks handsome with his Silver Wings, zooming around.

Best Regards,
Darlene

Stephani.I am so sorry for your loss.It is a hard time and you are right to grieve all you want. I am facing putting my 17 yr old cocker, Annie down in the next day or 2 as she has chronic renal failure and has not responded to treatment, is uncomfortable,and not eating. I know this should be viewed as a final act of love for her, but, being weak and selfish, I really don't want to do it and am struggling with this decision. However, I don't want to wait until she has more distress and pain.

I have recently lost my beloved Ferbie, it seems like just yesterday, I am still in the process of mourning her loss. I have had an okay amount of support from friends but no one fully understands my pain and suffering, I feel as though everyone around me thinks I should just get over it and buy another dog, but for me it is not that simple. Ferbie was my family my best friend and it is not as simple to get over it as one may think or say

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Beagle! I know how hard it is to lose a family member!
As for the grief period of animals, I can't really say. All I know, is that when I had to put one of my kitty's to sleep, the other kitty consoled me immediately and didn't really appear to miss the other...it was like he knew that it had to be done! :)
Good luck and God bless!
Sheri

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IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE ANIMAL. Mine Still look for Ninja our shepherd now and then and he's been gone 2 years this May. My heart still aches for him but I know he's in a better place and no longer suffering. Just give the other animals lots of love and attention. Be sure they know they aren't forgotten. Stacey

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I have had a beagle for 16 1/2 years and the other night he woke up coughing and then was incontinent. I rushed him to the vet and she said that he had a tumor on his spine or heart that ate through a blood vessel and he was bleeding into his abdomen. It was a great loss but we had to let him go. We have 2 other dogs at home and 2 cats as well but they also miss him. They are looking out the window waiting for him to come home. Doe's anyone know the grief period for other animals?

Pat, It's been so nice sharing our pet stories! Sounds like you and your husband are wonderful friends for our beloved animals!
I've really enjoyed sharing with you. I'm glad to hear your insight into schnauzers!...I've second-guessed my choice sometimes when
Sportster does certain things like nip at family members! :) he
definitely has a mind of his own. Like when he doesn't always come when I call or stop barking when I ask or when he barks or even tries to bite someone that wants to pet him when he doesn't know them!!! :)
He's a handful, spoiled-rotten, but I love him to pieces! He's added so much to my life! I can't help spoiling him...he's got those
Eyes that look up at me with such eagerness to please! ...plus he's my first dog! So I have to spoil him!!!
Well, you keep on keepin' on! May God bless you and your husband with many more beloved animals!
I'm sure there is a spot reserved for you both in heaven along with all you passed pets!!!
God bless you and have a great day!!!
Sheri :)

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Sheri, you are a true blessing! I haven't seen the kitties yet but plan to either today or tomorrow at the animal shelter.

I'm so sorry for your loss in your kitty, too. BUT, I am so glad you got a mini-schnauzer! They are one of the most wonderful pets anyone could ever have. We had one, her name was Friday, she passed away in 2002 at the age of 17. She had developed lymphoma, and exactly one month to the day after she was diagnosed, we had her put to sleep, she was suffering. I thought we would never ever get over that. My husband was a long-haul trucker for many years. One week-end he had a layover in Bakersfield, CA, had too much time on his hands! Decided he would really like to have a dog to ride with him, so checked the papers and found this little schnauzer (we had never had one before), called the number, went to see her, the rest is history!! She logged thousands of miles in that Peterbilt - and loved it! She was so loyal and devoted, could do everything but talk - she did her own animal talking! What devotion and love, you could see it in her eyes. We buried her in a perpetual pet cemetery, got her a headstone and everything. Nothing was too good for her!!!

I guess we could all write hundreds of animal stories, I know I could. We counted up one day, that in less than 30 years, we have had over 30 dogs, many of them were "finds" or "rescues", so we have been blessed with so much love with the pets God sent to us. They ask so little in return.
God bless you, have a great day, and thank you again for your support. I'm doing better, but I guess I will always look for him and pray that one day I'll open the door and there he will be.

Pat

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You are very welcome! I know your sadness, my Persian kitty, Precious, lived to 18 until she began having seizures due to an enlarged heart. I tried to give her medicine but one night when I was late with it, she had ANOTHER seizure in front of me and I knew then that it was time. I probably should have went right away to the Emergency room, but I wanted to save money and waited until Monday after work to take her. I'm sorry now that she had to suffer those last days. I didn't really realize how much her lungs were filling up...I felt, and still do, major guilt! I just keep reminding myself that I did the best I could for her, I loved her, and she loved me! Anyway, that was extremely hard! I stayed with her as she passed...not sure I could do that again! Now my 2nd kitty, Sparkles, is 14 and diabetic. He's doing well. Needs two insulin shots a day and I am rigid about getting those to him. He has bad cataracts but still sees everything. I only recently got another animal since losing Precious 6 years ago. I now have my first dog, a mini-schnauzer named Sportster. He's adorable but what a handful. Sparkles doesn't seem to mind him much, except when he's always trying to play with him. Sparkles would much rather just relax and not be bothered. Anyway, that's my pet story. Just wanted to share and take your mind away from your grief. It's REALLY not your fault! Your kitty should have been safe! Your message made me LOL when you asked what it means that two tabby cats are up for adoption!
You are a blessing to all your animals! Keep loving and God bless!!! :)Sheri

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Oh, thank you so much for your kind words, they always come when I most need them! Yes, he knows I was so devoted to him, that's what makes it worse in a way because I feel like I let him down. But if I never see him again here, I know he is waiting for me and wouldn't want me to be sad. He was such a great kitty, wonderful personality, so lovable, played with my dogs like he was a "big guy", too! Well, I miss him, but then I miss all the other animals I have ever lost. I lost my "baby" Candy, my white Lhasa Apso, who was almost 16, in January this year, and in June, our Aussie, Teddy, wandered out in the road and got hit. I expected my Candy to go because she was old, but not Teddy and Kitty Puss. It has been a rough year with animals - I never lost this many so close together.

I called the animal shelter again just to check and see if they had a 3-legged tabby cat turned in, and of course, they didn't, I didn't expect it because we live in a rural area. BUT, she said they have 2 tabby cats for adoption, SO.........you know what that probably means! I'm just "going to look" later today - LOL! I might be a new mommy before the day or week is over! I really don't have the money, but I might just do it anyway. We'll see! Thank you again for the encouragement - this has helped me so much. Have a blessed day.

Pat

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I'm so sorry to hear of your loss! Your kitty loves you and knows that you were the one who ALWAYS loved him!
It's very hard to lose our little ones we love so much, just know that you were a blessing to Kitty Puss and he is waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge! Keep loving the doggies, they know you miss the kitty and they love you too!
Keep working through your grief, it will get easier!
God bless!
Sheri :)

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I am thankful for this site. I found Kitty Puss in 2007, he was a tiny kitten almost dead, where someone had thrown him out in a cardboard box. I nursed him to health, but it took about 6 months before he was really able to "be a real cat"! He became the dearest kitty to me. In May of this year, we don't know what happened to him while we were away for a couple of hours. We normally put him in the house when we would go somewhere, but didn't that day. When we came home, we found him limping really bad, so we took him to the vet. His left front leg was broken in 3 places and had to be amputated. He survived very well and acted like he never lost a leg! He was a beautiful tabby, very playful and mischievous. He always liked to go out a little while every night, then I would go outside and call him, he would come and be in for the night. Well, Wednesday night 2 weeks ago, he didn't come. I don't know what has happened to him, but I am sick with grief and sorrow. I have cried all day everyday since he's been gone. I never should have let him out that night, I feel so guilty. I have done everything I know to do to try to find him, but no luck. I keep praying I will open my door and he will be there. But if he never returns to me here on Earth, I do believe he is in Heaven. Andn I know he still loves me and has forgiven me. It is hard to forgive myself, though. Please pray for me, that some of this sadness and guilt will go away. I have dogs that are precious to me, but I am not being fair to them because I am grieving so for my kitty. Thank you.

Read the Rainbow Bridge and share with your daughter! It's so hard, losing family!!! Keep grieving and it will get easier! God bless!

________________________________

From: QT - Kathy [1]
Sent: Thu 10/23/2008 11:02 PM
To: QT topic subscribers
Subject: Pets



< replied-to message removed by QT >

My daughter had a dog named Ty only 9 months but she loved that dog and he got hit by a car yesterday. We cried all night. She said, "but he was my best friend". He was a great dog and I want to be able to comfort her more in these tough days that lie ahead. It is so sad. My daughter is 19 and she is really struggling. We pray togetherbut it is still very hard.

I'm sorry you lost your kitty! I know the comfort of that furry friend ALWAYS there with you! I know you've heard of the Rainbow Bridge and your baby is there, happily waiting for you to join them. The grieving will come and go, probably forever, and that's okay. Just keep exploring your feeling through this web site and others, talking with friends, and sharing your feelings and soon the pain will be more bearable! I lost my 18 year old Persian, Precious, about two years ago! She was the love of my life for those 18 years. I have another kitty, Sparkles, who comforted me during those saddest of days. I love them both. Then last Christmas I got.......a DOG!!! Boy has it been a change, but they continue to be most important in my life. After some time has passed, I think you should consider getting another pet! They will never take the place of this lost kitty, but they can make life happier! Take care and God bless!
Sheri :)

________________________________

From: QT - gynger52 [1] Sent: Mon 9/8/2008 9:09 PM
To: QT topic subscribers
Subject: Pets



< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi there. I lost my cat on June 14th of this year very suddenly after a long bout with kidney disease. He was the closest I've ever come to having children and I've never felt such a strong connection with another living being. As the months roll by, I find the pain so unbearable at times and at other times, I'm totally comforted by knowing that he's still with me. Tonight is one of those unbearable times...Just the thought of never being able to have him physically with me again breaks my heart. I miss his fur, his gorgeous green eyes, his sounds, the feel of him on my lap, his kisses, and even his smell. He was the most amazing cat and when I was sad, he would let me hold him for hours and sob into his fur. I don't know where to cry now...

I'm so sorry for all of you who know what I'm feeling. Thank you for being an outlet, and I'll pray for you all and your lost loved ones.

I'm sorry for your pain...it's a pain you must feel to get over!!! It will get easier! Keep talking and we'll keep praying for you!!!
:)

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Tonite I am alone as my husband is at a meeting. I miss Elvis so much as we would cuddle in a chair and keep each other company. I feel guilty because I know people who have lost dear members of their family, but I cannot stop the pain I feel. I know in my mind he is at peace and not suffering, I just have to give myself more time. Thanks for listening.

I'm sorry to hear of the loss! As pet owners, we all do our best to keep them healthy, fit, and happy. Hindsight is always better! Let go of the guilt, Cantrell was a happy doggy that knew you all loved him...which is most important! Keep in touch with this site as it helps you through the grieving process!!! Cantrell is at the Rainbow Bridge happily waiting for you!
God bless!

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I'm so sorry to hear of your loss of Elvis!!! It is very hard to lose the ones that completely depend on us for love and survival while they return love, care, and concern! Things will get easier but you will have to suffer through the grief. Elvis is in a better place, the Rainbow Bridge, playing and waiting for you! Stay with this site, it truly helps through the grieving process!

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Thank you SpiritSong, your words are so kind. I know in my mind that Elvis was to sick to live, but in my heart I still want him with me.I am better today, just extremely sad. Thankyou for listening and understanding me. He gave so much joy to all of us, and I need to focus on the good times. I have such a love of animals, I'm pretty sure I will have another little one to share that love .

Wow...what a string of tragedy! I'm not surprised that you can't stop crying. While it is certainly normal to cry that much the day after a sudden loss of a beloved pet, I'm guessing your other family losses are piled onto that as well.

There's nothing easy about it. It might help to think about Elvis being welcomed by your sister and neice, as I believe he is, and to realize that his spirit is there with you still as you crawl into bed, wishing he could provide some comfort. It's not quite the same as having a physical body to hold, but I'm convinced he's there.

I always encourage people to have some kind of small ritual to recognize the loss. To burn a candle, representing the pet's spiritual presence, and to gather with others and tell the stories about his/her life. It's part of the important grieving process for people and there's no reason why it should be for pets as well. Depending on your religious bent you could say a prayer, thanking God for the joy and comfort Elvis brought to you and giving him back into the care of God. And for the ability to love, even though it hurts when they leave this life.

Do keep a watch on yourself over these next few months. You will always miss Elvis, even if you eventually get another dog, but if you can't get back to functioning the way you want in the coming weeks, it could be an indicator that there are still things about the deaths of your sister and neice that need to be worked through. That happens a lot when you have a string of losses as you have suffered.

And remember that I and others on this site are praying for you and Cory and all who post here. The loss is real and deep.

I lost my beloved dog Elvis yesterday after a sudden illness. I was not prepared and am totally devastated! Elvis was there for me when my sister died of breast cancer in Feb. My neice died in March and Elvis gave me so much comfort. I can't seem to stop crying and my heart is so broken. I am trying to be strong for my family, but it is so hard! He was the best Beagle and loved us so much! I can't sleep without him next to me!

Thanks SpiritSong, your words mean a lot. I am not dealing with it very well at all, especially compared to those around me. I have lost people close to me & this is as hard, if not harder. I have a lot of family & friend support, but most of them are heartbroken as well. He worked his way into everybody's heart he met. I would like to thank this site - it is helpful to hear what others going through. I would also commend www.pet-loss.net. Hearing what others have gone through & say is helping me. Any input anyone has is appreciated.

I'm so sorry, Cory. All the feelings you are having are normal. It's just a plain old rough time. Our pets mean so much to us--they are beloved family members. Even if you had Cantrell checked out before, it's likely that the result would have been the same or that he would have spent many more of his last days in a veterinary hospital. Cantrell understands now that you did everything you could to help him, and he has no more pain now in his new life.

Thank you for taking such good care of Cantrell and for sharing your story here with us. We understand.

We lost Cantrell our family pet pug dog of 10+ years yesterday. My grandma called my office yesterday morning. I thought she was telling me she brought Cantrell home, like the vet said the day before. Instead "something" went wrong that night. Cantrell was in bad shape, but my whole family went down and stood beside him all morning. My grandma and I tried to rush him to the best hospital in the state & he died peacefully on the way. I am having tremendous sorrow, as we all are. I am also having a lot of guilt for not getting him checked out before. Thank you all for sharing your stories & letting us know we are not alone.

my test message number 4

My web page can be found at In Memory of Pets under my name, Sheri Williams!
I suggest you make a web page for your Munchkin, it's therapeutic!! :)

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I completely understand your grief!!! You should try not to feel guilty about bringing in strays. My vet says that she believes that multiple pet families are healthier!!! At least she was never bored! Actually, putting them down is extremely hard too! I found my Persian, Precious at 18 had an enlarged heart! I think she had that for a long time and I hadn't taken her to the vet, so I feel major guilt over that. All I know is that I loved her very much and I did the best I could for her. I could do better now if I had another chance...you know hind sight is 20/20! Anyway, I still have a kitty, Sparkles, who is 14 now and
diabetic. He attacked Precious when she was having a seizure and I think maybe he was trying to get her out of her agony!!! Anyway, when I came home after putting her down...I laid in bed and cried for hours that night, and Sparkles joined me in bed consoling me the entire time. It was as if he was saying that it was okay, he loved me, and I did the right thing. I know it's hard but keep your chin up for your other kitties and know that your Munchkin is waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge!!! I would love for you to see my page on this sight of me and Precious! God bless!!

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As I am writing this with tears streaming I remember my baby Munchkin. She was the sweetest cat and never ever fought. She loved to lay under the covers at night and snuggle and would bat me in the face to give her attention. Today I came home and found her in my bed and she was gone. I am filled with such guilt because I had brought in strays and she was 13 and perhaps I added stress so she died from a heart condition from that. She was only 13 and I have her sister now and am so afraid that will happen again. I can handle taking them to the vet to be put down easier that finding her the way I did. Please if you have older cats get their heart checked, if I had only done that perhaps I could have kept her alive. Do you all believe there is a pet heaven? At least I would be at peace knowing that my baby is happy and having a good time with all her favorite treats and perhaps even with my mom. Thank you for letting me share my grief.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
 
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Hello! Good Site! Thanks you! xpygqdpcenm

Carole, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am with you as far as feeling the pain of your "Oscar's" loss. I never knew such a little friend could leave such a BIG hole in my heart. Maybe the name "Oscar" has a special
significance when it comes to pets that are so loving. I know that our
Oscar was really special because even the "cat people" loved him. I know you would have also. My deepest sympathy is extended to you and your family.

Yesterday (9/18/07) I also lost Oscar, but this was my cat of 15 years. He was a "Walmart" cat, where the people just want to find homes for their litters. He was a unique cat. Like many cats, HE owned ME. Joan, I'm so sorry for your lost. I know how you hurt. Your Oscar sounds like a very special friend, not only to you, but to all those lives he helped with the Pet On Wheels! My sympathies go out to you.

 To Angel's mom: I lost my best friend of 13 1/2 years last monday. I received his cremains on Friday. I'm feeling all kinds of feelings. Mixed and emotional for over a week. I knew it was coming and tried to make the best of it. That's the advice I can give you right now. I received him after I was diagnosed bipolar and I can't imagine another 13 1/2 without him. Joan, I really feel for you. Sometimes it just takes my breath when I realize he is gone. May you find comfort in this. Dogs love with all they have. Especially a shelter dog!

What a lovely tribute to a meaning-filled life. My prayers are with you in your loss, but perhaps Oscar can now be waiting there with a lick and a wagging tail when it comes time for some of those seniors he visited to make their own passage. His work of love goes on!

Edited by author 09-15-2007 10:42 AM
Yesterday, we lost our beloved "Oscar". He was the finest of dogs,
 loyal and steadfast, rescued as a stray from the Humane Society
of Baltimore County, over 12 years ago. He endeared himself to
everyone who ever met him and was welcomed everywhere he went.
He enjoyed his status as a "Pets on Wheels" pooch and brought so
much joy and love to all those he visited. He especially enjoyed
visiting the Senior Center of Howard County, as Rick, the cook, would
go out of his way to have treats ready anytime "Oscar" would pay a visit. Even though "Oscar" was not really my dog, (he belonged to my daughter) he would willingly go with me whenever I could take him.
What a love he was!!! I truly believe "Oscar" had a soul, as he didn't have a mean bone in his body and would go up to anyone who would call him. We will truly miss our beloved companion and friend "Oscar"..........the little dog that someone didn't want, but
was wanted by everyone who ever knew him.

Kim,

Your Timmy lived a good long life. Sure, he knew you loved him!

This will be a very hard time for you. My husband and I lost our 15 year old boxer boy, Paul, a year ago and it is still hard to wake every day without him.

Billy Graham says that we will see our beloved pets when we get to Heaven. That has to be our goal. It is certainly something I am looking forward to.

You will see Timmy again! Just keep that in mind and hopefully you will be able to make it through this!

Donna



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well i just lost my cat timmy yesterday he was 18 years old i feel so empty he was old just couldnt get up so they had to put him to sleep its the hardest thing to do,i dont know how to get threw this.my 2 dogs died 4 years ago i felt the same way.they are a part of your life.i miss my cat and feel guilty should of spent more time with him i knew he was getting old.was just wondering if any one felt like this.i loved my cat hoped he thought so.kim

Hello! Good Site! Thanks you! qkmeucvpbklvk

I'm sorry to hear about Angel. I have been away from my computer and did not get this message until now. You definitely found the right place to take your grief! This site helps by sharing with others who have been through the loss of a pet! I lost my 18 year old Persian, Precious, more than two years ago! It was sooooo hard! I still cry sometimes because I miss her! Anyway, keep sharing through the grieving process....it helps! Take care!
Sheri

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As soon as I got the news that Angel had only 6 months to live, I called my doctor and went on Zoloft (anti depressant).....it has really helped me. I still get sad, cry every day but I don't feel like being hysterical and distraught. I can function although since I heard the news, I still can't feel joy or happiness. I have a feeling it will be a long time.

