"When Your Beloved Pet Dies"
Sep 6, 2017 09:39:26 #
"When Your Beloved Pet Dies"
My old bear, Echo
I lost my long time friend and companion today, which inspired sharing this.
I hope these articles may help you in your time of need, as they've helped me...
Love never dies... we will meet again.
"Until We Meet Again"
Author Unknown
"I know what you're thinking. You think I'm dead. Because you cannot see me with your human eye, cannot feel me with your hands or hold me in your arms, you think I am gone forever. You recall how I looked when I left this place, and you cannot remotely imagine that I could possibly be alive in another place. You are racked and torn by the pain of our separation and it blinds you to that which is right in front of you... me.
How many times since I left your immediate sight have you been told that I'm dead and you should "get over it?" How many times have you cried yourself to sleep because you feel like an outcast, believing you're supposed to get over me because that's what people say is normal but somehow you can't and no one seems to understand?
How many times have you put yourself through such excruciating pain because you aren't willing to consider that I am not, by any means, dead? I want you to do me a favor and go back in time with me. Remember the glorious day you brought me home - was I not the most intriguing creature you'd ever met? Did I not make you laugh and giggle? Did I not look at you with such adoration that you wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of your life with me? I wanted this too.
Remember the days when I was in my prime and we did many things together. You were so proud of me! I was a good friend and I took care of you when you cried, were angry or felt down and unhappy. When you didn't have a lot of time for me because of your obligations, I waited patiently for you. I was always there when you needed me. Did I not look at you with such acceptance and patience that at times you felt perhaps a bit unworthy? You were never unworthy in my eyes.
Remember when age crept up on me, my bones became stiff and my movements slower. Still I met you at the door when you came home and followed you around the house. We'd been together for so long, I was your very best friend regardless of what you were doing, saying, thinking. Did I not look at you with such kindness and understanding that you felt overwhelmed? I couldn't get enough of you.
Remember the last time we saw each other with earthly eyes. You tried to be brave but I knew you were crying... I know you so well. Better than anyone else in the whole world. Did I not look at you with such pure trust and love that you yearned only to hold me close and keep me with you always? Did you not promise that you would love me forever? I believed you.
If this is so then why have you let me go by thinking I no longer exist? Remember the depth in my eyes all those times I looked at you with adoration, acceptance, patience, trust and love. Who created this depth and love? Would the Creator diminish the song of our laughter which was created in the name of love? I am no longer an earthly figure, this is true. My body was only part of who I really am. My body would have been but a mere shell on earth if it were not filled to overflowing with my soul, my spirit, my loving light. When we met you thought I was cute, sweet, pretty and adorable. But what kind of relationship would we have had if this were all that I'd been? How could you have loved me if I'd had no spiritual substance?
We are all made up of energy that resides far deep down inside of us, it is our core, our soul, spirit and loving light. It is the energy that is all of life... it has no beginning, it has no end. It simply is and always will be and without it there is no life. You can't see it with the naked eye nor can you hold it in your hand, it is simply a certain knowing that this energy does exist. It's a knowing just as you know that our love existed on earth - you couldn't see our love in a solid sense, you couldn't gather it all up and confine it to one place. But you knew it existed. There was no doubt in your mind.
They demand you get over me, insisting that I'm dead and you'll never see me again because animals don't go to heaven. Oh really? I'm here to tell you different. You were worthy of my love and undying devotion on earth as I of yours. Do you really believe this love would be snatched from us forever by a loving Creator simply because I wasn't human? Was I not a living, breathing creation with personality? How could I have been so if I didn't possess the energy of soul, spirit and loving light? And if this energy is and always will be, then how can it be that I am dead? If my core is not of the energy that is all of life then I was never alive to begin with. But you know better.
You cry because you miss me, this I understand. I miss you too - miss the belly rubs, hugs and kisses that we shared. But life does go on beyond these wonderful, fulfilling physical connections. I came to this place to live a whole new life, not because I didn't love you anymore or because I wanted something better. I came here because it was time for me to go to the next phase of my existence, something all living creatures must do eventually. It is the normal progression of life. I was not taken away from you because you cannot take away that which was never owned. My presence in your life was and is a gift to be cherished and honored just as I cherish and honor you.
Life is not simply about being born into a body, living a certain number of years and then dying. Energy cannot die. We are blessed with time in a body so that we can learn, share and grow. It prepares us for the next phase of our eternal life. The body holds within it the true life force of our existence... our soul, spirit and loving light. Without these our bodies would be empty, blank, void of feeling and expression. Without our energy we would indeed be dead and could never have experienced our love for each other.
