It has been almost 2 months since I had to put my 12 y/o Daschund Rosa to sleep. I am over the initial shock and understand that I will never see her in this life again. It still makes me cry to say that, but it is a fact. I have read so many posts regarding pets that have been tragically killed by a car or had their lives cut short in other ways. I was LUCKY to have Rosa for over 12 years. She was such a good dog and was so loyal. It's amazing to think that in 12 years we never spoke to each other, but communicated in every other way. Maybe if were to be in touch with our human loved ones in the same manner we would learn the true meaining of love, devotion and loyalty.

I have been suffering with Shingles for the past few weeks. There have been some complications and I have to take over 15 pills a day. I have been to a 4 doctors, 3 of them specialists. Nobody can seem to control he pain. It is all beginning to take it's toll on my mental state of mind. The pain needs to end in one way or another.

Heidi, my surviving Daschund is doing well now. I hate to say it but I think he has forgotten completely about Rosa. She is in CHARGE of the household now and there is no stopping her. She used to beg for her treats, now she DEMANDS them. It's all ok with me as she is now my reason and purpose for carrying on. I have been thinking about getting another dog for Heidi, but I really think she is enjoying being an only dog.

It's been heartbreaking seeing many of the regulars leaving this site, many of who helped me so much in the early days of my loss. I guess we must concentrate on the here and now and develope the same realationships and support with everyone who remains. I wish all of those people the best of luck and I want to thank each and every one for their help and kind words.

I am going to close for now. Hoping this finds everyone coping as best they can at whatever stage of recovey in the grief process that you may be at. Talk to you soon. Russ :-))))

Dear Rusty,

I'm sorry that you've been experience some nasty side effects from the shingles. I had them when I was in college and I remember the pain being almost unbearable. Hopefully they'll run their course and you'll be feeling better soon.

As each day goes by without our furbabies, we heal a little bit more. Although I still miss Shiloh, I don't have that deep stabbing pain from her absence like I used to.

I'm thinking of you on Rosa's 2 month anniversary.
Kathleen

Sorry to read that you are suffering through the pain with shingles and the loss of your Rosa.
You and Rosa were so lucky to have each other all those years and the special way you two communicated with each other.
Happy to know that you have Heidi to love and nuture. She needs you more than you'll ever know........and it sounds like she is coping so well, enjoying all the one on one attention. I went through a difficult time with my other pom, Coco..... when Esabella passed on six months ago. They too, have their own feelings of grief.
Anyway, I wish you good health and strength through this difficult time.

Litebrez

Dear Russ,

I'm so sorry to hear of the pain (both physical and emotional) that you are in. I hope that you are on the road to recovery. I know what a slap in the face it is when we come to terms with the fact that we'll never see our little buddies in this lifetime again. I truly understand your pain. But just as you communicated non-verbally with Rosa while she was here on Earth, she is ever-present in your heart and always connected to you. I relay messages to Allie through prayer, and I believe that she receives them, even if it's not in the tangible, satisfying way that I'd like.

Thinking of you at this sad time. I hope that both you and Heidi could accept another dog into your home when you're ready.
Get well soon,
Jenny

Russ, I hope you can find the right treatment for your illness. You are tough and brave to carry on like you have, with that kind of pain. Have you thought of seeing a therapist in addition to the other doctors. As I guess you know by now, shingles can be triggered by or made worse by mental stress.

I think your surviving dog is probably confused about her new place as the only dog in the house, and is maybe trying to "take charge." If you think she is getting to settled in her ways to accept a new dog, you might try getting a cat. Dogs and cats, being different species, are sometimes less competitive with one another than they are with a pet of the same species.

Dear Rusty,

I am so sorry for your sadness and loss of sweet Rosa ~ 2 months is such a short time ~ yet forever too ~

It has also been 2 months since I lost my Amber. I too have had the time to marvel at her life and have only begun to understand the amazing role she has had in mine ... and ... will continue to have as I look to the spiritual realm for her presence from here on in ~ I do not know what or where I would be emotionally if it had not been for this site and community of like souls ~ I am so sorry that you continue to suffer with the shingles. I pray for your recovery ~ I think that sometimes our intense pain comes out in the physical as well as other levels when we grieve ~ I had a similar reaction in the year following another personal loss years ago ... In any case I hope you are able to find a way to obtain relief from your physical suffering.

This journey of loss and recovery is like Oz - both great and terrible. It is like the masks of drama both tragic and awe inspiring ~ I become transformed each time I have suffered loss ~ I become less and more at the same time ~

There is much that I do not understand ~ but one thing I have learned is that the love is what binds us one to the other at the heart ~ You and Rosa ~ Me and Ambie ~ Every living being to the other ~

May your find your way in peace ~ May you find healing and relief from your pain ~ May the wind be at your back...

Sincere Thoughts,
Kathryn