When I lost Grace suddenly a few summers ago, I cried myself to sleep every night for three months. As the grief wasn't lessening in that time, I tried to figure out what else might be going on. Since I live alone, it turns out that on top of the grief of losing my best friend, I was plain lonely. I was starting to forge relationships with the spiders in the bathroom! When I got another dog, I still missed Grace, but I began to heal.

I say all of that because sometimes if we're stuck in grief over one thing we can't make any progress toward healing because underneath there is unresolved grief over something else added in. We focus on the thing we're conscious of while the other stuff keeps us from moving forward. With all the losses you've suffered recently, I wouldn't be surprised if your grief isn't a combination of all of them.

While you will always miss Ninja to some degree, you might be most helped by sitting down with your husband and looking at the fears surrounding his cancer and the feelings around the sudden death of your uncle. That may be your block. Imagine Ninja seated beside you with a paw on your lap, wanting you to feel better and know that the God who is now caring for him is also reaching out to you.

July 15,of this year it was 2 months since we said goodbye to our German Shepard Ninja, It feels like yesterday. It hurts so much.He was our baby.We cant have human children and when we got Ninja at 8 weeks old he became our baby.He was more than a pet.Since I hurt my back nearly 4 years ago he was always by my side when i hurt or lost my balance or just making sure i was ok. The 15th would have also been his 9th birthday. i have pictures of him all over the house,but i still find myself bursting into tears or calling his name.
  I thought having his ashes here and knowing for sure what made him sick would help but it hasnt eased our pain.We founf out for sure a month ago he had Kidney Cancer.MY heart and gutt still say it was the canned food but cant prove it.
   I would give anything for one more day with him. I know time heals all wounds but I am begining to have my doughts. My family has been delt one bad thing after another in the past year. Before we found out my husband had prostate cancer we couldnt figure out why Ninja refused to leave his side.A week after getting the news we figured it was his way of telling us that there was something wrong.New years eve we found out my Unlce whom we are were very close to died suddenly. I try to keep telling myself that the good lord doesnt give us more than we can handle,but loosing Ninja is more than I can handle. I never thought that it would hurt so much. i feel like I am loosing my mind,
  Will my heart ever heal?We have changed alot of what we used to do.Not having Ninja here makes it hard to do them. We love the outdoors but spend barely anytime out there now.
   I know my boy is waiting for us on the other side,but it dont ease the pain.Does anyone have any suggestions on what we can do to help ease the pain so we dont go completely crazy.

My boxer, Paul, died at 15 yo last august. We are still greiving. My only consolation is that I know I will see my boy again real soon. Donna

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Diana, even though I am faced with losing the MOST precious beinging in my life, my dog Angel, I do beleive that we will see out good friends again on a different plane. It helps me when I think of loosing Angel on this earth....but, Angel and I have a bond that is out of this world and I do believe that when we connect with a creature on this earth it is not different than connecting with a human. You will see each other again. Hang in there, I know what you are going through and will be there shortly. KM

Hi, I am new here, my dog Angel has been diagnosed with an aggresive form of nasel cancer. She has only a few months left to live. She is my world, my best frind, my partner, my kid......my everything. I am devasted. KM

Hi Diana,

I am sorry to hear about your cat. Why don't you visit the Animal Chaplains website and post about her? You can send a photo or just write in the guest book. Others who read it can offer their love and support.

Please know you are being thought of with love.

Nancy Cronk
www.AnimalChaplains.com

Dear Diana: My prayers and thoughts are with you, as I read your story my heart ached for you. Wee Whimpy is at the Rainbow Bridge. His wings match his fur and he is getting used to them. He has food and water, toys and friends. He is ok....talk to him Diana he will hear you.

Darlene

I'm so sorry to hear of you losing Whimpy!!! You are wonderful for taking care of him. I bet he was a sweety! I have felt the same loss when my 18 year old kitty, Precious, had to be put down. It was 2 years ago that I found her having a seizure and then the vet let me know that she had an enlarged heart. It was so hard to make that decision and I still miss her! Keep talking about it...it will help the grieving! Whimpy loved you and knew you loved him! You'll see him again at the Rainbow Bridge!
God bless!
Sheri

< replied-to message removed by QT >

I quess I just feel better talking about it.One of my cats passed away totally unexpected 3 days ago.Whimpy was born here 10 yrs ago by a mom cat we took in (pregnant) We named him Whimpy because from day one he was a cry baby.About 2 yrs ago. He decided he wanted to live back in our woods. I dint' see him for a couple of days and went looking for him. I dont know why he suddenly wanted to live out in the woods but he would't come home. (about the same time a spayed female we had and him had become good friends and she sudddely disapeard,) We think maybe a cyote got her. Anyway I convinced my husband to put a house up for him near the woods.I put nice blankets in it for him and would go out every day, sometimes 2 times a day and bring him food and water. (filled his bowls)And we would sit and talk a few minutes. I would always say "Whimpy you know you CAN come home" FInally after 2 yrs. this past NOV. He started comming home. So I set up another dog house on my porch for him. He stayed practicly all winter. I thought maybe he was getting artherits thats why he was comming home in the colder weather. He started to stay in his (summer house ) a couple weeks ago. BUt would come home at night. He was here on Wednesday night. And I went out and coverd him with a light fleece blanket as it was a little chilly. The next morning I saw him out by his house . But I was so busy I didnt get out to visit him untill about 10:00 but he already left. Ididnt think much about it as he has done that before. So I just filled his food and water bowls. I called to him, But I did not see him. I figured he must have went out for a while , he would be back later that day. We had just finished dinner and I was checking my email , when my husband said "Whimpy is here" I ran to check on him as he ususally came home a little later . When I went out to him he was on our patio about 5 ft. from our door. He didn't look right. I could see his face looked a little swollen and his eyes were kind of shut. I grabbed him up and brought him into our laundry room, I told my husband he looked like he had heat stroke. He didnt believe me , I got some ice and a wet wash cloth and started to cool him off. He seemd so restless. I coulnt calm him. Then he started panting. And I knew he was in trouble. I had a cat die just 3 months before of heart failure and he looked the same. I got really worried. I called a vet, It was 7:00pm We live 40 mins from a vet. and No one was open! I felt helpless and hopeless. I could do nothing but comfort him. By 8:30 He was dying and so was I . He put his paw up to me to hold and all I could do was cry and tell him I loved him.
I can hardly believe he's gone. My husband and Daughter used to say I was nuts to go out to the woods to take care of that dumb cat. But I felt a special bond with him, And I know he did with me also . Thats why he came home when he was dying. I miss him soooo much..!!I keep hoping Ill look out my window and see him.

So interesting site, thanks!

I'm really impressed!

While this board will remain as it is, I have just started up a new social networking site for animal lovers. Join for free and post a profile on Gotta Love 'Em at http://gottaloveem.ning.com. You can post memorial pictures on your profile, pictures of animals you still have, videos, or whatever. I'm hoping it can be an even more supportive way of communicating, and it gives us a chance to share the good along with the sad.

I know the pain of the loss yall are going through. I had a yorkie named Buffy that I loved dearly. We got her when she was only 6 weeks old and had her to love for a little over eight years. She passed on January 1 2006.I was away visiting at my mothers house for the first week of January and when I came back home my father told me that buffy had passed. They said that she had an enlarged heart and lots of fluid around her heart. It was really difficult for me because they did not tell me untill a week later that Buff had passed away, so i never got to tell her good by and how much I loved her before they took her off of iv's and everything that was helping her to survive and put her at peace like the rest of my family. I was really upset because I had always wanted to bury her in the back yard at my mothers hose where she would love to run and play. They didnt do that. They left her to the er vet clinic. I will always lover her. she was my life. I hope she knows how much i loved her and how much i will always miss her. I still think of her all the time and her memory still brings tears to my eyes. Every day that I had with her was a joy. When i was sad she would come run to me and bark for me to pick her as if to tell me she loved me. Momma loves you baby girl. I miss you a lot and always will.

I'm sorry for your loss! We all understand, that's why we're "here". I lost my Precious kitty 2 years ago and I was just crying about her the other night. I had lots of guilt, too...but I'm over that! I know I did my best for her. She was also 18, had her as I became an adult and on... She was a black Persian and my favorite memory is of when she would cuddle on my chest, close to my face, purring, and lean her nose out and sniff, seemingly waiting for my kiss. Then after I would kiss her nose, she would seem to relax further.
You also did your best for Nikki. She knows you loved her and she didn't care about the rest. Keep sharing your grief, it helps. God bless and remember the Rainbow Bridge.
Take care,
Sheri

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I'm so sorry to hear about your loss! Your Ninja is in a better place now and no longer suffering! I understand your feelings, I had to make that dreadful decision a couple of years ago when my Persian kitty, Precious, she was 18, had an enlarged heart which was causing it to be difficult for her to breath and she had a couple of seizures that we knew about!
It's so hard, but it was the only loving thing you could do!
Hold your memories tight and know that the love you shared will carry onto the Rainbow Bridge.
God bless!

< replied-to message removed by QT >

On may 15,2007 We had to put our beloved German Shapard Ninja to sleep The day before the Vet told us his kidneys were failing and his prostate was enlarge. There was nothing they could do for him. We brought him home that day. The next day I could see the pian in his eyes and made the very painfull choice to let him go.
  i feel so guilty. My heart and home are empty. he was my protector and friend. We had him since he was 8 weeks old and for nearly nine years he filled each day with joy and suprises.After injuring my back 4 years ago it was me and him home all day.He was mommy's boy til daddy got home from work.He was spoiled rotten but i wouldnt have it any other way.
i need some help how to I ease the guilty and empty feeling? I have other animals that are missing him too they arent acting the way they normally would. I have spent the past 2 days in tears,my eyes hurt so bad but my heart hurts more.
 i try to sleep at night holing one of his favorite toys for comfort, Am i normal. i would give anything to have hom home again.
We decided to have him cremated and bring his ashes home.Any help or suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

Hi everyone. I have been grieving the loss of my darling Nikki, a shelty mix, since Monday (5/14). She was 18 and has been with me most of my adult life. I'm like all of you - especially Lisa - I am having a hard time. It's only been two full days and I am feeling better and trying to cope by talking and remembering her great attributes. She was an incredible dog, but now the house is empty...no other pets. Anyway, my heart is broken and I just sobe at night when I get home from work. My kids actually comfort me! My husband and I got her when we were dating. She saw us through marriage and two kids - 16 years!!! I love her and my biggest hurtle right now is guilt. I didn't change her water enough....I wasn't patient enough with her...I didn't give her enough attention...I let her suffer too long....I just feel SO GUILTY. I didn't realize how important she was to my routine...Last night as I was coming up the stairs from getting something in the basement freezer, I realized that she always stood at the top waiting for me to come back. And, when I reached about the 4th stair from the top, I would bend down, eye level with her and kiss her little forehead....I couldn't do that yesterday....I'm just sick to my stomach! And, every time we left the house, I would tell her good-by and reassure her that we would see her later....I told her that yesterday, even though she wasn't there. Being home has been the hardest for me. :(

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss! Molly was very lucky to have you and your husband who cared for her so deeply! She's also lucky to have passed right there with you! I have also felt the sadness of losing one's pet. My baby girl, Percious, was 18 when I had to put her down. She had two seizures in front of me and was diagnosed with an enlarged heart. It took me more than a year to not cry almost everyday about losing her. I take comfort in the fact that she's no longer suffering. Keep mourning, it helps! Eventually you will remember mostly the good times and not feel as much of the sadness!
My heart goes out to you! Take care and wait for the Rainbow Bridge! Sheri

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I am having trouble getting over the loss of my Molly. She passed away at home in my arms on October 7, 2006. She was diagnosed with IMHA in June 2006. I came home from work one night, and she didn't greet me in her usual happy, way that day. She layed on the floor breathing heavy and looking terrible. When I reached down to pet her, I noticed she was covered in diarreah. I immediately rushed her to my local vet, who said her blood count was too low to measure. I was told to rush her to the University of Penn Vet Hospital, immediately, or she wouldn't survive the night. They carried her to my car, and I rushed her to the hospital in the middle of a thunder storm. The hospital admitted her immediately, and quickly gave her a blood transfusion. I layed on the floor of the emergency room all night next to my dog, Molly. They admitted her for 10 days. She was released with medications that were supposed to save her. The best Animal Hospital in the country was going to save her life. They asked me if she ate "onions or perhaps money... change, like penny's" lately. NO! She didn't! In the three months that followed her initial diagnosis, she developed severe staph infections of the skin, lost all her hair, was diagnosed with dozens of other infections, in and out of the hospital every week for three months. I did everything I could for her. I loved her. I cryed non stop, and prayed every day she would beat this and recover. She continued to get sicker and sicker. My husband and I sat down and talked about putting her down. We decided not to. We had already spent close to $15,000 dollars in hospital, vet, and medications. and were willing to spend more to get her well. She was only 5 years old, and she was our baby. We loved her as if she were our child. The next day, she wouldn't eat. She wouldn't take her medications. Everyone in the family went out to dinner, except me that night. After everyone was gone, it was just me and Molly. I layed down next to her on the floor and hugged her. She looked up at me, and smiled, I swear, she took one last breath, and died peacefully in my arms. I can still hear myself scream! I can still feel her breath on my face. I can't get over it... It's been almost 7 months. I still miss her every day. I adopted a new dog, Lady from an animal rescue group, and I love her with all my heart. She's wonderful, and we all love her. But I still cry over Molly. I miss her. I know I did everything I could to help her. She was my baby. My first. I'll miss her forever. IMHA took away my little furry baby, my life savings, and a piece of my heart.
IMHA is a dog lovers worst nightmare. I never heard of it before Molly came down with it. She didn't have any recent vacinations, she didn't drink dirty water, she was a Collie - Not one of the common breeds that are likely to develop IMHA. She was running around, happy go lucky one day.. and the next she was gone.
I'm still unable to accept that there is no cure, no preventable measures I could have taken, and no reason she got it. She should still be here with us. I miss her so much.


Vici

Denial! Boy I can relate! My Precious had for a long time had a very loud "meow" once in a while and I always just thought she was
complaining about something relative to the time. I now know that she was probably complaining of her enlarged heart. I don't know for sure how many seizures she had, I only witnessed 2, but with 20/20 I know now I probably should have made that decision sooner! I just wanted to keep her forever!
Anyway, good luck! Keep loving your pets!
Sheri

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Thank you all for your kind words! This helps me alot! We will always have our Chumpy in our hearts. Every morning I talk to him and say "Chumpy, please forgive me and I know you are in a better place now" We took pictures of him a day before we had to let him go and looking at those pictures last night, made us both realize how sick he was, I guess we were in denial of letting him go, but now we must just remember that we always wanted the best for him. It's just so hard, so hard!! We have 2 other dogs of our own and it's not the same with them, but I know it's not there fault, but I almost feel guilty also of giving them love, knowing that I'm still mourning Chumpy's lost, it's like I feel I have to let enough time go by before I can get back to the way we were. Do you know what I mean? I tell my husband we can't be like that with our other dogs, it's not there fault and we must live in the moment, but it's hard! thank you everyone!

I feel for you! I had to make that same horrible decision for my 18 year old, Precious. She had an enlarged heart and although I could give her meds, when I was late once, she had a seizure and I believe now that she was in pain. It's not the amount of life they have or had, it's the quality and CHumpy obviously had a top quality life. You ended the suffering and only goodness is left. I believe our beloved pets are waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge. Keep grieving, it's the only way to get through it.
God bless!
Sheri
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John and Lisa,

I absolutely believe that our pets remain connected to us in love even after their bodily passing. So, by all means, say to Chumpy what is on your heart and know that from his perspective now he has full understanding of your love and care for him. Would a loving God not allow that? I believe it is so.

May God bless and comfort you in this difficult time of loss.

We lost our beloved pet, Chumpy on Saturday, Apr. 21, 2007. It was the hardest decision my husband and I made! We miss him so much. He was going to be 14 this Thursday, April 26, 2007. We was very sick hadn't been able to walk for the last past 7 months, but yet we made everything possible to keep in alive. I wish we could have him back!Back the way he use to be, walking and running around. I just want to know if he knows how much we loved him and how much we miss him! Sometimes we think, was that the right thing we did, was it time to let him go?? Then, I answer myself and say "yes, that was no life for him" I don't want to feel guilty anymore of letting him go,but I want to say I Love you one more time!!

We miss you always Chumpy! We love you!!

John & Lisa:)

Hi Pam,

I'm so sorry to hear about Buddy! I'm not a child psychologist, but I'm guessing that there would be different levels of understanding and response in the different ages of your children. I lean toward agreeing with Sheri that they should see him. Especially if they were very attached to Buddy, it will be hard to believe. One of the things I learned in seminary about human deaths and funerals is that one of the purposes of a wake or viewing is to reinforce that the person is truly gone. It helps us move toward seeing the death as a fact we have to accept somehow, someway, even though it seems unthinkable at the time. But I wouldn't force them to see him if they don't want to.

As an aside, make sure Tiger and any other animals in the house have seen Buddy. It helps their grief as well.

I also learned that the purpose of ritual is to help us approach the unapproachable. Having a little funeral for Buddy this evening could be a help. Maybe each person tells a story about Buddy and lays one of his toys or collars on a pile. Say a prayer of thanks for the time you had with Buddy and for God's continued care for him and for you. Light a candle to show that his spirit still lives. Dig a hole in the yard and bury him together. Sadness and crying is beautiful and normal at such a time. This can be an important lesson for them in handling grief and learning to approach death as part of life.

I would advise taking the children aside when they get home from school and tell them what happened. Ask them if they would like to see Buddy one last time. You might need to give them some time to absorb the information, ask questions, and think about whether they want to see him. Then, later this evening, have a little funeral service and put him in the ground. Maybe during the week you could talk about what sort of marker to place on his grave. If you don't have a yard where that is possible, call your vet and ask what to do.

I'm so sorry for your loss. If you come back and post what you end up doing and what has been helpful for your family, I'm sure others would greatly benefit.

Blessings on you and your family in this difficult time,
Anne

I don't have advice but I have lost a kitty, Precious! She had an enlarged heart and when I knew there was nothing more I could do, I scooped her up and took her to the vet with my oldest who was 10. He watched as they injected to lethal dose...it made me sad the way my son crouched to watch her go, but I think it helped him. I do not see why they couldn't see the kitty, but not seeing the kitty would be less tearshed. The vision might stay with them! Not sure what's best! I'm very sorry for your sudden lost. I suppose this is life's opportunity to teach and learn about death and how living does go on!!!
Good luck and God bless!
Sheri

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Our cat, Buddy, died suddenly and unexpectedly this morning. My husband and I were awakened by a loud gutteral moaning. My husband found Buddy lying in the kid's bathroom motionless. He carried him downstairs and Buddy made one more moan and he was gone. We did not tell our three children, ages 15, 12, and 7, and sent them off to school. We wrapped Buddy in a towel and placed him in our garage. We decided to tell our children after school today. They have never experienced the death of a pet and I don't know what to tell them or if they should see him, etc. Does anyone have any advice? Buddy was 8 and has a twin, Tiger.

I wasn't sure if were able to post web addresses here. Here is the one I described below, if you are interested: www.AnimalClergy.com.