You say that all you have left are memories. Not so. You see, when I took leave of my earthly body I left a little something behind for you. You can't touch it, hold it or examine it for what I left behind is far too uninhibited for confinement. I left behind a piece of my soul. I placed it right next to your own which is quite fitting as we were always side by side in our earthly life together. I love you too much to have left you with nothing but memories that tend to fade and grow cloudy as the years go by.
I love you too much to have vanished without a trace. How selfish it would be of me to remove love and light from your life. I understand your tears, each one you shed is testament to your love for me and I am honored and humbled. But don't forget the good things we shared - remember and smile. This is an honor for me as well. And when you need me I will be here. Close your eyes, relax, take slow, deep breaths and picture me in your mind. Shut off the world and your notions of what death is and give me a chance. Look for the subtle signs I send you. Don't stop being proud of me, I am a friend to be proud of, I am still your friend and soul mate.
Don't memorialize the death of my body but instead honor and celebrate my never-ending life for it is eternal and forever as is my love for you. Until we meet again..."
"The Rainbow Bridge"
Author Unknown
"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..."
- Based on a Norse Legend
My old bear, Echo
I lost my long time friend and companion today, which inspired sharing this.
I hope these articles may help you in your time of need, as they've helped me...
Love never dies... we will meet again.
"Until We Meet Again"
Author Unknown
"I know what you're thinking. You think I'm dead. Because you cannot see me with your human eye, cannot feel me with your hands or hold me in your arms, you think I am gone forever. You recall how I looked when I left this place, and you cannot remotely imagine that I could possibly be alive in another place. You are racked and torn by the pain of our separation and it blinds you to that which is right in front of you... me.
How many times since I left your immediate sight have you been told that I'm dead and you should "get over it?" How many times have you cried yourself to sleep because you feel like an outcast, believing you're supposed to get over me because that's what people say is normal but somehow you can't and no one seems to understand?
How many times have you put yourself through such excruciating pain because you aren't willing to consider that I am not, by any means, dead? I want you to do me a favor and go back in time with me. Remember the glorious day you brought me home - was I not the most intriguing creature you'd ever met? Did I not make you laugh and giggle? Did I not look at you with such adoration that you wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of your life with me? I wanted this too.
Remember the days when I was in my prime and we did many things together. You were so proud of me! I was a good friend and I took care of you when you cried, were angry or felt down and unhappy. When you didn't have a lot of time for me because of your obligations, I waited patiently for you. I was always there when you needed me. Did I not look at you with such acceptance and patience that at times you felt perhaps a bit unworthy? You were never unworthy in my eyes.
Remember when age crept up on me, my bones became stiff and my movements slower. Still I met you at the door when you came home and followed you around the house. We'd been together for so long, I was your very best friend regardless of what you were doing, saying, thinking. Did I not look at you with such kindness and understanding that you felt overwhelmed? I couldn't get enough of you.
Remember the last time we saw each other with earthly eyes. You tried to be brave but I knew you were crying... I know you so well. Better than anyone else in the whole world. Did I not look at you with such pure trust and love that you yearned only to hold me close and keep me with you always? Did you not promise that you would love me forever? I believed you.
If this is so then why have you let me go by thinking I no longer exist? Remember the depth in my eyes all those times I looked at you with adoration, acceptance, patience, trust and love. Who created this depth and love? Would the Creator diminish the song of our laughter which was created in the name of love? I am no longer an earthly figure, this is true. My body was only part of who I really am. My body would have been but a mere shell on earth if it were not filled to overflowing with my soul, my spirit, my loving light. When we met you thought I was cute, sweet, pretty and adorable. But what kind of relationship would we have had if this were all that I'd been? How could you have loved me if I'd had no spiritual substance?
We are all made up of energy that resides far deep down inside of us, it is our core, our soul, spirit and loving light. It is the energy that is all of life... it has no beginning, it has no end. It simply is and always will be and without it there is no life. You can't see it with the naked eye nor can you hold it in your hand, it is simply a certain knowing that this energy does exist. It's a knowing just as you know that our love existed on earth - you couldn't see our love in a solid sense, you couldn't gather it all up and confine it to one place. But you knew it existed. There was no doubt in your mind.
They demand you get over me, insisting that I'm dead and you'll never see me again because animals don't go to heaven. Oh really? I'm here to tell you different. You were worthy of my love and undying devotion on earth as I of yours. Do you really believe this love would be snatched from us forever by a loving Creator simply because I wasn't human? Was I not a living, breathing creation with personality? How could I have been so if I didn't possess the energy of soul, spirit and loving light? And if this energy is and always will be, then how can it be that I am dead? If my core is not of the energy that is all of life then I was never alive to begin with. But you know better.