Yours in peace and furry friendship,
Chaplain Nancy

Hi,

I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Chaplain Nancy Cronk. I am interested in meeting other people who are interested in Animal Chaplaincy and Animal Ministry. If you are not sure what those are, please stop by my website called Animal Clergy dot com. Anyone out there interested in what I am? Thanks so much, Nancy Cronk

I think they DO know that you love them, just as you know that they love you!!!
I'm so sorry for your loss!
Pray!
:)

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During my Jet's illness, I was supposed to put him on wet/gravy food. Its a shock that I gave him Western Family gravy meals, and I even shared the cans with the other two just to be fair. I recall Jet vomiting and his son vomited at least 3 or more days 2 times at once. My vets were all so swamped by the extreme emergencies during Feb and March which they could not fathom. Now the secret is out, the animals had tainted food. I don't know how anyone else feels but my dogs were affected but I never kept those cans.

Re: My love Jet, Fieldancer's But I'm A Hunter (Int. Cnd. Champ. Black Flat-coated Retriever April 04-200 to March 09, 2007)

Just like the other family here, I also could not be with my loving friend Jet as he lay there, sick and on morphine, and the injection came. I do not believe in tacking life. I certainly feel guilty to the nth degree that I could not take him home, and keep trying. Inside I am not convinced that he would have rallied the next day. He had done it. I lay beside him on the floor at the Vet's for 4 hours, talking, singing, loving him. Not willing to let him die. I could not tell him that this was his last day. How do you tell the very loving, and trusting pet that today, I think its time. A few think an animal should pass on their own time, and I beleive this. I loved Jet, I really hurt that he is gone. I have two other dogs, Riley (9) and Kobi (1.5). Kobi is his purebred puppy, but so different than Jet.

I wish I could know for certain that Jet knows I love him. I truly wish that I could get over the image of him looking for me, and wondering where I went and missing me. That would be Jet. I want Jet to know, don't worry baby, I am also looking for you, any sign that means that you are okay. I hate being so selfish & I wish I could go and bring you home.

I feel so sad, hurt, lonely and guilty.

Mommy lovs You Jet.

I have lost beloved pets, and this book 'Will I See Fido in Heaven?' by Mary Buddemeyer-Porter has been wonderful. And check out http://geocities.com/marcswebsites4/ if you wish - that's my concept of heaven.

Our sweet precious Westie "Sugar" left us on Jan. 16, 2007. The hardest part is that we were traveling at the time and didn't get to say goodbye and be with her at the end. Our wonderful daughter took care of everything. Sugar had numerous medical problems over the years. It seemed like everytime she saw her vet, there was another problem found. She was definietly the center of our lives, our entire world worked around her schedule and medications. We were blessed with this sweet puppy for ll wonderful years. Although there were so many problems, she seemed to take everything in stride. I was able to be on the phone with our daughter when Sugar died, I told Sugar how much we love her and would see her again. I only pray that she felt I was with her. I know she will be watching for us at the Rainbow Bridge. We had her cremated, now I keep her ashes close to me as often as I can, I sleep with her favorite toy, I look at pictures all the time and can't seem to stop crying. I feel like part of myself left with her. I know I need to accept the fact that she is gone, but it is so hard, when we left that day she seemed fine. I just wish with all my heart, I could hold her one more time and tell her that I love her.

 My wife and I lost our " Precious " on Feb.3rd, 2007 we believe she was an American Eskimo Miniature. I found her on the 4th of July in 2003 she was abandoned at our apartment complex, she was roaming the area, I still can't believe someone could abandon such a beautiful and loving little ball of white fur. My wife had just lost her dad and we had talked about maybe getting a small dog. We also have a full blooded German Shepherd who weighs over 100 pounds and yes he is grieving too. Our little Precious ruled the house, she was daddies little girl, she would always come and sit to my left and she would lean back and I'd scratch her tummy!! There are so many things she did that would make us smile and laugh!! We miss her so much now that she's gone that there are constant reminders now, which just makes us cry, we know she's in a better place. My wife is a nurse and we have had the oppurtunities to do a lot of traveling and our 2 dogs have always gone with and now we will be going to Nashville, Tenn. and this will be a tough road to travel since she will not be with us, but she will always be with us in our hearts and in spirit. She left our lives as quickly as she came into them. She was only with us for a few short years, but those are years we will never forget!! Thank You for letting me share my Precious's passing and on our continued grieving for our loved one.

Alan,

I'm so sorry to hear about Rowdy. While he lived a good, long life, the longer he was with you, the deeper the bond became. There's no magic bullet...it's just plain hard and sad. It does, literally, make your heart hurt. So many of us have been there.

We are certainly praying for you and hope you know that Rowdy is still with you in spirit to offer what comfort he can. Cry as you need to and know that you have made the world a better place by loving and caring for Rowdy.

I lost my best friend "Rowdy" this past Thursday.
  Rowdy,was a Gordon setter and we had been together for 15 years.It was a growth on his left rear foot pad.Since dogs balance on their pads,surgery wasnt an option.
  We had been living with this for the past year.

  I am finding it extremely hard to get past his loss.Every day,his absence is heart felt.My Best friend is no longer there to share the daily routines.

  Alan

hi everyone.
pls if you are interst in dogs pls compose to me. and you see the dogs you wanted, and if you want to see your lost dog pls compose to me i will show you the pics of dogs online whit me.and if you see yourc own dogs tell and i will send it to you enywhere you are.
 my name:adamswaters
my email adress:waters_2009@yahoo.com

Hi again, here's a link to a website devoted to the passing of a beloved dachshund. http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeq7h0e/lewis/index.html What a tribute and a positive way to work through the grieving process.
Peace to your heart.

You will see Sadie again at the Rainbow Bridge. I'm so sorry, I know the feeling. I had to put my 18 year old kitty, Precious, to sleep a couple of years ago. You are doing the right thing by finding this web site and sharing your grief. That's the only way to get through it. Be glad for Sadie's life, try to think only of the good times!!!
Take care and God bless!

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I feel so sad. My best friend, Sadie, was put to sleep last week. She was only 8 yrs old. She was a beautiful Golden Retriever. She had cancer and diabetes. Last March, the vet found a lump on her abdomen. It was cancer. He removed it and she got better. By June, she had developed a rare kind of diabetes. She slowly slipped away getting thinner and thinner. Two years ago she weighed 87 lbs. When she died, she was around 55 lbs. It was heartbreaking for me to watch. She was one of those special dogs that only comes along once in a lifetime. I know Sadie loved us as much or more than we loved her. I can't stop thinking of her. We had so much fun together. She loved to go on long walks. My neighbors are also dog lovers. We would all take our large breed dogs and go on walks in our neighborhood. We even had "dog parties" this past summer. We would go for a swim in my neighbors swimming pool (dogs and people). Sadie had a very good life. I'm just sad it had to end so soon. I hope I see her again someday.

More than two years ago I lost my kitty, Precious. Turned out she had an enlarged heart and I didn't know until I witness a seizure. Who knows how long she had suffered with that. I know how hard it can be, she was my best buddy for 18 years. Grieving is good! This web site helped me immensely with that. We are only human and we love our pets and do the best we can for them. Try not to feel guilty. Kato is waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for you:)

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My best friend for 11 years, Kato, a handsome pomeranian mix suddenly died. No one knew he had Cushing's Disease and diabetes...........not even his vet, friends he stayed with sometimes, me, absolutely no one. We all thought he was just getting "old". I feel so damn guilty and feel I let him down because I was supposed to be taking care of him!!

I can't stop thinking about him.

I can tell by your writing that Tommy was treated the best any cat could be. I had to make the same dreadfully difficult decision when Precious, my 18 year old black Persian, had her second seizure due to an enlarged heart. It's so hard, but you came to the right place for dealing! There are grieving articles, prayers, and friendly people who have been there and share in your grief. I wish you quick grief, followed by fond memories!!!
Sheri :)

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So, after loving him, holding him, speaking our last words to him, we were on our way. We were not able to go to our regular veterinarian office because it was Sunday, so we took him to a local emergency office that our daughter had taken her dog to last year. There we said our last good byes, told him we loved him and asked him to say "Hi" to Simmy for us.
We then gave him to a very nice assistant who cuddled him and promised us she would hold him and stay with him until it was all over. We thanked her while slowly our tears began to fall. It was just impossible for us to go with him on his last journey. . .we had done all we could for him and our love would have to be with him as this gentle lady took him on his way. We waited in the peaceful lobby until the doctor came out to tell us Tommy had gone peacefully. Our dear companion was no longer out of touch with us. . . he was now in our hearts forever, suffering no longer. It was a very difficult thing to do, but we knew in our hearts it was what was best for him. We will miss him dearly, the tears are falling rapidly now, but God willing, we will learn to accept our loss and live with the 16 years of wonderful memories we have to hold dear. We hope Tommy and Simmy are together again, enjoying each other as they did when they amused and loved us.
   Sorry this took up so much space, but I wanted you to know how difficult it can be to make such a decision, but know it will be guided by love all the way. Our best to you and anyone knowing our path.

Hello, Today has been a very sad day for our family. We decided it was time to put our dear Tommy to rest. Tommy was 16 years old and was in renal failure. He was blessed, as were we, not to have a prolonged illness. His brother, Simpson (Simmy to us) had a much longer illness of the same kind. We did the IV of fluids with Simmy, but chose not to do so with Tommy. Simmy was a very docile cat, whereas Tommy was always very fisty (sp?). Simmy sat very calmly while we administered the IV, but we knew Tommy would never do the same. Tommy's symptoms only showed up within the last two weeks. A week ago today he remained scarce about the house. . .Tommy was always where we were. . . he would climb up on the vanity in my bathroom and sleep while I put on my makeup and did my hair. . . he would sleep for hours in my husbands' open briefcase on the desk while Gary did his necessary paperwork. . .wherever we were, Tommy snuggled as close to us as he could. For a couple of days he would cry while attempting to use his litter. We were definately concerned and made sure plenty of water was available to him and urged him to drink often.
Then he began to "hide" around the house in out of the way places. . .
I really believed he was "teaching" us how to "get along without him."
Finally he wasn't eating at all and drinking very little. We could not get him to eat, but we were able to get him to take a few sips of water. I put water in a very shallow Lenox bone china dish so he wouldn't have to "stand" while drinking. He was keeping to himself until one day last week he came up two flights of stairs to be with me in my bathroom! I was elated! I called my husband at work and left a message that Tommy had "come all the way upstairs!" Gary later said I sounded like I had just won the lottery! For the next couple of days Tommy roamed about the house a little...one night he even came into our bed! We discovered one morning that he was taking little steps to achieve his goal. He was on his way upstairs, but a few stairs up, he had stopped for a nap! A little while later, under our careful watch, he had progressed a little further up the stairs and now napping very close to a door way. This continued until he reach his destination where he slept peacefully for hours. Each evening I would cuddle him on my lap, stroking his neck, ear, back while he lay peacefully in my arms while we read or watched TV. We were afraid to take him upstairs, fearing he would not be able to get back down and perhaps tumble and hurt himself, so I would lay on the couch with him laying on my chest, holding him to keep him warm and secure. Soon we found it more difficult to pursuede him to drink---he had not eaten anything since last Sunday. He got up less often and when he tried to walk, he was wobbly and didn't go far before collapsing. We wanted so much to see some improvement, but we knew it was not to be. Saturday evening we decided it was time. We reasoned that we should take this opportunity because he was not crying. We thought as the disease progressed, he might begin to suffer and we did not want this. . .fearing this would begin during the nighttime when we could not visit the veternarian. It was our decision to take him Sunday morning before he got in "real" distress. We had already lost contact with him. . .he was just "there". . .letting us hold, stroke, and speak to him, but not responding. . .his eyes were a million miles away.

I feel I was in a similar situation, I do have a brother but he is 8 years older than me and I had a Persian kitty named Precious. I found her abandoned and took her home when she was 6 months. I had her until she was 18 too! She had an enlarged heart and had two seizures that I know of. When I witnessed the second seizure, I knew it was time. I did not think about it, I took her to the vet and asked if it was time, they let me listen to the fluid in her lungs and I KNEW. I stayed with her, held her little head, and thought how much I loved her as they injected the deadly dose. It was peaceful and I have visited the pet cemetery where her ashes are spread often. I loved her so very much. Now as I look back at her life, I often feel that I probably should have had her put down sooner. I think she was suffering more than I knew.
I would encourage you to put your kitty to rest. It will be very hard, but you are the one to be strong for your kitty. They love you and know that you love them. They will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge. It sounds like you are 38? I'm 37. I know it will hurt very much, but that's true whenever this happens. This site has many helpful articles and prayers for our beloved pets. I wish you love and luck and if you would like to talk more, just let me know!
Sheri Williams
sawilliams@fortosage.net

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Beanie, I am so sorry to hear about Jellybean. It does sound like she is at the end of her long and wonderful time with you. Can she curl up and sleep? How is her breathing? Does she cry a lot? If she is able to find a comfortable position to sleep and her breathing isn't labored; if she isn't always crying out, then she can probably end her life right there in the peace of your home, whenever that time comes.

You didn't mention if you had other cats, but if so, let them come around. I witnessed the most amazing thing when the cat of a friend of mine was in her last days. It was an outdoor cat, and as his body began to shut down, he went out and lay under a tree. For a day and a half, other cats in the neighborhood came and visited. Like people visiting a loved one for the last time each cat came and sat for awhile by the dying cat and then moved on. Then another one came and kept vigil. Then another.

I'm not a vet, but I would say to honor these last days as you might for the passing of a beloved elder in the family. It can be sacred time. Sit with her and stroke her. As best you can let the atmosphere around her be soothing. If you can fix her a bed by a window so she can see the outdoors, do so. I would not take her to be euthanized unless it is clear to you that she is always agitated, is breathing exceptionally hard...panting...or if you are simply too emotionally distraught in seeing her.

You are both in my prayers.

My cat has a problem. I am an only child, an only grandchild, and have had Jellybean since I was 10 years old. She has renal disease at the age of 18. I've never lost a loved one, with the exception of my father when I was 5. Jellybean is not eating, bathing herself, and her canines have fallen out, despite sub-cutaneous treatment. She is now experiencing an inability to walk with her rear right paw.
My question is, how do I know when she is suffering? How can I cope with this? Do I euthanize her?
Someone please help me.

beanie

It's so true!!! WE are in good company, those who have lost beloved pets we consider our children!!! Poetry.com is place that published one of my poems, of course they wanted me to buy the book afterwards, but at least it is published. I wish you much luck in the grieving process. Keep writing, it helps!!!
Sheri :)

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my heartfelt sympathies go out to all on this site!! we all seem to be in good company. we are goodhearted, loving people that have lost someone so dear to us. i too lost my baby blacky on the 8th sept. he was 13. it hurts so much that i feel sick at my stomach. very few people that you think are your friends want to talk to you about this. so you somethimes feel so alone in your grief. i have heard it said that THROUGH ADVERSITY YOU FIND OUT WHO YOUR REAL FRIENDS ARE~ and i believe it to be true. also can anyone answer my question about the death of a pet? do you believe that the sudden death of a pet has a distinctive purpose or is it just something that happens?? and last but not least i have begun to compose some poetry in memory of my beloved blacky.any ideas on wher and how to get them published?? everyone that i let read them think they are real goo, but i would like a professional opinion!!

Thank you Darlene,

Dear Maria:
   
  My heart aches for you but know that he is at the Rainbow Bridge watching over you. He knows how much he meant to you and that you love him
  Fondly, Darlene

QuickTopic daily digest <qtopic+22-c6bs47VU3wk@quicktopic.com> wrote:


Darlene
< replied-to message removed by QT >

Sam's Mom, thanks for sharing your story about Sam, Sebastian and Zoe. It is both heartbreaking and comforting. You are right, many can not understand the depth of our relationships with our pets. I am so glad to have found this place and people that understand this deep pain and grief. I still can't believe Buddy is gone. We live on a farm. My sons buried Buddy behind the house next to the pond he used to love to swim in. Everytime I look out the window I see his grave and start crying again. I know the time I had with him was a great blessing. He brought us so much joy. My sister was very supportive, she went through this a few times herself since she had pets all her life. Her advice was to get another dog soon, not as a replacement for Buddy nobody ever will replace him but to get a new friend that may help ease my grief. I didn't want to think about getting another dog it feels so disloyal to Buddy but reading your story, I am beginning to consider it.
God bless!

The people here are just the best...thank you all!

Marie and those grieving. I lost my 15 year old samoyed Sam to cancer on December 12, 2005. I still remember holding her head while they injected the shot. That is the hardest, waiting for her to open her eyes and look at me again. As many of you my grief was uncontrolable for days. I was unable to go home the next morning after laying her down. Knowing that her body was at the vets and the vet only a block away, I even walked to the vets in the middle of the night, sat beside the building wall and cried. After bringing the girls to school, knowing the house would be empty I decided to take a drive out to the farm of our vetrinary assistant. Many dogs, cats, cows, and horses. There were eight little rat terrier puppies in the barn. I held these little babes in my down jacket for hours and cried in the hay loft. The mother was not interested in nursing any longer and the runt was so small and unable to make it safely to the kibble let alone eat it. Weighing only one pound, I just could not leave her there in our below freezing temperatures. She slept in may jacket by my heart the whole way home. I would never have thought I could buy another dog the next day and initially felt somewhat guilty. However my Zoe is the sweetest, cuddliest, and loving companion. Everyday when she goes outside, she rolls around constantly out front under the tree where Sam would lay the last months of her life. I believe that Sammy brought her to me because I never could have gone on without diverting my attention from my insurmountable grief. I had spent the last two months constantly caring for her and her cancer, I didn't know what to do. I know that Sammy is here with us every day. You see Sammy was the calmest animal in the world. When we first adopted Sebastian the cat, Sammy would not tolerate her teasing playful nature. She taught Sebastian to be mild mannered as well. Our vet continues to be amazed by Zoe's calm nature for what is in general an extremely wild and hyper dog. He has been treating her parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters for several generations. Although I lost my Sammy, I believe I still have a part of her in Sebastian and Zoe past down from pet to pet. I have Sam's ashes and will take them with me when I move. I don't believe that many can understand the depth of our relationships with our pets. Don't be so hard on yourself, you were both blessed to have been together. Blessings and prayers.

My 3 year old german shepherd Buddy got run over by a truck yesterday while I was at work. My son had to put him down. I am devastated. Cried all night. I went to work today and couldn't tell anyone. Buddy and I were so close. I couldn't wait to get home from work every day to see Buddy. We went for long walks together every weekend. His favorite toy was a tennis ball. He loved icecream and hot dogs. I hate to go home today.

You're welcome, Donna. I know how hard it is!!!! This web site helped me through the start of my grieving and continues to help through my communications here. If you haven't already, you should print The Rainbow Bridge poem and keep it in sight!!!
God be with you,
Sheri Williams

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thank you!

Thank you, Sheri. I needed to hear that.

Donna Parks

I'm sorry for the loss of Paul!!! One year ago June, I lost my Precious Persian kitty of 18 years! I understand the feelings of loss and I know that she is there waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge. God would not give us such a treasure here on earth if we could not re-connect in heaven! Have faith and know he is waiting for you!!
Sheri

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Donna, I'm glad you found your way here. As you can see, we've all been through it, and we all know that the bond we shared was too deep to be broken by death. Love is eternal and you will be with Paul again one day. But I know it sure does hurt in the meantime. Take time for yourself to grieve. We are all praying for you.

I lost my most beautiful friend last night; my boxer, Paul of 15 years. If he did not go to Heaven, then I do not want to go. Surely, our most precious babies go to Heaven. DonnaGuytonParks@Hughes.net.

Hi Garsom: Bentley and I will say a very special prayer for you tonight, Please know that your Furbaby is playing with all the otehrs that have gone before him at the Rainbow Bridge. My Oscar Myer had to go there Three years ago this past May. They know how much we love them and that they will always be in our hearts and in our heads.

Alisa I will pray for you as well. I believe we are feeling the same emotions right now and it is so painful. One thing has made me smile though. I bet Gaia and Chance are playing together right now. God Bless.

I also lost my dog on Wednesday. He was a shihtzu samed Chance. He had a good long life for a dog. But, he had a heart condition. He loved music. My husband plays in the Praise and Worship group at our church, and Chance loved to be by his side when he was practicing music. He loved oranges, and to eat fish. He had about 20 nick names, like feathers, Handsome Harry, and a host of others. I see him all over the house. We have another dog, who seems to miss him to. I cried for a straight 24 hours, my eyes looked like a prize fighter. The Lord led me to Eccl. chapter 3 yesterday. That really helped me. I prayed for God to comfort me and my family, and He truly has. I believe Chance is in heaven, and waiting for us when our time comes. He was special, really special. I told him the day he left us it's ok to go and be with Jesus now. My grief is very deep, I feel like my guts have been ripped out. It doesn't help me to know it was Chances time to go, I know that, but, it still hurts so very much. My prayers to all of you who have lost a special someone. I love you Chance, and always will. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>

Our dog, Gaia passed away today. I am so very sad and my heart hurts.

Gaia was the sweetest animal. He had the kindest, most gentle soul. Gaia truly was a gift from God.

What is so hard is that we were not able to say goodbye. Gaia had been at the vet's since Tuesday. They were trying to find out what was wrong with him. Today they found out. While in surgery, they found three masses in his intestine. They had to end it right then and there. No goodbyes, no hugs. He didn't deserve that. He was special and I truly mean that.

I always used to scoff at those who lost their pets and acted as though someone in their family had died. I will never do that again. I feel the hurt and I would not wish this on my worst enemy.

I love you Gaia. You are an amazing dog. I can feel your spirit and I thank you and God for that. People wonder if there is a heaven. Having you bless my life, I have no doubt. I love you.

Oh, I am so sorry. It is literally a heart-breaking time. Give yourself time to grieve. I cried myself to sleep for three months when Grace died last year. It will get better...hang on to that. But it will be awhile. My prayers are with you.

My doggie has passed. I love you Gaia. Lots.

So my seven-year-old goldern retriever, Gaia is very sick. He has been at the vet's since Tuesday and they are doing an ultrasound this morning. They think it is probably gastrointestinal lymphoma. I love my dog so much. I feel like a member of my family is very sick and it's because he is. I knew I loved Gaia, I guess I just never realized how powerful my love for him is. Please pray for him. He is such a sweet dog, with the kindest most loving spirit. My heart hurts so much...

"Mad Cows and Mad Pigs and Mad Fish say it is not 'you are what you eat' but
that we become whom we eat."

"The poor cows froze
neglected in a blizzard
They dug them up
and ate their gizzards."

"those who
serially eat cadavers
with impunity
find ecoli fat and uric acid
eat away their immunity
eat the fruit of light
to increase spirit unity
eat nonviolent food
to help the community


http://www.pcrm.org."

"The death rate went down when doctors struck in LA
and the death rate will go down because killer vaccines are not available."

"Those who get flu shots are sheep being programmed
into poisoning themselves.. for the benefit of
multinational pharmaceutical pricegougers."

"Aquila non captat muscas.
The eagle does not catch flies.....
no... he eats cadavers."

"Some eat the hot dog corpse without the coffin bun
This saves them from styrofoam glue but not
the nitrosamine carcinogens formed when sodium nitrate
red dye combines with amino acids."

"Fruit stands abound in NYC but not
as much as the portable toilets called hot dog stands."

"When hunters shoot each other after tripping in a pool
chromosomes of the cruel are removed from the gene pool."

"The best landlord is one who
does not evict human beings
or squirrels and birds from
apartments or trees."

Ditto!!! :)

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############################################################## < replied-to message removed by QT >

thank you all so much for the comforting words...i have to tell you that me being able to come here has been a part of my healing...i finally do feel some peace and yes...i am convinced that i will see my precious pet again one day...and the newest member of our family, Gracie...well, she and i have begun to enjoy our relationship...isn't God good? It is only through God's grace that i have been able to love again...why i named the new dog Grace...to remind me that God is good. i pray for this website and may all who enter be refreshed as i was. Until next time...God bless.

... nothing seems to help... and nothing will help, my little dog, Benji, died 2 yrs ago, and I still cry every time I think about him... but in response to your comment, how do you picture heaven???? do you think there are no pets in heaven??? God made all the animals, and because they are so pure hearted, they go to heaven as soon as they die. so don't worry and try not to cry, because your little Jazmin is always by your side, only you can't see her.

I'm sorry to hear about yor loss, but I just wanted to remind you that you haven't, we haven't lost anything, becasue our pets are still around us, their love still lives, is only the body that dies, but the soul never does.

thank you for your kind words. here is a follow up. i know God answers prayers...mine and those who prayed with and for me. last night i slept on the floor of my office because i couldn't bear to go upstairs where my precious would have been with me. as i lay sobbing, a warm peace came over me and i was overwhelmed in one second with information. the information was this. "I have given you the gift of love and you shared that with Jasmine...she has gone but your gift has not. I still expect you to use your gift." although another dog was the last thing i wanted or even wanted to think about (as i had determined never to put myself through that again!), God showed me a higher way. so, this morning, dragging my feet i might add, i went to my local shelter and rescued an adult dog who might not have the chance to have a home. there were a few pups i would have liked to have, but i knew my mission. so i adopted a two year old chihuahua mix and named her Grace to honor the grace of God which he bestowed on me and to become a living memorial to my Jasmine. Grace is running around scared and lonely at the moment (she attached to the shelter lady) but i know she will adjust as will i. when i look at her she is a constant reminder of the grace of God and that she was maybe spared an unpleasant fate because of it. May anyone who reads this and may be going through what i am be filled with the grace of God. There's enough to go around. thanks to you who responded with loving support. i will keep you in my prayers.

I'm so very sorry to hear of your losing Jasmine. She sounds like a wonderful dog! When I lost my Precious kitty of 18 years, I felt
devastated just as you! That was 10 months ago. I still miss her
greatly, but I know that she is not suffering and that is some comfort. My mother, a wise woman with two Master's degrees, told me once that she believed that we give our pets souls. By loving them and looking into their eyes, she thinks they are given souls and that we will see our lost beloved pets in heaven. I can't believe that God would not want us to be happy with our pets that showed us so much love while they were here on earth.

Keep talking, grieving, crying, etc.... It all helps. The pain is great, but all we can do is feel it, all of it, and move on. I wish you luck in the future and no matter what....DON'T BLAME YOURSELF!!!~

Sincerely,
Sheri

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Ruth, What a heart-wrenching story. I'm so so sorry. As a Christian, I believe the Biblical witness that "God is love" (1 John 4:8) and Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 13 that "Love never ends." When we participate in love, we create an eternal relationship because we have brought God into it. I believe that in a very real sense, love saves.

You shared love with Jasmine and that love, by definition, cannot die. Both her love and your love go on forever. You will see her again just as you will again see your human loved ones.

That said, it is still an enormously difficult loss. Be sure to give yourself time and space to grieve. Light a candle for her. Say a prayer. Remember the fun times, just as you would at a human funeral, and thank God for the time you did have with her. Those rituals, both formal and informal, have a healing purpose.

My prayers are with you as are those of others who read this page. As you look down, many have been where you are. You are not alone.

I haven't eaten for two days now...we buried my little rat terrier, Jasmine, yesterday morning. She was my hairy, four-legged child. I am fortunate in that some of my two-legged children have, over the past two days, have either come by or spent time with me online during my deep grieving process. Yet, nothing seems to help. I am hoping that by sharing my story it will help.

I got Jasmine when she was only a month old and she had been with me almost six years. I have always been diligent in watching over her except one time. One time was all it took.

Our apartment is above the store we run and is hotter than downstairs, so when little Jazzy (one of her nicknames)went downstairs I didn't think anything of it. My husband was down there with his dog, Jack. I figured she was just too hot upstairs. I knew the back door was open but didn't think anything of it because she NEVER has gone outside before, even with the door open. When my husband came up to bed, she didn't come with him so I went downstairs to get her as I so often had to do in the past. I panicked when she wasn't to be found. I opened the back door (my husband had shut it before he came up) and called her name. No response. My husband came downstairs and went outside to look for her.

I watched as my husband made his way accross the parking lot, and for a split second I felt relief because I could see he was carrying her back. Then, through the glass door I could hear him crying...that's when I knew. Needless to say...well, it's been hell on earth since. I think my problem is that as a Christian I know that with humans, if they've accepted redemption, I will see them again. I just don't know about animals, especially the ones we've loved, and that's what's eating my heart to pieces. Any comments would be appreciated.

As it turns out, I had to put Sammy down on December 12, 2006. My children and I were able to hold her through the entire process. The hard part was that she looked as though she was sleeping however, her usual lift of the head to gaze at me didn't come when I got up. My grief was unspeakable, so that I knew the next morning I would be unable to return home by myself after bringing the kids to school. My vet's assistant's family has a farm and their toy fox terrier's had pups six weeks prior. Instead of going home, I drove around and decided to drive out there and hold their pups for my own comfort, my plan was not another dog since I still believe that my Sammy cannot be replaced. Well the story continues. There was the runt that I knew would not survive the extreme cold we were having and decided she was better off with me.

We do now have Zoe and she is a doll. I do not even begin to transfer who Sam was and her memory. However, Zoe is another stage of my life as well. She goes with me everywhere being only 1.5 lbs when we got her and now about 5 lbs. at five months old. Well it does not end here. I could not bring myself to pick up Sam's ashes, it was just tooooooo hard. About a month ago my cat Sebastian (Sam's dearest friend in deep depression since her passing), nearly died on me. The vet still does not know how he survived but I do. By accident I put Sam's flea medicine (60 lb Dog) on the cat. The next morning she was having grand maul seizures and had been seizing the entire night via my daughter. She thought in her sleep that Sebastian was "dreaming" like Sam used to only this was worse. I brought him to the Vet's and he was not at all optimistic about his recovery. Generally he stated they are dead within four to six hours and with this dosage he was no very positive. They placed him on ativan and another drug along with numerous IV's while he continued to seize through the day. We visited several times and this was not my cat. However the next morning, I got a call from the Vet saying they had a new cat and he wanted to go home. I believe that Sam said no to Sebastian and sent him back. Sam was in need of rest and relaxation, not ready for Bas to come to the rainbow bridge. You see, I had left Sam's ashes there at the vets. It seems that they were in a cupboard right above Bas's kennel at the vet's. So on that day, we took Sebastian home and Sam. Sebastian snifes the urn with Sam's ashes all the time and get upset when it is open and he can really seem to feel Sam' presence. Sebastian, who quit sleeping in my room after Sam's death is now back on the bed and next to Sam's ashes on the night stand. He also now lays on the floor next to the bathroom in the mornings when the family gets ready for the day.

I know, I'm weird, but although her passing still brings me to tears, I know Sammy is watching us everyday.

Mina

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. It brings tears to my eyes!!! There is no easy way to let go. Hind sight is always better!!! You offered your kitty the most love possible by letting her ailing body pass. She is now waiting comfortably and happy for you at the Rainbow Bridge!!! Go ahead and feel all of your feelings, read on grief and pet loss, talk to others, write a letter to Pumpkin, do all you can to get your feelings out!!! It's hard but the pain will lessen, eventually! You did all you could do! I felt the same when I put my Precious girl down. It hurts, still does, but I know she's in a better place! Good luck and God bless!!!
Sheri

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I am so distraught and lost, I had just put my beautiful baby Pumpkin cat to sleep. I feel so consumed with guilt. She was only 6 years old and had bleeding and pain, she needed an operation which I couldn't afford so I felt like she needed to be put out of her misery. The Vet never offered to let me hold her so she passeed a way without me. I buried her body in a beautiful spot by the mountain and stream.
I miss my little pink nosed baby. How can I deal with the guilt and loss?

Maybe some of you have seen this, but I thought it would be a help to those here who are grieving...

Subject: Dogs & Life - As told by a vet

Dogs & Life

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish
Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their
little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping
for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying. I told the family there were no
miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure
for the
old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they
thought it would be good for the four-year-old Shane to observe the
procedure.
They felt as though Shane
might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's
family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the
last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a
few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to
accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.

We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud
about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next
stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good
life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The
four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so
they don't have to stay as long."

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to
God.

Thank you for the info!!!
I will pass it on to all my friends!!!
Sheri

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Someone just wrote and made me aware of this...

Make sure dog eating stays illegal in the Philippines!
Dear Friends of Animals Asia,

With the new Year of the Dog just beginning, we need your help.....

Our longtime friends and Dr. Dog partners, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), urgently need your support. Dog eating was abolished in the Philippines in 1998 under the Animal Welfare Act, however, there are now plans underway to legalise it in one province. If this resolution passes it will spell disaster not only for dogs in the Philippines, but right throughout Asia.

Please visit:
http://www.animalsasia.org/index.php?module=3&menupos=8&lg=en
where you will find information on how and where to send your protest letter.

Dogs in Asia desperately need your voice - please, please take the time to write a letter. We believe that with enough letters this horrendous resolution will be defeated.

Warmest wishes,
Jill
Jill Robinson MBE
Founder & CEO
Animals Asia Foundation

Mina,
I'm sorry to hear that you Samoyed is ill. Watching a pet suffer is tramatic and making that final decision is also. Once you do, though, your sweet pet will no longer suffer and finally be at ease. Finding this site was the best thing you could do. Finding others who have been through similar experiences helps, sharing your experiences helps, reading about grief helps, and creating a memorial helps. Nothing will make the pain go away, but all of this and time will lesson your grief! My thoughts are with you!
Sheri

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well first of all put your self in your pets shoes, If I were you I would put her to sleep, not only because it would be better for her, but also for you and your son. How do you guys feel when you see her in pain??? and isn't it painful that she totally depends on you?? she can't eat by herself, can hardly walk... and she knows you are suffering as well. isn't it sad to see your once happy healthy active pet now in pain just waiting to die, because she is not going to get better, and worst of all she may even get worst. besides what do you think she does when she is home alone while you are at work and your son at school??? I bet she cries all day until someone comes to keep her company. Plus is only the body that dies, the soul leaves forever, your pet will understand and she will know that you did what you did because you loved her and hurt to see her like this.

Mina,

What a terrible struggle it is watching a pet suffer and trying to make that decision! Did the vet give a time-frame for her remaining life? Is her further decline now from the cancer or from the extensive surgery? Like an old person, an old dog probably takes a good long time to recover from major surgery. Is she on pain meds?

I would say that if you're not sure, it's not yet time. When you have the sense that she is just toughing out life for you, then it's time. When I put Grace down, it was obvious she wasn't going to live another 24 hours and that those 24 hours were going to be full of pain and suffering. I couldn't let her go through that. And I couldn't go through that. I saw her, and I knew. I think you will, too.

I have a 15 year old samoyed who is terminally ill. I just cannot handle making the decision to put her asleep. She had what I thought was a cut under the pad of her paw. While I gave her the neccessary cleaning and bandaging, it just would not heal. As it turns out, it was cancer. Our vet did extensive surgery which included a great deal of scraping. My son and I spoke about having the leg amputated however, at fifteen and already suffering from hip displasia were we going to do this for Sam or ourselves? I have watched and nursed Sam now for nearly 3.5 weeks. She barely eats unless I give it to her and then it is still minimal. She drinks well and potties outside if we take her out. It seems that when I make the choice to put her down she comes back with a vengence. Tuesday upon my late return from Chicago, she was up on all fours waging her tail and delighted to see me. However, I know she must be in pain. Her entire leg from the mid joint on down is ulcering from the cancer. Please help me make this decision. I'm driving myself crazy.

My email;
sawilliams@fortosage.net

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Dear Etta,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss! Like many others, you have found this web site which can be of much help surviving the pain of your loss. Keep searching this site. It has lots of things to assist in grieving; poems, information on the grieving process, and memorial pages. I understand your feelings. Last February, I found out that my Persian, black, kitty named Precious, had an enlarged heart. I could not bring myself to put her to sleep, even though they said she would probably not get better. I'd had her for 18 years, half my life, and I just couldn't do it. I took her home, bought medicine (which made her choke, twice a day) and four months later witness a paralyzing episode for her. I gave her the medicine as quickly as I could and knew then, that it was time. I still waited a day and a half, not really paying her much attention. I was denying the fact that I knew was true. On Monday, June 6, after work I took her to the vet. He let me listen to her lungs, which sounded awful. I held her head looking away while they injected the life-ending shot. It was awful! I was so depressed and feeling so guilty. I, of course, look back now and feel guilty for little things. I loved her sooo much! I'm sorry for her last days! She was suffering. The good part is that her suffering is over now! It will be 6 months Dec. 6 and I wanted to do something. I know where her ashes were spread and it's a beautiful place. With a large hill, pond, beautiful scenery.
Anyway, now you have given me an opportunity to release more grief. Thank you for listening.
I hope reading what I've been through will somehow help you! Feel free to email me again!
I'm sorry for your loss! Your grief will get more bareable!
Sincerely,
Sheri

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Etta,

It is always so hard to lose one we love, and when it comes unexpectedly that can be even harder. My dog, Grace, went from being fine to dead in less than a week. It's normal to feel guilty, even when we're really not.

I know the pain. It is terrible. It will lessen in time, but there are a lot of tears in the meantime. Be sure to give yourself some time and space for grieving. So many people don't understand what a huge loss it is.

It's probably especially hard since you recently moved. That was the same for me. I moved here in July and Grace died in August. So many of my supports were gone. I'm glad you reached out, and I will hold you in prayer.

Hello. My name is Etta. I was searching the web for someone to talk to. I recently moved to another state. My pet cat Black was put to sleep last night at 8:30. He had severe heart disease. We did not know until three weeks ago. I cannot stop crying. I feel guilty. I always took him to the vet for his shots and was checked out before we moved. It was not discovered. I loved him so much and I feel so lost without him. I am in pain.

Hey how are you? My name is Brian. I'm writing to you because I kind of made it my goal to pass on a great learning experience for me. I recently lost my dog cause i left my front door opened. When that happened i really didnt know what to do. After hours of frantic searching i got a call from PetReach.com telling me that my neighbor had found my cocker spaniel. I owe it to Petreach.com and to all pet owners to pass on this. www.petreach.com

I really appreciate the messages people send me.I'm
not the only one who feels so much pain right now.
  I'm hoping Lacy will be fine. She was with us when
we buried Duffy. In fact she laid next to him while we
were bringing him to his spot to be buried and while
we dug his grave she sat right next to him. I really
think animals know when something is wrong. She
stayed close to him last week when he got sick. We've
been giving her extra attention this weekend. She also
has two kitties to keep her company too. Someday
though, we will look for a new companion for her.

--- QT - Sheri <qtopic+22-c6bs47VU3wk@quicktopic.com>
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Yahoo! FareChase: Search multiple travel sites in one click.
http://farechase.yahoo.com
< replied-to message removed by QT >

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss of Duffy! I know the sadness you feel about losing "one" of your beloved pets. I have been so sad about the loss of my Precious, 18 year old Persian, and I was worried about my other sweet kitty, Sparkles. Sparkles has been fine and even getting more love and attention. Sharing your grief on this site and with others is the best way I can suggest to getting through this time of pain.

Edited by author 11-06-2005 02:51 PM
The time of grief is terribly hard. It will be hard for you and also for Lacy. Give her some extra attention, she will grieve as well. Did she get to see Duffy before he was buried? That often helps a dog who is left behind to understand what happened.