You cry because you miss me, this I understand. I miss you too - miss the belly rubs, hugs and kisses that we shared. But life does go on beyond these wonderful, fulfilling physical connections. I came to this place to live a whole new life, not because I didn't love you anymore or because I wanted something better. I came here because it was time for me to go to the next phase of my existence, something all living creatures must do eventually. It is the normal progression of life. I was not taken away from you because you cannot take away that which was never owned. My presence in your life was and is a gift to be cherished and honored just as I cherish and honor you.
Life is not simply about being born into a body, living a certain number of years and then dying. Energy cannot die. We are blessed with time in a body so that we can learn, share and grow. It prepares us for the next phase of our eternal life. The body holds within it the true life force of our existence... our soul, spirit and loving light. Without these our bodies would be empty, blank, void of feeling and expression. Without our energy we would indeed be dead and could never have experienced our love for each other.
You say that all you have left are memories. Not so. You see, when I took leave of my earthly body I left a little something behind for you. You can't touch it, hold it or examine it for what I left behind is far too uninhibited for confinement. I left behind a piece of my soul. I placed it right next to your own which is quite fitting as we were always side by side in our earthly life together. I love you too much to have left you with nothing but memories that tend to fade and grow cloudy as the years go by.
I love you too much to have vanished without a trace. How selfish it would be of me to remove love and light from your life. I understand your tears, each one you shed is testament to your love for me and I am honored and humbled. But don't forget the good things we shared - remember and smile. This is an honor for me as well. And when you need me I will be here. Close your eyes, relax, take slow, deep breaths and picture me in your mind. Shut off the world and your notions of what death is and give me a chance. Look for the subtle signs I send you. Don't stop being proud of me, I am a friend to be proud of, I am still your friend and soul mate.
Don't memorialize the death of my body but instead honor and celebrate my never-ending life for it is eternal and forever as is my love for you. Until we meet again..."
"The Rainbow Bridge"
Author Unknown
"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..."
- Based on a Norse Legend
Sep 6, 2017 09:55:45 #
EL
Loc: Massachusetts
Made me cry, reading this. So very sorry for your loss. I know the feeling and it's a hard time. May it ease soon.
Each of our dogs is SO special.
When I was in first grade (a very long time ago) I had a disagreement with a nun over dogs going to heaven. She said that they didn't have a soul so they didn't go to heaven. My response was "If dogs don't go to heaven, I don't want to go there either."
If I ever make it to heaven, they sure better be there.
Each of our dogs is SO special.
When I was in first grade (a very long time ago) I had a disagreement with a nun over dogs going to heaven. She said that they didn't have a soul so they didn't go to heaven. My response was "If dogs don't go to heaven, I don't want to go there either."
If I ever make it to heaven, they sure better be there.
Sep 6, 2017 10:04:28 #
Boo_Boo
Loc: Jellystone
I am so sorry for your loss. I do not have words, and I don't think anyone has, to ease your pain. Just know that you are not alone and
should you want to talk about Echo, relive his life in words.... I am here.
should you want to talk about Echo, relive his life in words.... I am here.
pafret wrote:
"When You Beloved Pet Dies" br br img ... (show quote)
Sep 6, 2017 10:26:04 #
Pennylynn wrote:
I am so sorry for your loss. I do not have words, and I don't think anyone has, to ease your pain. Just know that you are not alone and
should you want to talk about Echo, relive his life in words.... I am here.
should you want to talk about Echo, relive his life in words.... I am here.
Penny and E: Thank you for the kind words but they are misplaced. I came across this article in one of my blog mails and remembering that there were many dog lovers on OPP I reposted it. My last Dog, Ribs, died twenty years ago. If you noticed, this is attributed to Anonymous so I can't tell you who the author was.
The sentiment expressed seemed to me, to be universal, and worth reading.
Sep 6, 2017 10:36:06 #
pafret wrote:
"When Your Beloved Pet Dies" br br img... (show quote)
my sympathies Paf
been there, know what you are feeling now
Sep 6, 2017 10:42:16 #
One of my saddest days in my 72 years was when I had to put down my closes friend!! My wonderful chocolate lab of 14 years " Sinbad ". Stomach cancer, a very, very painful way to die, but even thru all that he was always by my side, always by the door to greet me. The day he didn't come to the door, I knew it was time. So my heart goes out to you !!