I don't know if I can say "how" you'll know it's time to get a new dog, but it is my experience that you will know. My Grace died in August and when I found myself forging relationships with the spiders in the bathroom (no other animals or family here), I knew it was time. But even with that, I still haven't found the right one.

The pain is terrible, and I still miss her so, but there will come a time when there is room for another...not a replacement, but an additional joy.

My heart and prayers go out to you and to all those who share their heartache here.

We lost our beloved sheltie "Duffy" yesterday. (November 4)He had been sick for awhile and it was time to put him down. We've had him for almost 13 years now. It was hard waking up this morning and not putting down two bowls of food...One for his sister Lacy and one for him. I'm so glad we still have lacy. It was a hard day today without him. We did bury him. I know he's not in pain anymore and he's somewhere special. I have this ache that will not go away at all... I know the pain will lessen, but it seems like it will take forever. What will happen to Lacy when we go back to work on Monday. that is what bothers me the most. She'll be alone...(except for the 2 cats). I just don't want her to be lonely. She's never been without Duffy. I know someday we want to get another dog...When do you know when it's time? Thanks for letting me write this. It just feels good to talk about it. Mardie

I'm so sorry to hear of your sad news! On June 6, I also lost my beloved pet. She was a black persian named Precious! She was 18 and with me for half of my life. It was so very hard to make that hard decision to put her to rest. I still have moments when I am anguished with pain of the loss, but I'm making it. I know she is resting peacefully, happy, and waiting to see me again! Your pain will not go away, but it will lessen and lessen with the passing days, weeks, and months. I cried steadily for 2 weeks, daily for a month, weekly for 3, and am just now finding myself only weeping occasionally. I know no other will replace your Pookie, but reaching out to animals you see, or visiting with other pet owners, and of course checking out all the resources at this web site really helped me. I wish you luck in your recovery. I'm very sorry for your loss. THe pain will ease in time! Good luck,
Sheri Williams

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Yes, I can tell you from personal experience, that the pain will slowly go away. I was in so much pain my heart actually hurt, then I was in pain but more accepting, now I am at a place where I am sad but now remembering the good things about my little cat and I can laugh about her and appreciate her. I still get a lump in my throat but I can laugh about her too, and I know I provided a good home for my quirky little cat.
QuickTopic daily digest wrote:

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Tara,

I completely understand. It's been a month now since I lost Grace unexpectedly and a part of me is truly missing. I did pick up a lot of things relatively quickly, just to get that part over with. Her leash, collar, and toys are in a bag in a closet. I moved her beds into one place and washed them. A good friend went with me the first time I walked the streets where we used to walk, and that helped.

It took me a long time to vacuum. I didn't want to take up the last physical presence of her fur in the carpet. It is still a bittersweet moment when I find some still lying around.

But the pain now is not as intense as it was. I let myself cry a lot, and still do, but those wracking moments come less frequently now. It's kind of like draining a wound.

I know she is with me, and I talk to her sometimes. That helps.

Anyway, I am so sorry that you lost your dear Pookie. I do know how it feels, and it isn't pretty. But it will lessen in time to a point where you're not always losing it. Just remember he is there with you, and there will come a day when you can be with him again.

God bless...

I recently lost my 10 year old Pomerian Pookie very unexpectedly and I feel like my heart has been ripped out of my body.Reading all your posts is helping a bit because i see i am not alone in this, but i lost my best friend and dont know how to deal with it. I would give anything to see him again. he was truly one of a kind and we shared such a unique bond.I can still feel him with me,can feel his breath on my face and see his eyes looking at me. Will this pain subside?I look at his leash and his food and lose it. This pain cannot be described in words.

Thank you all for your kind words.

As a reminder...there is incredible animal-related trauma in the wake of hurricane Katrina. People are being separated from their pets, if the pets even made it through the storm alive. Other wild animals are dead, displaced, injured, and traumatized.

In addition to money I gave for human aid through my denomination, in memory of Grace, I also made a contribution to the Humane Society's efforts to rescue animals left in Katrina's wake. Please consider doing the same. You can make contributions through their website at www.hsus.org.

Anne I am so sorry for your loss ! You were comfort to me two weeks ago when I faced that same agony over such a hard decision. Grace looks like a beautiful girl, you two were so lucky to have found each other, weren't you? What a blessing you were for each other. I will be remembering you in my daily prayers, as God brings us both to comfort. May the empty space in your heart, be filled with the love Grace had for you, and with the sympathy of us who care about you.

I'm sorry to hear of your loss! I know how painful it is! I lost my Precious kitty in June. She was 18! I created a tribute to her you can see!That was so painful. Doing your memorial page and talkig about it will help you through. Remember The Rainbow Bridge!

My heart goes out to you!

I'm so sorry on your loss, Anne. I took a look at your site and your wonderful pictures of Grace. What a beautiful dog, and what a lucky dog he was to have such a loving and spiritual caretaker. I was just talking with an acquaintance who lost her cat the same time I lost mine, and though we both have another cat and adore them, we still miss our little departed friends, though now at least I can laugh about her little quirky habits she had. To me they are like people, so individual.

I still have the message you wrote pinned on my bulletin board with a picture of my cat.

Grace had a full and truly blessed life with you.

Alas, my turn has finally come. With a sudden and severe illness, my dear Grace began to calcify from the inside out. I gave her back to God yesterday. She was 12. There's a memorial page for her at www.annerobertson.com/memory.html. How I miss her...

I have read the article by George Will.

I am a liberal, a very liberal liberal indeed. But the sentiments expressed by conservative George Will are my sentiments also. Thanks be to God for people like him.

To add to the thread about humane farming, here's a newsweek article by George Will that speaks to the topic.

 
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8525632/site/newsweek/

We are told to lay up treasure for ourselves in Heaven.What
is this treasure? We are also told "Where your treasure is,
there will your heart be also." If our heavenly reward could be something like a garden or a fancy house, why
couldn't it include animals we have taken in as pets?

Mary, you are wrong... Your little Belle is always there when you come home, and not only that, but she is also with you while you are at work. She is a spirit now, pets don't reincarnate because they are so pure hearted that they don't need to come back to earth again. and when You die, she will be the first one to greet you. It hurts so bad because in a way you feel guilty, but it wasn't your fault, if you would've known that she was gonna get hit by that car you wouldn't have hit her, right??? so don't blame yourself you hit her for whaterver reazon but not for her to die, so don't blame yourself because she isn't blaming you, as a matter of fact she knows how much you love her, and she is always with you. I used to blame my self for the death of my precious dog benji, he had made a hole in the yard and " I didn't have time to close that damned hole" so i left and he decided to go around the block, well he was running and he got out of breath and he sufocated and died. We all have our time to go, and that was his, just llike it was belle's she got hit by car that's how she was supposed to die.
< replied-to message removed by QT >

I think it is harder because it was a tragic accident. I found it helped me to be around other people and make an effort to do things, both for myself and others. I took a class, which helped me focus on something else, and talked to a lot of people. Maybe getting involved helping others in some small way will help your perspective a little, when you're ready.


QuickTopic daily digest wrote:

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Thank You all for your replies. My Belle was young,she was a little over 3. I can't understand why it hurts so much. I have put 2 prior dogs down because of old age but this one is ripping my heart out.I loved her so much,she was with me where ever I was. My hardest time is when I come home from work and she is not at the door to greet me smiling. I really don't know what I'm going to do

I got some relief when I got a simple book on grief for a person who dies....It is the same kind of thing...Death is death, no matter who dies...Of course, you have these idiots that say "it's only a dog, cat, etc." I used to be one of the idiots until I found such love with pets...You just have to ignor them because they are stupid.

jada

Hi Mary:
My heart aches for you but your furbay is at the bridge playing with his new friends and my Wee Oscar. He knows it was an accidnet, because he knows how much love him and would never do anything to hurt him. There is a wonderful book called the Loss of a Pet, written by Dr. Wallace Sife, try and get it at a library. Yake care, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

I'm soooo very sorry! I'm sure it is extremely difficult for you, dealing with the loss of your dog! My Grandpa did the same thing to their dog, Buffy, years ago. Was your dog older? Sometimes they begin to not be able to track the scene to be able to keep themselves safe. It is not your fault. You didn't mean for that to happen. Belle was lucky to have you to take care of them and you were lucky too. Time will help. When I put my kitty to sleep, Precious, 2 weeks ago, today, I created a Memorial Page, cried every day for a week, found out where her ashes were spread, and went to the cemetery. In all of these sad ways, I got the majority of my grief out! I feel better, have accepted losing her, and have started remembering the fun, happy, and good memories I have with her.
I hope some of these thoughts will help you with your major sadness.
Oh, yeah, one more thing that is helping me....................prayer!!! :)

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From: QT - Mary [1]
Sent: Sun 6/19/2005 12:25 PM
To: QT topic subscribers
Subject: Pets



< replied-to message removed by QT >

Thank you but you have the wrong email! I recently had to put my kitty to sleep so I was on PEt Loss and Grief sites. Perhaps that's how you got my email.
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From: QT - Eileen [1]
Sent: Mon 6/20/2005 2:25 AM
To: QT topic subscribers
Subject: Pets



< replied-to message removed by QT >

Mary,

I'm so sorry about the loss of your dog. You did not kill her, the car did. Your hitting her was not intentional. People die every day in car accidents that were completely unintentional. It was a tragic accident and they happen all the time. That does not mean the people involved were killers. It was a terrible tragedy and guilt and blaming I think are part of the grieving process. When my cat died I spent a lot of my time blaming myself for not bringing her in sooner, for going on vacation when she was apparently sick, in fact I even felt some anger at her for being sick and not being able to tell me. I tried to figure out what I could have done, as I'm sure you're driving yourself crazy doing now. Did I take perfect care of my cats? No. I'm not perfect. Did I take good care of them? I firmly believe so. My cat who is still alive has had seizures through my not recognizing her low blood sugar soon enough. I did not do that on purpose, I made some mistakes and lacked information. We are only human and we make mistakes. I totally understand your feelings of desperation, Mary, I felt that way after my cat died too. When I read that all the guilt and blame were part of a grieving process, it somehow made it easier for me to accept and understand my feelings of grief. That was in January, and I still feel sad about it, but I no longer blame myself. I hope you can realize that you are a good person who is only human and makes mistakes and instead of dwelling on blaming yourself, try to give yourself a break and realize how much you cared for her. Most animals don't even get the benefit of a caring home.

Eileen


QuickTopic daily digest wrote:

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It was an accident, you didn't mean to.....I'm sure that if you could bring her back you would... We must forgive ourselves, because if we don't we get sick, and sicker...Maybe we think we deserve to, and I surely think that about me, (I've done things I wich I hadn't), but it won't bring back our babies will it? We must move on and learn from our mistakes..If you want to e-mail me, I am at:

sallyjones000@aol.com

jada

I don't know how to cope with the loss of my pet dog Belle I ran over her last friday night by accident and she died as a result. I worried everyday about her and then I'm the one who killed her. Please if anyone could help me I'm desperate Thanks

Happy Birthday Benji!

I printed out SpiritSong's original message to me with a picture of T-Shirt and I have it up on my bulletin board -- I had put away all pictures of her, but now I can look at them again. I am also trying to remember that the animals we take care of already are blessed -- think of all the mistreated and stray animals there are out there. When I think of that, it makes me see that T-Shirt's life was a pretty good one. I also gave my other cat Daisy extra attention because I'm grateful she's still alive, she's 15 and diabetic for 4 years, and has had a tumor on her cheek removed, so far everything's going well. That's true, what would heaven be without our beloved animal friends? :)
I would say to us all, even though we miss our animal friends, to remember that they were lucky to have our love and care!

Eileen


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Dear Stefanie, I just want you to know that animals have souls, therefore they are eternal, just like us. is only the body that dies, the spirit never dies, so even thought you cannot see your cat, she can see you. And you know what's the advantage of having a pet in heaven?? that now since they are angels, they understand everything you tell them instead of just blah-blah-blah... so, don't say that she WAS your best friend, you can say she IS your best friend, because believe or not she is always with you.
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I just want to remind everyone that we are all eternal even our pets, is only the body that dies, the soul is eternal, and even thought we cannot see our loved ones, including pets, that have passed, they are always with us, and pets do go to heaven too, and we will be reunited when is our time to go, as a matter of fact, when we go the first ones to greet us will be our pets. just like when they were here on earth, remember how they used to get all happy when you got home and your spouse and even your kids had to wait their turn to say hello to you??? Hey what would be heaven without pets???
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so i guess it's "party month" the 12th was t-shirt's 14th b-day, and tomorrow is Benji's10th b-day. I'm kindda sad 'cause i won't be able to feel his wet nose on his b-day, but in the other hand he is here with me and at the same time celebrating and having fun with all his new friends in heaven. happy birthday my little stinky, my precious Benji. I love you, mom. and happy birthday to all the wonderful animals on the other side.
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Love, can it be selfish? Love, narrow and/or broad

The discussion forum on Anne’s web site listed started out with the following topics
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· Sermon Talk-Back
· Pets and Animals
· General Discussions
· World Events


For a while the discussions in the world events section were real lively. Then one or two contributions turned somewhat controversial and later discussions stopped completely .And finally the topic was taken from the list.

The contributions for the “General Discussion “ section of the forum have also withered.

In the “Sermon Talk-Back” section not much is going on either .Only once in great while some one is moved to write something.

But in the “Pets and Animals” section” things are different. People freely share their grieves about the death of the beloved pets.

Helga and I delight in all of god’s creatures. On our fairly large property we have put up a dozen nesting boxes for birds and four feeding stations to helps the birds over the winter. To protect the local fauna and flora, we use neither herbicide , insecticide nor any chemicals fertilizer. We do not have no manicured lawns but actively promote great diversity in native plant life. We do whatever we can to provide habitat and food and respect the right to life for all of god’s creatures; all the way to the lowest insects.
For many years we had also pets; a dog, several cats and a lot of birds.
Helga and I went to a considerable extent to make their life enjoyable. We can honestly say that we treated and loved them as members of our family. Because of Helga’s severe allergy reaction, we have no longer have any pets. When our dog and our cats had died we did not replace them. And the last birds we had we had to give away to a loving family

  
Not withstanding all our love for animals - i.e. my love and Helga’s - the discussion forum with its various topics shines a light on our American society in general and also on the professed Christian section of our society in particular. I cannot help, but much of what it reveals is deeply disappointing. Here like in other places and other circumstances, it is not so much what is said or written which is so disappointing but what is not said or written. I have no qualms with the articles which have appeared in the forum – not at all. In most cases my/our sentiments run parallel to those expressed.



But if one ventures just a little outside the small circle of a person’s life and one encounters silence. In our world more than 20 Mill children die of malnutrition and preventable deceases every year. In some African countries 20 % or more of the population is infected with HIV. Our own president starts a war on false pretenses which so far has killed about 150 000 people and maimed untold others, destroyed a country ‘s infra structure and incited an insurrection with no end in sight. Our administration has given huge tax cuts to people who are already super rich but has ignored the plight of the poor and uninsured,. Two families, apparently in our own congregation, have incurred medical debts of 60 000 and even 200 000 dollars. because this rich country is unwilling to pass legislation to provide comprehensive medical insurance for all its citizens. All this and much more *) - and nobody is outraged enough to write about it in a forum for people who claim to be followers of Christ. The silence one encounters is the silence of a grave yard. I strongly feel, it is high time for conversion – not one a la Billy Graham which exhausts itself in shouting “Alleluya” and “ Praise the Lord” but a real conversion; a conversion of one’s heart, followed by a whole new approach how to live one’s life. Bemoaning what is inevitable and therefore cannot be changed is understandable but not a Christian virtue- heathen do that too.
   

Helmut and [and Helga who is not around but has gone to be with the grand kids]

*) like the never ending destruction of wild life habitat by more and more construction anywhere and everywhere.

Edited by author 05-20-2005 01:31 AM
Amen! :-) Thanks SpiritSong

Sorry for the loss of your cat..

jada

Stefanie,

I'm so sorry you lost your cat. You knew her almost your whole life, and that is very hard. Maybe someday you will have another cat, but in the meantime be sure to thank God for the seven years you had with your first cat and be kind to any other cat you meet in honor of her. I will say a prayer for you and your cat.

I am 11 and had a cat for 7 years. One day she left out of the house and never came back. I think she knew it was her time to gog so she did. ANd sh eran away to do it because she was my best fried and didnt want me to be in ain to see her die.

For Swix and for T-Shirt and all the other wonderful creatures of God mentioned here, a prayer of thanks. They give so much to us in their all-too-brief time here and are rewarded with God's love in return...first through us, and then directly by God when they move from body to spirit.

Thank you, God, for loving us through your creation and for our ability to receive that gift and to love in return. We are thankful that we have hearts that are able to be broken, rather than hearts of stone. Store up our tears and let them be showers of blessing to others. Amen.

I put my dear sweet kitty "Swix" to sleep on Tuesday May 10th. It was a hard decision, but the right one as she stopped eating and I could see she was in pain. It was bitter sweet and I know that she knew I loved her very much. Thank you all for the prayers and sweet words of encouragement and guidance. I will miss her very much, but there is a sweet spot in my heart that I know where her love will live on with me even though she is not physically here. I hope I see her in my dreams . . .

Yesterday was my cat's birthday, her name was T-Shirt. She would have been 14 yesterday but she died January 17th. I just wanted to do something to commemorate her birthday, she was such a sweet cat and had a heart of gold. She was the runt of the litter and kind of picked on by the other kittens, but always managed to nose her way to get enough milk and jump over the kittens picking on her. She was a scared little cat most of the time around strangers, but as she got older managed to become much more sociable and bold. She was picked on by the mother cat, but would often hold her own and fight back. I miss you sleeping on my head, T-Shirt, and I love you very much. Thank you for all the fun and laughs you gave me and for your lovely and amusing personality. If there is a kitty heaven, you are definitely there languishing in the sunshine. Happy birthday, sweetheart.

Love, Eileen

Edited by author 05-06-2005 06:04 PM
Several years ago I drove over the road and my wife and our four dogs traveled with me. One by one I had to put them down, my favorite "Puddles" I just couldn't. Everyday I miss her and told myself I would never again make my pet suffer. I now have two more Beagles, Puddles II and PJ II and one day I know they won't be around. I'm sure you love your "Swix" as much as I loved my "Puddles." The only thing I can tell you is this, it has to be right with you and you'll know when it is time. I'm also a Funeral Director and I see death all the time, there is nothing easy about it. I feel for you and hope that you'll have the guidance that you need. I keep the memory of my favorite alive with my Hot Air Balloon, named "PUDDLES" and I tell her story everywhere I go. Remember the good times, the 14 plus years together and how happy she has made you. That is important. I wish you all the best. James McKinney

I lost my dog star, april 5th....I would say the best time to put down a fur-baby is when they stop eating....Keeping them alive when they stop eating is just prolonging it....I ought to know, I kept my dog alive about a year by cooking, and the stress un unbearable, I would never ever do that again....I was so burnt out....So sorry about your pet.

Love, jada

My Kitty "Swix", 14 years old, has been diagnosed with bone cancer today in her jaw. It's already moved into her mouth. The vet said that it's aggressive and at this point there's nothing that can be done except switch her to soft foods and keep her comfortable with a baby aspirin every 3 days. I am so sad, and she is going downhill fast! I already miss her and she is still here. I don't want her to go, but I don't want her to suffer either. I love her so much! Please pray that I will know when to let her go and have her put to sleep. Also, please pray for the Lord to comfort me too, and that I won't get stuck in grief because that is so easy to do, and also because I'm prone to depression. I'm crying my eyes out! I wish there was no death, but there is, that's the cycle of life and I can't do anything to stop it. It's hard to accept sometimes. I want this to be a sweet time with my kitty as she passes on. I hope she knows how much I love her and how much I'm going to miss her. Swix I Love You!

Dear Judy,

I am not a fuzzy headed sentimentalist, who has no clue about life in farming country.
I know very well what I am talking about.
When I call dairy cows “cripples, I do not suggest that farmers have no feelings for their animals. Farmers have to work under extreme competitive conditions. So, they do what they have to do to survive economically. And in order to survive economically they must
use dairy cows bred to be life milk producing machines. They must kill the male calves shortly after birth He must keep her cows pregnant virtually all throughout their lives. The farmer must sell these cows to be slaughtered when they no longer can produce enough milk. An individual farmer cannot break out of this viscous cycle and still be a dairy farmer. He is also a victim along with her animals.
 
The problem is systemic. Only a change in attitude towards animals in the majority of people all over the world would have a chance to remedy this sad situation. I am not very hopeful about that. We cannot even muster enough outrage among the people to outlaw capital punishment, how can we hope to stop the mistreatment of farm animals.

I suggest to look up the following web page.

www.advocatesforanimals.org/resources/farmed/dairy

The dog was put to sleep a week ago...She was in kidney failure, only 26% was working, I had to cook for her.....She had to have fluids, they were making her sick...
She was my dog for 14 years....It is just a sad time.

Thank you for listening...

jada

This is my first time to visit your site and have come due to the loss of my very dear friend's little puppy yesterday and her saddness. I was seaking help for her, but noticed the previous message of milk cows bred as cripples! I know many dairy producers and they care for the cows with tender care, much as I do with my dog Tosh. I feel there is a lack of understanding of how many animals
are treated by their care takers due to the media. I see everyday in my work behind the scenes and 95% of the animals are care for very well or the income to the milk producer will not be there. No hitting of the animals, no
noises, good music in the barns, good medical care, good food, good housing. All the things we give our pets. I
wish you all could see this from my side of the world. You
would have a much better vision of what really does happen.
We all know of bad pet owners as well. Thanks for you time.

Amen. We can all be better about speaking out against such abuse and in putting our money where our ravenous mouths are!

At least as important as the care and concern for one’s pets is the concern for the millions of nameless animals which are killed so that we humans can have cheap food.
There are the millions of newborn calves which are taken away from their mother within days after birth and killed within weeks . so that milk is not “wasted” on them.
There are the millions of male chickens which are killed 8 weeks after they were born to be made into broilers. Their sisters fate is not any better. They are being housed in tiny cages and used as egg laying machines, never ever being allowed to run free even for a minute.
The milk cows have been bred with udders so huge that these animals can only be described as cripples. .
What we do to hogs and beef cattle is just as inhumane
All these animals are treated as if they existed exclusively for our material benefit.

And right now we are in the midst of the yearly baby seal killing season up in Canada.
Year after year we hoped the Canadian government would at long last stop the mass killing of baby seals. Despite international protests the yearly mass slaughter goes on.

What sad state of affairs!

Juliana,

I can identify with how you felt, I noticed I have instructions up on the care of my cats for catsitters, and I have not replaced them yet even though they are wrong because they contain references about my cat that died. I need to do that because the injection instructions for my diabetic cat are wrong! I also hesitated to use the cat brush on my other cat (I did eventually and she loved it) because T-Shirt loved being brushed and it still has her hair in it. It's been about 2 1/2 months for me.

I can relate to what Spiritsong has said about this tapping into other losses, there were other things going on that made this harder for me. I miss T-Shirt very much but I am very glad she is not suffering anymore. It is also not up to me to decide when she is going to get sick or frail. And I don't want to take my other cat (Daisy) for granted until it's too late. It makes me realize how easy it is to take what we have for granted.

Thank you spiritsong, you have no idea how good i felt when i read your note, and it makes so much sence, I know benji is fine i know he is in heaven and i know he hears me all the time and he is always with me, the only thing is that i can't not see him phisicaly, but you're right he is always there and that's why i should stop hurting because that makes him sad, and i should stop hurting because he is here he is fine only i can't see him, THANK YOU.
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Thank you spiritsong, you hav
 
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Juliana,

It's so darn hard to lose our loved animals. I'm sorry this has been so hard for you.

It sounds like you've become stuck in your grief...that you haven't really been able to let go of it for some reason. There could be lots of reasons for that. Sometimes people feel somehow disloyal if they stop grieving. Other times it turns out that one loss triggers grief from other sad and difficult things in a person's life, so a person thinks they are still crying about a pet when in fact they are also mourning other losses without realizing it. A good grief counselor could help you sort those sorts of things out.

In the meantime, try to imagine Benji's spirit right there beside you, his paw on your lap, trying to tell you that he is just fine. He is very much alive and hurting for you because you are still hurting for him. You could also try saying a little thanksgiving prayer when you think of him. Try to turn your heart to gratitude for the great gift of the life you had with Benji.

Many people never get that opportunity to bond with a pet, and many animals never have the opportunity to be so loved and cared for. In fact, there are others out there right now with no one to love them, and your wonderful love is unavailable because it is still hanging on to Benji. Sometimes we just have to look ourselves in the eye and say, "Hey you! You're needed out there--pull it together and help another one of God's creatures!" I think Benji would be pleased if you did.

I'll pray for you.

Hey everyone, I love this site 'cause you all understand exactly how i feel, because you have gone thru the same pain of loosing a pet. It's been 1 yr and 4 months since my dog Benji died, but EVERY time i think about him my eyes get watery, i even bought a stuffed animal that looks exactly like him, and every time i pass by the place where he died i can't help it, i even consulted a pet medium who actually made contact with him, that did helped a lot because it was real, she told me things about Benji that only I knew, and i still have the toys he used to play with I haven't even washed them because i don't want his "stinky" scent (hahaha) to go away, and right after he died i collected his hair from the carpet and saved it in a little jewlery box, all this things have help me, like when i want to kiss him i kiss the stuffed animal that looks like him and i hug his toys, but it still feels as if he passed away just yesterday, do you guys have any advice on how to stop crying???
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Reena,

I would also like to thank you for all you do to help animals. This site and Spiritsong wrote me such a wonderful note when I was so depressed -- it really helped me. Once I just allowed myself to be sad and to grieve, it was actually easier for me. My cat lived a long and comfortable life that she might not otherwise have had, and I am grateful for all the fun we had. I have another cat who is somewhat a special needs cat, she is diabetic, and though she is doing well and appears healthy, I can see that at 15 her time is limited too and I am trying to spend more quality time with her. Scooter is indeed a lucky cat to have had such an attentive caretaker, and a DVM no less! I say go ahead and cry your eyes out, you deserve that for all you've done for him. He has been a truly blessed cat. Give him a big furry kiss for me and I will also say a prayer for both you and Scooter.

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I will certainly pray for you and for Scooter. Thank you for all you do, not only for Scooter, but for all the animals you care for daily.

I am a DVM and I myself have a wonderful companion with a terminal illness, Scooter (my Cat) will be 14 this april and is in renal failure. He has had ups and downs this past year. I just want to thank God for the past year I have had with him, and continue to have. I know that the only reason he is still alive is by God's grace for me. I just want to let people know that Jesus loves you so much and that he wants you to be happy. I rejoice in knowing that Scooter, when it is his time, will be in Heavan when I get there. He is also a special needs pet, I have to express his bladder 3-4 times a day, he was born this way. I know I will have a hard time when he passes, just because I do so much for him. Please pray for me that I will continue to look to God and that I will find strength when the time comes. God bless

An invite: Please Join us.

Cut and paste the link. And place in your favorites.

Hope to see you soon.

http://www.quicktopic.com/29/H/w5VH4qBUja6yi

Thank you for your kind words. Our children are older (18, 19 and 21) They knew what I was doing before I brought her to the vet. The 18 and 19 year old were bitten and she growled at my husband numerous times. We took her home and she is resting next to our former dog with her favorite toy, a ball and a hotdog! We bought her when she was 4 months old and I do believe something happen to her before we got her because she was not very fond of men and the lady sold her because her boyfriend had allergies to animals. I will always miss her and will be more careful when we get another dog somewere down the road. Her buddy misses her and we have to be extra loving with him right now since he has never been alone! This is still the hardest thing I ever did because I was the one who made it and stood firm to it and took her to the vet!

Please don't beat up on yourself. What happened was not your fault. There are rare times when something in an animal just snaps. You did the right thing to protect your family, even though I know it must have been terribly hard. I wish we had a different option for difficult animals, but right now we don't. You did the only thing you could do.

Your dog is now at peace and whatever troubled her is now past. She understands now what happened and why. I would suggest that you have a little ritual with your family to both remember and forgive. Remember the good times, forgive the bad...and forgive yourself while you're at it.

You didn't mention the age of your children, but keep an eye on them for signs of fear of dogs. Having a dog lunge for your face can be terrifying for anybody, especially a child. If that should develop into a fear of all dogs, the fear will increase the likelihood of being bitten again. Dogs sense fear and figure if you're afraid, you must be up to something. A couple of counseling sessions might be in order if the children were traumatized by the bites.

Good luck...and God bless.

Hi, I just had to put the first dog (from 3)we had that was truly my dog to sleep! She was a very high strong, dominant dog who was extremly smart, could read my mind and I could read hers! She was very healthy and almost 3 when she first bit our daughter and on Sunday attacked our son without growling or snarling, he just wanted to pet her, she was not even asleep! She did not go for his hand instead bit him in the face. He is okay, but afterwards, when I told her to go in her crate, she went in, gave ME a defiant look and snarled at me very quick. I told her NO, and we both new that was it! We know she was healthy and took her to many, many training sessions - but somehow it was just not enough and after she crossed the line I new she was dangerous despite all the love and training I put in her. She was 55 pounds of muscles, beautiful and I miss her soooo much! One minute she was great and the next she just had that mean posture about her, even the other dog and the cat than stayed away. I was the only one that could touch her when she had her moods, she let me do anything and that is why I had to make this aweful descison, since she would not have accepted anyone else we also could not place her in another home. I will always feel quilty because I failed her, I could not protect her from herself and miss her so much, but I had to protect the children. Please do not beat up on me, I do enough of that myself!

Hello , I just lost my beautiful Shetland Sheepdog Pippin Feb 23, 2005. Pippin was just 3(1/2)weeks short of his th 14 th birthday which also happens to be the first day of spring. This was so fitting because Pippin had the most beautiful and sweet soul. I loved him so much as did his uncle David (my brother) and his grandmamma and granddaddy(my parents). We miss him terribly.The pain is enormous I definitely think animal have souls and that their souls go to a special place just like people's until the soul is ready to be brought back onto the earth. I know the creator has made a very special place for Pippin to wait until another beautiful and special Sheltie puppy is born that is deserving of pippin's wonderful soul.

Edited by author 02-15-2005 03:59 AM
Thank you so much, your message was very comforting to read and I will print it out to re-read when I'm feeling bad about little T-Shirt. My boyfriend may be just trying to act tough regarding animals, because he doesn't like to be vulnerable and has said that. He definitely respects that part of me, because he has said so, but I don't think he has been around someone who was that enamoured with animals. I could tell he was horrified by T-Shirt's rapid decline and when I told him the prognosis he had a couple of tears in his eyes and said if he had known that he would have spent more time with her. He has also cried at the way his mother treated his pet gerbils and my other cat Daisy just adores him, he has given her much more attention than I have, so I think being around animals has helped him and I don't believe that he can be friendly and caring to animals yet really believe they are just "props". Even T-Shirt, who was such a scaredy-cat, preferred women, and always running away at the slightest loud noise warmed to him in the end. I hope he has come to think a little differently. Anyway, thank you so much for your honest and kind words. One thing he did keep trying to impress on me was the Bible and I'm a pretty tough nut to crack in terms of one particular spiritual direction, but he did leave a bible and that prompted me to look up connections between animals and humans and God, and I very much liked looking at your site. One thing I forgot to think about today (and my boyfriend did leave a happy valentine's day message on my machine so maybe I'm not the worst thing that ever happened to him) was that my valentine today was my feisty 15 year old diabetic cat Daisy. Daisy has had to fight for her lot in life as a younger cat, I always liked that about her, as I have liked T-Shirt's complete disinclination to fight (though she'd defend herself when neccessary), her "heart of gold" as I always said. Daisy may not be around much longer and I would like to maybe try walking her outside when it's quieter out and no dogs are around (I live in Manhattan) so she can get a few adventures in her life before she dies, something I could never do with T-Shirt.

If animals are but props, then so is everything on earth and what is the importance of anything existing? I also felt I was being selfish because over 100,000 people had died in the tsunami but I paid more for the care -- and euthanasia -- of my cat than for homeless tsunami survivors.

Your comments were very caring and I truly appreciate and will reread them. What a wonderful service you have provided, I will try pass your good will and understanding onto another person in need!

Eileen,

What a difficult place to be in. I don't know why losses seem to come in bunches, but in my experience they do. I grieve with you over the loss of T-Shirt (what a fun name!). I'm sure your boyfriend had some very good qualities, but if you had come to me wanting relationship advice and told me he thought animals were just props, I would have suggested that you leave the relationship and find someone more in keeping with your own values. Once you know what it's like to bond with an animal, it is very difficult to make a relationship work with someone who doesn't understand or at least respect that part of you.

When we experience a death, either of a beloved companion animal or a loved human being, a lot of people have some guilt feelings. Aside from those who did actually murder the loved one, the guilt feelings are usually not accurate. We like to think we have more control over situations than we do and think we should have been able to protect a person or animal more than we actually can.

Spiritually, I think there is a very real connection between our earthly relationships and our relationship with God. When those on earth desert us, either in death or another form of breakup, we tend to feel God has left, too. It's hard to feel that God loves us when others around us are leaving and rejecting us. I believe God still does love us...it's just hard to feel it when we're not getting it expressed in our earthly lives. So I can understand that you might feel God is distant right now. That's not true, God is right there beside you, but there are times when it is hard to feel it for sure. That's why we call it "faith." We trust that something is true, even when it sure doesn't seem so at the moment.

T-shirt was created by God. God brought her to you, and you cared for her through the end of her life. You gave her love, and love is eternal. Love never ends. I belive that T-shirt's soul went right back to the God who made her and that you and she are still connected through love. She is happy and at peace...probably wishing she could cheer you up and assure you that she is absolutely fine. Love never ends. She loved and you loved, and so the relationship endures, and she endures. In a way, your love may have given her eternal life.

I have no idea why her mother was so nasty but cats, just like people, have their own personalities and "issues." Continue to love her as she is.

You obviously have a lot of love to give. Give some of it to yourself. I've had my share (or perhaps more) of failed relationships, and so I've read a lot about them. One thing that has always stuck with me is that we tend to get the relationship we think we deserve. That means if you don't love and value yourself, you're likely to attract someone who will treat you without real love or value. When you remember that you are a daughter of God and that God loves you through and through no matter what, you will attract someone who will offer such love in human form. It's something to think about.

My prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time.

Edited by author 02-14-2005 04:09 AM
My cat T-Shirt died a month ago this Valentines day. I found this site looking for spiritual topics on pet bereavement. I am having a particularly hard time with it as my boyfriend has left me and I feel even more of a loss (I often wonder whether our arguing contributed to her death). I am having a hard time spiritually with her death, especially after his repeatedly saying that animals were just "props" on this earth. She was sick with stomach cancer, and the day I euthanized her I was asked if I wanted a mass cremation or individual, and I opted for mass, not fully realizing I would not get the ashes back. My other cat is elderly and diabetic and I did not want to waste money that could be spent for the care of my other cat, but I didn't fully realize that would mean not getting her ashes back. I've never been through an animal's death before and it has made me wonder what happened to my poor little cat's soul. I feel very inadequate. I did gather some pictures and make a little online album of her but have not finished it, and kind of feel too depressed to do anything else.

My other cat, who is the mother of the one that died, was very aggressive and nasty to the dying cat, kept stealing her food, we had to isolate them, and did not really seem to miss her at all, which has made me feel a little resentful -- not too much though, because I'd rather her not be in pain about it. She does seem a little lost now that my boyfriend is gone, and I feel that way too, spiritually. I feel like I have failed at this relationship, with recognizing T-Shirt's sickness earlier, with being an adequate caretaker with my other cat Daisy. I also just cannot get myself to belief that an animal that provided me with such comfort and humor, with such a distinct personality is meaningless, but while other friends that have experienced the loss of a pet are sure their animal is in "cat heaven" I draw a blank in thinking about that. I don't know if I believe in that either, but I want to believe that she is in a better place, not just blackness or nothingness. The only thing I can come up with is that she is definitely in my heart, but my heart is feeling a lot of pain right now. The household is now just me and Daisy and it is a very lonely feeling at the moment.

When a loss is fresh, pain is intense and slogging through the dark time is a part of it. I have found that having some sort of ritual for closure can help...a funeral of sorts. Light a candle, say a prayer, tell the stories about Max and his interactions with the family.

In that process, re-connect with your heart...or at least the piece of it that seems gone. You gave it to Max, but Max is only gone physically. I believe 1 Corinthians 13:8 that says "Love never ends." It doesn't say only love of human beings. God is love and therefore love is eternal. Max has carried your love and that piece of your heart right into the arms of God. What better place for it to be?

Allow the grief...it is a sign of love. But I'm also sure that Max has been busy telling God just how lucky he was to have a loving family to care for him, right up until the end. He was blessed. Pay some extra attention to the other 7 as well. They are grieving, too.

My prayers are with you and your family.

Our family just suffered the loss of our 9 yr-old Sharpei. We had to put Max to sleep after learning that he had liver cancer. He was in severe pain and he was in very bad shape. We love him so much, and it's so hard for me and my family to get over his loss. We work with rescues and still have 7 'surrogate children' (dogs) but Max seemed larger than life and now I feel myself, like I've lost a piece of my heart when he died. Is there anything that I can do to make this emotional pain any better?

The commemoration for Rudy sounds lovely, and I'm sure it's a comfort.

A soul cannot be contained in an urn or anything else, as a soul is not limited to matter. Rudy's soul was released when his body gave out, and I believe that he went to God, even as a cord of love keeps him connected spiritually to you.

There are several nice things about cremation. For one, it is clean...rather like an offering given to God as the smoke rises. Another is that you have options with ashes that you don't with a body. You can bury the urn in the backyard, but unlike with a body, you can also dig it up and take it with you if you move. You can keep it in a special place in the house, if you wish. You can also split the ashes up...scatter some in a favorite place in the yard, bury or keep others in a special place, some people have even had a bit of the ashes put into a piece of jewelry or other special item.

There is also a memorial option that you still have since the cremation has not yet taken place. Some people will get some plaster or clay from a craft store and have the vet make a paw print that you can then keep.

God bless you as you go through this time of grieving.

Last Weds. we euthanized our oldest (15 yrs.)cat, Rudy. Every day at around 5 pm til about 7 pm, we light a candle and we have some of his photos around the candle. We need this commemoration. We are having him cremated (I feel terrible about this - he is STILL at the vet refrigerated- it just bothers me that they have to send him away to be cremated). Anyway, I wonder if anyone has any thought about cremation, and keeping their ashes in an urn (at home). I heard somewhere that in some oriental societies, they believe that their souls are contained in the urn, and must be released. Do you think that is true? Thank you

I hope your Molly pulls through. My sympathy on the loss of yur best friend. 17yrs is a wonderful long time with you, but i know it never is long enough.
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< replied-to message removed by QT >

Lost my 17 Yr. old peke-a-poo last month. Have been very ill for 26 years. Spending 24/7 with my furry baby brought us closer than many humans. There is a hole the size of a fist in my heart for the loss of my best friend. Seems like pain will NEVER END although I know it will. Got new puppy last Fri. named Molly who is very ill and may have to be returned to breeder. I am sobbing uncontrollaby. My illness itself is so much to bear, let alone losing my buddies. I am in love with my 8 week old Molly. Pray for her, please. Ask me about my Deer Story (true) for those of faith.