Sep 6, 2017 10:57:35 #
EL wrote:
Made me cry, reading this. So very sorry for your loss. I know the feeling and it's a hard time. May it ease soon.
Each of our dogs is SO special.
When I was in first grade (a very long time ago) I had a disagreement with a nun over dogs going to heaven. She said that they didn't have a soul so they didn't go to heaven. My response was "If dogs don't go to heaven, I don't want to go there either."
If I ever make it to heaven, they sure better be there.
Each of our dogs is SO special.
When I was in first grade (a very long time ago) I had a disagreement with a nun over dogs going to heaven. She said that they didn't have a soul so they didn't go to heaven. My response was "If dogs don't go to heaven, I don't want to go there either."
If I ever make it to heaven, they sure better be there.
Me too.😢 Dang pafret! I am watching my 12 year old Kelpi, Gus slow down before my eyes, and it's killing me because I know that day will come.
A few weeks ago, we aquired a barely weaned bulldog pup who (hopefully) will replace Gus on guard duty, but I know will never replace Gus in our hearts.
I dread that day. Wish I hadn't read this just now.
Sep 6, 2017 11:02:21 #
pafret wrote:
"When Your Beloved Pet Dies" br br img... (show quote)
I forwarded this to my youngest daughter whose Scottie recently had to be laid to rest after many years of love and devotion. Everyone in the family felt such a loss for this quiet, beautiful, loving Scottie. Of course, they have souls and they have love in their hearts and understanding. My little Coco gets very upset when I'm upset, and is always by my side. Such love and caring is hard to come by, excepting my Husband!
Sep 6, 2017 11:30:00 #
pafret wrote:
"When Your Beloved Pet Dies" br br img... (show quote)
My condolences to you. I have been their a few times and it sucks. I had a bad day once when a big dog got free from his owner and ran up to my 8 lb one year old puppy and killed him right before my eyes in 2 seconds.
Sep 6, 2017 16:11:17 #
Boo_Boo
Loc: Jellystone
Darn... well, in that case I am sorry for your loss of Ribs. Ribs must have been irreplaceable! So, you made us all cry this morning because we thought Echo was a member of your family...... Oh well, now you know how much of a soft heart we have for you!
pafret wrote:
Penny and E: Thank you for the kind words but they are misplaced. I came across this article in one of my blog mails and remembering that there were many dog lovers on OPP I reposted it. My last Dog, Ribs, died twenty years ago. If you noticed, this is attributed to Anonymous so I can't tell you who the author was.
The sentiment expressed seemed to me, to be universal, and worth reading.
The sentiment expressed seemed to me, to be universal, and worth reading.
Sep 6, 2017 16:24:50 #
Pennylynn wrote:
Darn... well, in that case I am sorry for your loss of Ribs. Ribs must have been irreplaceable! So, you made us all cry this morning because we thought Echo was a member of your family...... Oh well, now you know how much of a soft heart we have for you!
Ribs passing was equally tough. I didn't get another dog because my wife was starting her terminal decline. When she died it became obvious that my own health didn't permit caring for another pet. So Ribs was my last dog.
Sep 7, 2017 09:47:07 #
Sep 7, 2017 09:49:41 #
GOD doesn't take lives he gives life. There is death because there is sin. In the world to come, not heaven, we are to inherit the earth, Psalm chapter 37. You will be with your friend and companion. GOD would never deny you love shared with others, only selfish humans do that.
Sep 7, 2017 10:07:22 #
padremike
Loc: Phenix City, Al
pafret wrote:
"When Your Beloved Pet Dies" br br img... (show quote)
Holy Moly do I ever share your pain and grief. My old Springer passed away a month ago and a large part of me was buried with her. So as I write to you tears are running down my old cheeks remembering her and sharing your pain.
Sep 7, 2017 10:17:50 #
Boo_Boo
Loc: Jellystone
I am so very sorry.... losing a member of the family takes a lot out of us. Even the cats/dogs/horses and so on I help rescue,
when one passes... it is painful. I will not recommend that you get another dog immediately, take your time but do consider adopting one in the future. None will replace your family member, but they can share your life. Wipe the tears and remember her as she was healthy and happy to be sharing your life.
when one passes... it is painful. I will not recommend that you get another dog immediately, take your time but do consider adopting one in the future. None will replace your family member, but they can share your life. Wipe the tears and remember her as she was healthy and happy to be sharing your life.
padremike wrote:
Holy Moly do I ever share your pain and grief. My old Springer passed away a month ago and a large part of me was buried with her. So as I write to you tears are running down my old cheeks remembering her and sharing your pain.
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