Robin, I am so sorry to hear about Louisa. I have been going to a chatroom for people who have lost their pets. The counselors are very nice and everyone comforts each other. Why don't you check it out. The website is aplb.org. The chatroom is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights. Also, on Sunday afternoon and evening. I hope to see you there.

Spiritsong, thank you so much for comforting words. I can tell by your beautiful words that you are really a caring and beautiful person. Thank you so much.

LaVerne and Robin, you're not alone. I and others have gone through what you're going through...although we each have our own set of unique loves and circumstances. It's just plain tough going for awhile. Just remember that both JoJo and Louisa still live. They know your love and your grief and would soothe it if they could. Your last act of love for them is the most important...to let them go...allowing them to take your gift of love and lay it at the feet of God. You will see them again, just not for a time. I am praying for you both.

I had my cat Louisa put down on Friday 5-21-04. I live by my self and all I have done is cry. She was my best friend for 9 years. I will miss her. She was very sick since Dec. of last year but she for some reason fought to stay alive.
I can only say I feel empty and since I don't have anyone who really cares I have to deal with this on my own. But I'm not dealing very well. I was just reading on this site about the book The Loss of Your Pet. I am going to buy that book but I know it will still take time to realize that my little punky is not not coming home. I guess I keep thinking she will just pop up and all will be back to what is was. I did not think I would be like I am with that empty feeling . Oh I hope it gets better. Reading other discussions has helped to know I am not alone.
Thanks for reading this. Lets just say time will heal all of us. I will miss my Louisa so much.

Somebody please talk to me. JoJo's ashes are ready to be picked up. Ralph is going to pick them up tonite. This makes every thing so real. I WANT MY DOG BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Darlene, that is really beautiful. If anyone reads it they are bound to find a lot of truth and a lot of comfort.

Excerpt from the book, "Maya's First Rose"
If you ever love an animal, there are three days in your life you will always remember . . .

The first is a day, blessed with happiness, when you bring home your young new friend. You may have spent weeks deciding on a breed. You may have asked numerous opinions of many vets, or done long research in finding a breeder. Or, perhaps in a fleeting moment, you may have just chosen that silly looking mutt in a shelter -- simply because something in its eyes reached your heart.

But when you bring that chosen pet home, and watch it explore, and claim its special place in your hall or front room -- and when you feel it brush against you for the first time -- it instills a feeling of pure love you will carry with you through the many years to come.
The second day will occur eight or nine or ten years later. It will be a day like any other. Routine and unexceptional. But, for a surprising instant, you will look at your longtime friend and see age where you once saw youth. You will see slow deliberate steps where you once saw energy. And you will see sleep when you once saw activity. So you will begin to adjust your friend's diet and you may add a pill or two to her food.

And you may feel a growing fear deep within yourself, which bodes of a coming emptiness. And you will feel this uneasy feeling, on and off, until the third day finally arrives.

And on this day -- if your friend and whatever higher being you believe in have not decided for you, then you will be faced with making a decision of your own -- on behalf of your lifelong friend, and with the guidance of your own deepest Spirit. But whichever way your friend eventually leaves you -- you will feel as lone as a single star in the dark night.

If you are wise, you will let the tears flow as freely and as often as they must. And if you are typical, you will find that not many in your circle of family or friends will be able to understand your grief, or comfort you.
But if you are true to the love of the pet you cherished through the many joy-filled years, you may find that a soul -- a bit smaller in size than your own -- seems to walk with you, at times, during the lonely days to come.

And at moments when you least expect anything out of the ordinary to happen, you may feel something brush against your leg -- very very lightly.

And looking down at the place where your dear, perhaps dearest, friend used to lie -- you will remember those three significant days. The memory will most likely to be painful, and leave an ache in your heart -- As time passes the ache will come and go as if it has a life of its own. You will both reject it, and it may confuse you. If you reject it, it will depress you. If you embrace it, it will deepen you. Either way, it will still be an ache.

But there will be, I assure you, a fourth day when --
along with the memory of your pet -- and piercing through the heaviness in your heart -- there will come a realization that belongs only to you. It will be as unique and strong as our relationship with each animal we have loved, and lost. This realization takes the form of a Living Love -- like the heavenly scent of a rose that remains after the petals have wilted, this Love will remain and grow -- and be there for us to remember. It is a love we have earned. It is the legacy our pets leave us when they go.

And it is a gift we may keep with us as long as we live. It is a Love which is ours alone. And until we ourselves leave, perhaps to join our Beloved Pets -- it is a Love we will always possess.

By Martin Scot Kosins

My thoughts and prayers are with. Unfortunately, I am on my way out but I will sen you something tonight that may help. In the meantime try and source this book, it is THE BEST.
 

The Loss of a Pet

Author: Dr. Wallace Sife

This book saved me when I lost y Wee Oscar Meyer.

Take Care

Darlene





Darlene

  
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< replied-to message removed by QT >

SpiritSong, thank you for reading and replying to my post. Ralph and I are going to have JoJo cremated and in August when I go up to Maryland, we are going to spread his ashes over his favorite walking spot. He and Ralph would walk there every morning and evening and JoJo would run and chaise the squirrels. I think he would like that.

LaVerne, It isn't easy, especially when a death is sudden. A lot of the grief you just have to slog through. It might help to recognize that a good part of your grief in this is for your father. It doesn't sound like you really let go of your father when he died. You hung onto him in Jo Jo. Now you are grieving them both at once, which makes the grief even more intense than in would be otherwise.

Maybe it would help if you envision life on the other side for a bit. Your father now has Jo Jo back, and they are having a wonderful time together. Even though Jo Jo died through an accident, you could think of letting go of him as a gift to your father.

In any case, go ahead and cry as you need to for both your father and for Jo Jo. When you get back to Maryland, have a little ceremony to say goodbye. Talk with your boyfriend about the fun times with Jo Jo, and thank God for letting you have that connection to your father for three extra years. Then light a candle and commit them both to God's keeping. If the grief is still uncontrollable by the end of this week, find a grief counselor who can help you through. I am praying for you.

On Thursday, May 6, 2004 I lost my best friend, my son and the last earthly link to my father. Jo Jo was hit by a car in front of our house and died about an hour later at the emergency hospital.
Since then I have taked to the bed and can't stop crying. I couldn't even go to work. My boyfriend has not stop crying since he found Jo Jo outside and rushed him to the hospital. I am in Louisiana and Jo Jo and my boyfriend are in Maryland.

Jo Jo was my father's dog. After my father died in 2001 I decided to take Jo Jo back to Maryland with me and my boyfriend. To me, Jo Jo was the last earthly link to my father. We had a special bond that nobody understood but my boyfriend. He and Jo Jo also had a very special bond. They were best friends and really looked out for each other.

I guess my question is how do we go on? How do we get up every morning and go to work when we can't even stop crying?

Please help me!!!

my family and i lost our best friend last night his name is Merlin is was a german sheppard -greyhound beautiful dog. merlin wasnt sick or anything he was fine until i came home he was just lying down on the ground and he couldnt go no futher. Merlin waited for my husband to come home lifted up his head and took his last breath. he knew is daddy and his whole family was there and it was time to
say Goodbye. We love you Merlin but now you are in Heaven and you are safe and not in pain anymore. sweet Dreams my baby. WE LOVE YOU NOW AND FOREVER

 In Canada, the yearly slaughter of baby seals has again begun and will be worse than ever.
 
350 ooo baby seals is this year's quota.
 
And the Japanese will this year hunt and slaughter 400 [or is it 500] whales for "research Purpose" . This certailnly will encourage the Norwegians and the Icelanders to follow suit.
 
Human cuelty and profit seeking is limitless.
 
Helga and Helmut

Joe, Thanks for the kind email. We seem to be doing better and moving forward. Annie is very used to having me around most of the time as I have a home real estate office. She is having big time separation anxiety and I hope don't overdo the attention making the situation worse. It is hard to leave her so I can empathize with your situation going to school. Maybe Bristol can attend and earn his degree at the same time. It seems to be true that most of these smart animals have so much more going on in their heads than we know about. Thanks again.

Hi Marlene,

My deepest sympathies on the passing of your dog. No one knows the pain until it happens to them. I cannot offer you any advice about getting another dog, but I think that becoming a foster parent for rescue dogs is a very special thing. Some day I may do the same, but more than likely it will happen when I have no other pets to take into consideration. I hope Annie overcomes her insecurity. My dog Bristol has improved ever so slightly. I feel guilty about having to cage her when I go to school, but it seems to be preventing any accidents in the house. When I am home with her she is fine. I'd rather cage her and come home to a clean stress free house than yell at her for messing in the house. I think that she is starting to get used to the cage and may even appreciate it. Best wishes to you and your family.

I was happy to find this site and read some of the messages. Our 8 yr old golden retriever died Sat night from a fatal gastric bloating condition that came on suddenly. It is a terrible loss and am feeling I guilt that I should have known about this condition and reacted in time to save her life. She was sweet, innocent and just gave and gave. Hew companion Annie, a small cocker is sticking to me like glue and looking depressed. I am not sure if getting another dog this soon is a good or bad idea and was also thinking of becoming a 'foster' parent for rescue dogs.

Hi Anne,
I have tried to be positive around Bristol, at least more recently. I am treating her much like the way I used to before Bailey died. I talk to her, I praise her, I flatter her, I play with her and I even occasionally have to scold her... this is all normal interaction. She is better as far as her energy level, but when it comes to being left alone, I don't see any change in her behavior. I was putting her in the bathroom while I left the house, but the last time she was alone, I placed her in a cage in the kitchen. My brother lives in an apartment in my house and he told me that when he came home, Bristol was barking and crying. That would explain why she loses her voice. The one positive about being in the cage was that she didn't do her business in the cage. My brother did let her out for me (which is so rare) and Bristol pooped and peed, but she was already home by herself for a bit before my brother showed up. At least she held it! I am going to try to cage her again the next time I leave her by herself. I had to laugh because she actually entered the cage on her own two days ago while I was in the kitchen cleaning the oven. I have to assume that she doesn't really mind being in the cage. I told her she was "a good girl". What she does not like is being alone. I don't think that her feelings about being alone will ever change. There is defintely some kind of separation anxiety taking place. When I am home with her, she doesn't let me out of her site. If I leave a room, she will follow me. I am always telling her to relax. Maybe time will help. Thanks for your prayers.

Joe,
As I read your concerns about Bristol, a thought occurred to me. Dogs are very good at picking up on human fears and emotions. If you are starting to think that Bristol is going to die, then something of those thoughts may be getting through to her, making her afraid for her own safety.

You might try focusing on positive thoughts when you are with her. Keep a picture in your mind of Bristol as a healthy and lively and happy dog. Play with her as if there was nothing in the world wrong, and see if that makes a difference. I know my own dog is a complete reflection of what I am feeling. Some dogs sense when you are down and try to make you feel better. Mine merely reflects my own emotions, so if I am depressed, she is down in the dumps, too. If I am happy, so is she.

Anyway, it was just a thought. I am praying for you.
Anne

Edited by author 01-23-2004 04:13 PM
Hi Linda,
Sorry to read about your dog and your Dad. I visit this site every now and then and today is the first time since my last message. You have been experiencing very similar situations. Our dogs passed very close in time. I still feel terrible when I think about Bailey. Bristol, her sister, is still behaving abnormally. I don't think that it will ever change. As a matter of fact, I think that she is going to die at an earlier age because of how uptight she has gotten. I have left her alone just another 2 times and again she exhibited the same behavior. I actually thought that she may have had a small stroke because I found some vomit on the bathroom floor and she was very lethargic. I am scared that she is going to die now too, but there is nothing I can do about leaving her by herself. I am now set to go back to school soon and I am hoping that Bristol gets over her separation anxiety. As far as Bailey is concerned, I think I am going to start writing down some "Bailey memories". I want to remember all the things that I loved about that dog... how she made me smile every day (no lie). Like your retriever, she was a definite sidekick. She was a smart little dog who I miss immensely. It still brings tears to my eyes when I think about her. My dogs were and are my family. Another point that you mention is very true. I believe dogs are very perceptive. Your dog probably was senstive to your experiences with your Dad. But please consider your Dad. It was likely that he appreciated that your dog was part of his last days. I know that I would have appreciated my pets being with me if I were in your Dad's situation. I am going to close with one thought. I hope that we all get to experience our pets (and our love ones) again once we pass from this world. I am looking forward to seeing my Mom and Bailey again. God bless you and everyone else who have experienced this emptiness in their lives. It hurts.

Joe, I was browsing through the messages and saw yours about Bailey. I very much emphasize with you. I had to euthenize my so loved 10 year old golden retreiver November 20, 2003 and the loss is tremendous. He had his first grand mal seizure at the time of the hydro outage and it was downhill from there. I suspected something was wrong a couple of years ago but the vet and everyone I knew said he was just getting older and was a lazy lethargic dog to begin with. I am sure the loss of central air and elevator operation brought a growth spurt to the already existing tumour. My father died of prostate cancer that metasisized to the bones 5 years ago. My golden and I spent all our free time with him and slept in his hospital room the last two weeks of his life and there was a lot of pain that could not be managed. After his death I noticed changes in my golden. I didn't realize how sensitive dogs are to this type of emotion and I regret it. How stupid of me. After the second seizure a CT Scan was taken and an inoperable tumour was found in the frontal brain next to the midline. I was offered chemo but refused and now I am sorry. I didn't have the money for radiation or other expensive therapies yet supplements and CT Scan etc cost me $5,000. I opted for supplementing and homeopathic counsel. If the outcome is bad then you second guess whatever decision you have made and kick yourself. I miss my golden so much and wish in hindsite I had taking more precautions during the outage and not listened to the vet and so-called friends who said I was over-reacting to nothing. Right now it feels like the loss will never end but eventually it will. Although I have to say that this golden was a total sidekick..very human..and very missed. I hope you are feeling a little more settled. There's seems to be a lot of us going through this.

Hi Dee,
I lost my Wee Oscar on May 8th, last year and I never thought so much grief was possible. Our lost animal companions will always be in our heart and in our heads, and you will see them again. You must believe that. I went to Pet Loss Sites that are easy to source on the net. They helped me through but my life has changed for ever and thats a fact. My thougts and prayers are with you.

I had to make the awful decision yesterday to put my Jaeger( 5yr old german shorthair pointer) to sleep. He had epilepsy and was having terribly long gran mal seizures. My other companion Gunther is depressed and misses his buddy. Please pray for him. 6 months prior my other companion Duke was put to sleep. He was 12 ( yellow lab) and his poor body was in pain.Please say a prayer for Gunther and our family. We are grieving so much.

Thank you

Kim, You are not being punished. Both people and animals have free will, and often the decisions we make are not in our own best interests, or in the best interests of others. Maizie Grace, as a puppy seems to have made a bad choice to run into the road or chase a car or however that part happened. The person driving the car may have made a bad choice to pay little attention or drive too fast. Those bad choices literally collided with tragic results. God did not design this event.

God can and will, however, use this event to bring about something good, if you turn it over to God to use. You and Maizie Grace are both loved by God, and God cries with you. Anne

Hi, this is Kim. I would like to thank all of you for reading my entry. I see her everywhere. I have gone to her grave each night to tell her how much I love and miss her. I am grateful for your support. I just don't understand? Why does this happen to pets that have been here for such a short time. Am I being punished? If so why? I can't come up with anything. My fathers dogs, which were with her, and much older are fine. Not that I would have anything happen to them! I just don't understand. Thanks again, God Bless all of you. KIM

Dear Kim, my heart and thoughts go out to you. I loist my Wee Oscar (shih Tzu) last May 8th to IMHA and my life has changed forever. I found solace, great advice from:
www.aplb.com.

Go there today (excellent chat room) no cost and easy to register. You can register before the room starts if you want. If you can, this afternoon, they have qualified grief counsellor and many people that go there for help and advice. It is a sad reality that so many people that have lost thier pets in similar ways and worse. This is the best place to go. You will also see the other days that they chat.

Yes she can hear you and she knows how much you are hurting. We have to believe that they are at the Rainbow Bridge with all of God's little creatures that have gone on before us. Kim go to this site as well. www.rainbowbridge.com this will help you as well.

Take car
Darlene (Oscar's Mommy)

Kim, How terrible! A sudden death like that is really hard, and I'm so sorry...she was so young. I do believe, however, that Maizie Grace could hear you after the accident, could feel your love, and was in Spirit licking your hand to try to make you feel better.

To get some closure, I would recommend gathering some people close to you and having a little funeral service. If you still have Maizie Grace, that could include burying her. In the old days, when families dug the graves for their own loved ones, all that physical labor was therapeutic in its way. Light a candle, say a prayer of thanks to God for the gift of Maizie Grace, and give her back to God. Tell stories about her, remembering the fun and sweet times. She will be right there with you, happy and well, in her new Spirit life.

You will still miss her for quite awhile, and there's nothing wrong with being sad about that. Just remember that Maizie Grace is fine now. She had a quick moment of very literally not knowing what hit her, and then she felt no more pain. Talk to her and remind both of you that she is and will remain connected to you by your love. Encourage her spirit to rise into God's light where she can romp and play without any danger. Who knows...perhaps her next assignment will be to stand as a guardian over you.

When the grief subsides a bit, think about giving your love to another animal that needs it. So many remain in this life without anyone to love or care for them.

My prayers are with you.
Anne

Hello, someone please help! I guess I need some closure. My 11 month old shepard was hit, and killed today. I am falling to pieces. I miss her so much. She had gotten out of the back yard of my home. I took her over to my parents to stay two days until I fixed the problem of her getting out again. She loves it there. We stayed two months after a hurricane, and her company was two dogs just like her, and in the country. I went to see her last night, and bring her home but my parents asked me to let her stay one more night. Before I left, I gave her so many kisses. I am glad I did. The call came from my mom, I went there , and she was dead. How can I stop this grief, and guilt. Her name was maizie grace, I love her, and want her back. Help me please. Do you think she could hear me talking to her after the accident? I just kept holding her,and crying as I am now. Thankyou for taking the time to read this. KIM

Edited by author 12-28-2003 11:25 PM
It's been a month and a half since Bailey died and I still cry for her. She was a sweetie. In retrospect, I think I let her down. Maybe I should have given her the conventional treatments. I found out some things since her death. I had given her some medication for Giardia during the summer. None of my dogs have ever had Giardia. I knew nothing about this disease and I trusted the veternarian to effectively treat it. I had to give her two different treatments. After Bailey died, I found something on the internet which indicated that the medication that I gave her could result in Bailey getting lymphoma. The vet never told me this possibility. I was told that the medicine would not hurt her, even when I questioned his associate about my suspicions that the medicine could be harmful to my dog. I would have tried to treat her Giardia differently if I was given the FULL information. Now I live with a memory and a broken heart. One word of advice to anyone reading this: If you have any doubts about what a veternarian is telling you, pay attention to your conscience. I had my doubts and didn't do anything about them. I loved that dog. My other dog Bristol is acting totally different. I can't leave her at home by herself anymore because she now does her business inside. I can tell she is depressed. I have only left her alone at home 4 different times since Bailey died. The first time was on Thanksgiving. Three of the four times, Bristol went to the bathroom inside even though I let her out just before I left the house. One of the times when I returned home, she let out what was like a "scream" which I have never heard before. I went right through me and made me cry. She actually lost her voice the next day. I don't know what she was doing when I was not home, but she must have been going nuts. Needless to say, I take her with me a lot these days. She stays in the car while I shop, etc. I feel bad for her. I hope this situation doesn't decrease her life expectancy. I am currently unemployed, so this allows me to be with her every day. I can't imagine what it will be like once I find work. Poor dog... Bristol and Bailey were such a good pair. I miss their "togetherness". Thanks for asking.

Joe, How are you doing now that a bit of time has passed? Are you okay? 12 years is a long time to share life with an animal. It's hard.

To Benji's Mommy, I'm so sorry to hear about Benji. Animals, like people, have free will and often do what they shouldn't with tragic consequences. Benji's body is gone, but his Spirit is very much alive and connected to you by a silver cord of love. Tell him how you feel, confirm your love, and then let him go to frolick in God's heaven, where there are no fences and no cars. You will see him again.

it's been only one day since benji got killed, but it feels like forever, I just can't stop crying... I know how you all feel, and I just want to say that they all go to heaven no matter how "bad" they were. I know my little benji is now in Heaven, playing with your pets!!! Benji was the sweetes, most kind hearted dog in the world, he was always happy, friendly, he was my best friend, my baby. I love you benji.

My 8 yr old Bichon dugged out a hole in the back yard, again. and got out, again... only this time he got killed by a car, and I can't help feeling so guilty, because I knew there was a hole. Instead of closing the hole, I put his collar and tag on, just in case he got out someone would find him and bring him back. everyone tells me that it was not my fault, but what if I would've close the hole. I just hope my little Benji could forgive me for my irresponsability and I hope he knows how much I love him and i also hope for God to take away the pain a feel for the loss of my precious dog, my little baby Benji.

Ref.: Anne's Sermon Nov. 23 2003
Helga and I also have a special spot in our hearts for wild geese. Hardly anything else in nature triggers in me as strong an emotion as a flock [gaggle] of geese flying overhead and calling to each other, on their way South.
It is their unwavering goal-directedness - knowing what they have to do and doing it - which is so inspireing.
What else can we do but love them for it.

Edited by author 11-23-2003 10:56 AM
Thank you Wes for your sentiments. I was with Bailey when she passed on. She had either lymphoma or liver cancer. I had refused to get a biopsy which had been recommended by the vet because it would require an operation on an already weakened dog. The vet recommended chemotherapy for her which I couldn't allow. Chemo would have destroyed her immune system. I needed something that would strengthen Bailey's immune system. I had watched my mom die from bladder cancer just a year before (11/05/02) and I witnessed what chemo and radiation therapy had done to her. I tried to find a homeopathic cure, but I was too late. I had just started to use something that I hoped would help her. Bailey deteriorated quickly during her last three days. I told here that I didn't want her to die and asked that she give me some more time to try to help her. On her last day, she was so weak that I told her that I still didn't want her to die, but if she had to leave me, she should. I have her sister Bristol with me still and I can tell that Bristol is aware of Bailey's departure. I had expected to have both dogs for another 4 or 5 years at least! I'll be grieving for awhile. I loved that dog. I may have provided for her needs, but she in turn provided me with so much joy. I had Bailey cremated on 11/20/03 so that I could keep her ashes with me forever. I really didn't like the idea of cremation, but the other choice of moving away from the area and leaving her behind would have been even worse.

At the moment I read your e-mail my heart went out in
prayer for both of you.

' . . .he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death
will be no more.'

Peace be with you both, peace be with you both.


wes
--- QT - Joe <qtopic+22-c6bs47VU3wk@quicktopic.com>
wrote:
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

To my beloved dog Bailey: Twelve years was not enough. You seemed so healthy until this happened. People still thought you were a puppy! I am devastated by my loss. My world will be a much lonelier place. Your memory has been placed in my mind's 'homepage' to be viewed upon awakening each day of my remaining years. You were such a sweet dog. I tried whatever I could for you. Your illness tore me apart. You can attest to all of the crying. I thank God for allowing me to care for you on this earth. Your gentle spirit,inquisitiveness,loyalty and unconditional love will never be forgotten. You had so many good qualities. Thanks for trying to be yourself even when you were at your weakest. I saw you with your squeaky toy! You made my day be wagging your stubby tail even though you could barely walk. I will miss your morning kiss and your evening 'welcome home'. Your big brown eyes were adorable! I want to give you a big hug and a kiss you little cutie pie! I love you!!! Your sister Bristol misses you so! Someday we will all be together again!
--- Bailey died on Tuesday 11/18/03 at 5:08pm.

Edited by author 11-12-2003 12:18 AM
To those of you who have had a pup who's vomiting - have you checked your yard - sometimes they get into eating grass - if it has been chemically treated can cause problems. There's also certain plants in your garden which may be the culprit - check out flowering beds and see if your dog has been using them as a salad bar! My problem at first was a neighbor who loved Roxie, but gave her ham bones - she wasn't used to high-fat greasy stuff and I wasn't even sure if the meat was good - he'd throw it over the fence when we weren't home - check with neighbors and see if they are loving your pet too much!

When Rox first got sick, she went through the "vomit" stage - she wouldn't eat - it was as if she knew she would get sick again. First I didn't feed her for 24 hours, then I gave her a bland diet of rice and hamburger (cook it and then rinse the fat off of it) for several days - this gives their tummy a rest- she rallied really well after this
I didn't give her any scrip meds - figured they may just upset her stomach more!

I don't want to upset you - but when my dog started with cancer, the way they knew it was getting worse was by an ulcer and then a lump in her mouth - hope this isn't the case with Speckles (cute name!) Give her hugs for me and I hope she gets well - Maybe the medicine the vet is prescribing is too acidic for her and that's why she's getting ulcers -

Hope this helps- RM

I just wanted to thank God for the 12 years of love I received from my mutt - Roxie - I know she's in pup heaven, chasing bunnies, and eating peanut butter and hot-dogs (her favorite to the chagrin of my vet!) I am hoping and praying that those of you who are dealing with an ill pet keep trying - follow your instincts - many vets are in the business for the cash - and know that it is sometimes better, for you and your pet, to let nature take it's course. I disagreed with my vet on Roxie's care (she had cancer), and had her presence and love for 3 years longer than they anticipated -

I also have found a great vet who euthanized my pup at home. This was wonderful - so personal, and I was able to grieve without walking through a waiting room.

So, Thank you God for Roxie - may she rest, and play, in peace.

In memory of Roxie-Boo 1990-2003

The pictures on this website are a blast!

http://www.palletmastersworkshop.com/happy.html

Hello, and thanks for your replies. Everything went super for about 4 days, and now she's back to vomiting again and not keeping anything down at all. I went back to the vet today and got more metoclopramide and cemetidine. We'll see if that helps any...again. After all of this that I've been going through, I don't know what to do. There is an ulcer on the roof of Speckles' mouth. That had started to heal some, but now has gotten bright pink again. I don't know if that could be causing the problem or if (as I suspect) there is something underlying that's wrong. The vet keeps trying to get me back in for a barium test and then go on to endoscopy. That's so $$$$, though!!!
*sigh* - so discouraging.

Edited by author 10-29-2003 08:29 AM
To Bekah-I just lost my my cat 5 months ago-the thing is, I wasn't there when he died. I had gone away to Florida for vacation. As if that wasn't bad enough- He died the same night I took off. (I of course had someone to take care of
him)

Please respond.This is all very strange to me.

Bekah,
I have a really good vet. He recommended that I feed my cat and I have seen it with dogs... Change your dogs food. Today's cat and dog foods even the premium ones are like feeding your do good holsome chilli dogs for each meal. My vet recommened me feeding my cats Innova cat food. It is some much like real food you could eat it yourself. My friends dog had a type of mange that started on her older dog. I told her to try the Innova dry dog food and withing two weeks her dogs skin was much better and the hair came back in within consumption of the first bag of dog food. Her vet was medicating with harsh drugs and was not getting much from it. I really believe in Innova dog and cat food. I like the dry food the best. It is made of real food and is a little more epensive but is worth it. Less trips to the vet.
Try it and let me know how you go.

Nancy Jo,
Oh, what you have described sounds sooo much like what's going on with me. I did go to the vet about a week ago and they also prescribed the metoclopramide. That went until Friday, and then she started throwing up again. I was prescribed more, and she's currently on that now. It hasn't seemed to be working quite as well as it did last week, though. She's been "licking" and I think she may have thrown up this morning before I fed her. Please let me know how things turn out for you.

To Bekah-whose dog is vomiting. Bekah, my dog started vomiting about 5 wks. ago,..even spitting up some water. The xrays were normal,& some days she kept everything down. My vet ordered metoclopraminde-"vomit" pill to be given 30-45min.before meals;for 2 wks.or so we gave her boiled chicken and rice;then gradually added I/D--later she was given Flaygl-antibiotic/anti-inflam.for colon; she did beautifully for 2-3wks.--I gradually added 1/2cup of her reg.dog fd,to above mixture, and after 3 meals, she vomited again this morn. Do wonder about the reg. dog fd...She had also been off of the "vomit" pill for a wk..no problems until now. I assume it will be back to old regimen-with the vomit pill. We suspect she is becoming more anxious when we leave her-she is an 8-1/2Gr.Pyrenees. It sure is a trial & error thing,,and hard to see them sick. Good luck to you!! Incidently, I go to Anne's church, & an a parish nurse;-wish there is a major cure for this one! Nancy Jo

I have a dog: a girl, 3 years old, a lab/doberman cross (I think) who's been throwing up for the past 2 weeks. I have taken her in to the vet and had her checked out. Everything appeared to be normal.

She has not shown major signs of malnourishment, but if she continues not to keep anything down, she will start showing it. She is a little skinnier, which is well understandable, not really keeping anything down for awhile.

The vet had me change her food (again, about 2 weeks ago) to Hill's Prescription Diet I/D formula, and I have tried both the canned and regular versions, neither have worked. I also have tried just feeding her chicken to see if there is something in the food being given her that is causing an allergic reaction. Speckles (my dog's name) has kept a little bit of food down during the 2 1/2 weeks of sickness, but lately (the past couple days) has not kept anything down at all.

I brought in a stool sample to the vet, and he did not find any worms or anything abnormal. She has been going to the bathroom, so I know that something is getting through.

Have any of you had these symptoms with your dog? I'm concerned that she needs to start keeping things down. I did get medication today (Sucralfate) that is supposed to help if it is a cyst or something along those lines. I would greatly appreciate your response. I believe my next (and last) option is x-rays, which can be pricey, but I may just have to go with it.

Thank you all so much for your time!
~Bekah

Barb,

 I’m so sorry to hear about Sugar Bear. It hurts every time because every soul is different…just like it hurts to lose every person in our lives, so it hurts to lose every animal. Grief is normal and natural when someone we love dies.

 Yes, I honestly do think that the animals we love go to heaven. I believe that because I believe that God is love…so anything and anyone we love participates in God and therefore can never die. When we give the gift of love, we give the gift of eternity. Sometimes it helps to imagine a silver cord connecting you and everyone you love…both people and animals. The silver cord is never broken…it is connected soul to soul, not body to body. When Sugar Bear died, his body gave out, but his soul is still connected to yours by the silver cord. Imagine him right there beside you, in spirit form, healthier than ever.

We grieve deeply only when we love deeply…grief is an expression of love. You are only parted for a time. I do believe that you will be together in heaven…that you really are together even now, although not in a way that your human senses can perceive. Trust God that Sugar Bear is there with you, nudging you to give your deep and generous love to still other animals who still suffer in their mortal bodies with no one to care for them. Sugar Bear is in good hands now.

Sometimes a ritual helps…light a candle, say a prayer, and talk to Sugar Bear like he was right there. I believe he is. Trust God to care for Sugar Bear and for you.

I lost my ferret Sugar Bear today...at 7:30am. My heart is tearing into pieces. I've lost others and I have 3 left plus 2 cats...but the pain of losing yet another one is still horrible. The vet had no clue why he stopped eating a month ago. I have been syringe feeding him but yesterday he decided no more. I wish I had someone to talk to..... I feel so alone. It hurts too much...............please, is there someone out there????

Molly, What a horrible way to lose Ginger! I wish I could tell you why it happened, but I can't. I am certain, however, that God is weeping with you at the tragedy. There might have been many times in her last moments when God prompted and urged her to leave the tracks, and she didn't. It must be awful to have the memory of finding her body like that on the tracks. If it is any consolation, she probably never knew what hit her...probably never had time to even have pain, before finding herself with God.

Remember that the Ginger you knew and loved still lives...just not in the body she had. I find it helps to imagine her spirit right there beside you, wanting to comfort you and assure you that she is well and happy. You will still miss her and grieve for yourself, but you don't have to worry and grieve for her.

And if you're mad at God, go ahead and say so in your prayers. Honesty in prayer is always the best policy and I have always found comfort, even if I haven't received specific answers, when I am open with God about my feelings. God understands our grief better than anybody...even ourselves.

May God bless you as you go through this difficult time.

Thank-you for your website. I read the post of the Ganesan family and that really touched me as well. I lost my dog Ginger 2 days ago. She was only 5 years old. Someone left the gate of the backyard opened and my 2 dogs went exploring. My other dog came back home, but some how Ginger got onto the bart train tracks, and while I was frantically looking for her, she was killed by a bart train. I have lost animals before--but never this way--so sudden and horrible. Every time I close my eyes I see her little body on the tracks and I can't understand why God would let her die this way! Thank-you for the time you take in helping others cope. Nobody in my family seems to understand or have the love that I do for Ginger.
Molly Zamora

With all the attention focused on the election of the gay Bishop, some of you may have missed this great animal-friendly resolution passed by our Episcopalian brothers and sisters:

* FINAL VERSION - Concurred
Resolution D016

Topic/Title: Stewardship: The Protection of Animals from Cruel Treatment

Proposer: The Rev. Canon David Shoulders (Indianapolis)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 74th General Convention recognize that responsible care of animals falls within the stewardship of creation; and be it further
Resolved, That the Episcopal Church encourage its members to ensure that husbandry methods for captive and domestic animals would prohibit suffering in such conditions as puppy mills, and factory-farms; and be it further
Resolved, That the Episcopal Church's Peace and Justice Office identify existing guidelines to educate its members to adhere to ethical standards in the care and treatment of animals; and be it further
Resolved, That the Episcopal Church, through its Office of Government Relations, identify and advocate for legislation protecting animals and effective enforcement measures.

Donna,

You're welcome. My first thought was that it was a pet, but then I read it again and wasn't sure. I don't have children and my dog is very much my child, so I know where you're coming from! It's tough to lose them, and three is awfully young. My prayers are with you.

Anne

Anne Robertson
www.annerobertson.com
Una lux sola tenebras dispellet

< replied-to message removed by QT >

I'm sorry for the confusion. Thankfully, we did not lose a daughter but Persephone (our bulldog) was much like a daughter to us in that she was a real part of our family. She was playful, opinionated, at times possessive (of her toys) and always affectionate much the way a child would be. We miss her very much as does her "big sister", our 7 year old Golden Retriever. I appreciate your kind words and your website -- it's been helpful. Thank you again.

Donna, I'm glad you were able to find some comfort on my site. It sounds from your post like you lost not a pet but a daughter. In my experience with those in grief, the loss of a child is the toughest loss there is. If that is the case, please drop me a line at anne@annerobertson.com. I have another resource that might be of help to you.

I'm still grieving the loss of our precious little girl. She was only 3 years old and so full of life when she was suddenly taken from us. I'm searching websites to find resources to help ease this emptiness inside and found this site to be comforting. Reading these previous messages has helped -- thank you.

SpiritSong, thank you for putting it so well. :)

ALL life is sacred, because it derives from the same source, the Creator. Every life is a manifestation in this world of the Creator's Love, which as Anne says, IS the basic fabric of existence. So the life of a fly, a cockroach, a snake or a house pet is just as dear as your life in the Creator's eyes. We have been given extra abilities mentally to plan, choose, etc. This makes our recognition of the sacredness of all life all the more important. There are times we have to take the life of another species (say, a mosquito). But when doing so you must honor it for having been here and having contributed to the fullness of this Earth, this Life. And if you do not feel horrified when seeing a dead squirrel, skunk or raccoon lying in the road, you have not yet reached the fullness with the Creator's vision of Oneness. But with Anne's love and that of your faith friends, you will..you must. My deepest healing prayers go out to all who have lost their wonderful friends, beit a dog, cat, turtle or goldfish. And my deepest thanks to our pastor, who shares her honest and unfickle love with all of us.

Absolutely. In some sense I think we can say that love IS heaven. Not that there isn't some other place, but our feeling of love is the foretaste and promise we have of a place where love reigns.

God is love. That is the foundation of everything I believe...even on days when God seems as fickle as some of the men I have dated!! Love on earth, either with people or with other parts of God's creation, is a dim mirror of heavenly life. I believe that bond is eternal and will be shared forever in the full light and love of God's heaven.

It occurred to me that if there isn't a heaven, then why do we love?

An e-mail sent to me:

Dear Pastor:
   Thank you so much for your message, but at the end you left the decision to embrace the idea of pets in heaven to the reader. My wife and I recently lost our beloved cat Henry. Henry is my son in Christ and we love him dearly. He was an abused animal. We adopted him since no one wanted to adopt him. He had feline leukemia. Our vet felt that we were the best candidate to have him as a pet or else she will have to put him down. I prayed about my decision to adopt Henry and God laid it in my heart to take him home. After two months, he contracted lymphoma. Once again we prayed and God provided the answer; chemotherapy. Weekly my wife and I traveled 180 miles to take him for treatment. Believing that God is healing him, we continued to pray for him and he did, but later on down the road he took a turn for the worst. My wife and I prayed ferverently for God to heal him. By the way, we work with abused animals. We have 6 dogs and two cats. Both of our cats have feline leukemia and are undergoing chemotherapy. But, unfortunately, Henry passed away on June 3rd at 2:30 am. We were with him. My wife and I cried till the next day. We cremated Henry the next day and have his ashes at home. When I die, he will be cremated with me. I am a believer and love the Lord with all of my heart, so does my wife. We feel called to help and minister to the animals. But via our pets we have been able to reach a number of people. My pets are my children. Wesley hoped to see his horse in heaven, so why wouldn't a God who loves us and gave us his son would refuse to resurrect our pets? If we love and miss our pets on earth, wouldn't we love and miss our pets in heaven? God promised to wipe away all sorrow, pain and tears in heaven? Thus, how will he wipe away our pain for the lack of the presence of our pets in heaven? Thus, I believe, my God will resurrect my pets? Why would he give me and my wife a heart to rescue abused pets if this has no eternal significance? C.S.Lewis stated the following: " If anything is not eternal, it is useless", therefore, if this is so, loving our pets is a useless effort if it has no eternal significance! I hope you will consider publishing this email. I have prayed about this issue and I am convinced that God loves his creatures, big and small. Henry's passing has brought me closer to God, I am not angry with God for taking him away, but thank the Lord for the short period of time he has been with us. Just like your dog Grace who taught you to cherish each day, Henry taught me to trust the Lord even though my heart was broken into a hundred pieces when I found out he was fading away. Till the very end, we trusted the Lord to heal him and he did; an eternal healing. I will carry the love of my son Henry and the rest of the 5 girls and two boys with me, all of my life, even into eternity. God has blessed me and my wife richly with all of our pets. Praise be to God our Father.
 
May the Lord bless you and your ministry.
 
Michael and Marilee Ganesan

Many of you come to this site because you are grieving the loss of a companion animal. Others of you are simply animal lovers. Some of you have posted stories about your animals to my guestbook and others of you have e-mailed me. This discussion is one more place where you might like to record stories or memories about the animals you love.