Its been nearly 3 weeks now and I cry everyday at the loss of my Murphy.
This golden angel was so remarkable in that he changed the lives of everyone who met him for the better. When his former companion a elderly lady went into a nursing home this part-golden lab, beagle and angel came into a house of all cats.
His kind, and gentle ways soon made him much beloved by them all.
His best friend a white cat Thomas misses him so much. I got set off yesterday when my sister got rid of the pillows that Murphy would lay on.
I have 8 cats so getting another dog right now is impossible I don't know what to do with this grief.
I have another sick cat Angel who was the companion of Michael a tux cat who looked like Cary Grant. We have two FIV cats who are so loving.(Thomas and David)
I saw an interesting video done from the spiritual stand point that animals do go to heaven. I believe this but I need to feel this in my soul.
I was also into animal rights a while back and still am in my heart. I want this to be a better world for them
I would appreciate any ideas to make the pain go away!

Dear Maryjune,

I know how you feel! I do believe that animals and humans alike go to a "place", though I do not think of it as a traditional heaven, more like they become part of the beautifull nature around us. But I believe that once in a while they are able to give us signs. That is what I am waiting for every day since my dog died. I have never felt so empty in my life, and I have been through quite some motions before!

Unfortunately I do not know how to ease the pain. Everybody says that you need your time to mourn, untill the good memories remain and the bad and sad ones have left. And I guess that they are right, but I know that that does not make things easier.

Someone stated that it is a blessing that you could have such a special bond with your pet and that it is worth every bit of pain because of this. And when I think of it, I would not have wanted to miss one second! Maybe this can be a comfort in a way.

I wish you all the strength in the world!

Gynnie's essy

Dear Guinny
Your words were of great comfort. Your right I would not have missed knowing Murphy for the world.
At a time of loss it is easy to forget all that you had. Is that a picture of your dog on the site? I am new to this site and am not every knowledgeable about it.
My dear niece Wendy told me to come here and she is right about all the wondful things she says about it.
It is nice to be with animal people again.
Let me know if your get a sign. I am still looking for something to do positive to do with my grief.
I read a quote today that went something like "To the world your just one person but to one person you can be the world."
We are the world to our animals. They are so wise and they know the most important thing is to love.
May God be with you and I hope we both get our sign!
Maryjune

It is still very recent for you. Murphy is still a huge part of your heart. The pain will go away on its own. It always does, even though it doesn't seem like it ever will. If it didn't, none of us would be able to cope. The only cure for grief is to feel it and go through the whole process.

The memories I have of the two cats I lost are now good ones. Sometimes my eyes will well up with tears but I also remember things about them throughout their lives. At the beginning, I was fixated on their endings. The early days when they were kittens, teenagers, middle aged are as real as the final days. We just find it hard to remember them because it is so painful. Murphy will come bounding back in your memory soon - whole body wagging with joy.

Three weeks is not a long time. I helped myself cope by being extra nice to the remaining cat. He was at odds since he had never been the only pet in the house. Thomas misses his dog-pal, too. When Oswald passed, I had another kitty who would look for her buddy. They grieve too, so I allowed us to help each other.

As for a sign, there is a warm spot beside the bathroom sink. The old boy used to sleep there. The cool tiles probably felt good in the warm weather and I let the tap drip so that he could drink out of it. If this warmth came from the lights, it would be warm on the other side of the sink too since there is a light on each side of the mirror. The pipes are not near this particular spot. It is just warm if you hold your hand about the height that he occupied when he was here in the flesh.

I truly believe that anything living has their energy live on after they depart. Some energy goes to the light. Other energy hangs around for whatever reason.

It has been two years since Oswald made that final trip to the vet, but that warm spot is still there. I have asked other people to hold their hand there, and they can feel it. Maybe this warmth will stay; maybe it will be gone one day. In the meantime, I am enjoying its presence.

Dear Maryjune,

It has been only ten days since I sent my sweet souldog Spike to heaven. Spike also was a magical animal who enriched the lives of all who knew him.

I like to say that Spike found me at our local animal shelter 14 years ago. For his first two years he'd been a stray that ran wild at a nearby apartment complex. Spike also joined a household of all cats...five at the time...with never a problem except that they hissed and spit at him a few times. He would just walk away.

Spike also had "his cat" named Freckles for the past six years. And yes, Freckles misses him. Spike's health had declined a great deal over the past year, and Freckles tried every way he could to tempt Spike into a chase or fake fight, but Spikey just couldn't do it.

There is one special thing that has helped me a lot in dealing with the reality of Spike's death. A few days after we said good-bye I saw a message in a greeting card, and I have made it my mantra, to be reapeated whenever sad thoughts come creeping in. I am happy to share this with you.....Rather than mourn the absence of Spike's flame, let me rejoice that it burned so brightly for so long.

Maryjune, this doesn't take away the pain, but it instantly brings me back to a place of gratitude for the 14 gloriously happy years I was lucky to spend as Spike's best friend.

I hope this helps...and know that you are not alone in your pain.

Juanita

Dear Juanita,
I am so sorry for you at this difficult time. Spike sounded like a darling.
Your words about the flame were so true. Your right I am thinking about the loss of that light and not rejoicing in the fact that I experienced it at all.
I would like to do something to honor Murphy someday right now I am lucky I am just making it through the day.
Animals are such special friends and they love as we are all meant to. They see with their hearts and love us no matter what we have done or who we are.
I feel honored to touch hearts with you in e-mail!
Thanks so much for your caring words. It sounds like Spike had a companion that was worthy of him.
Here's is to better days!
Maryjune

Maryjune,

You have already honored Murphy with the oceans of tears you've cried since he crossed. And you honored him in life with your love and affection. If there is another way to honor Murphy's memory, it will reveal itself in time. It may in a way that you expect, but you'll know.

Thank you for acknowledging my post. It helps to know that others are experiencing the same terrible loss that I feel.

Juanita

My deepest sympathy to you. I , most certainly do believe that our animal children go to heaven. If heaven is a perfect place, they HAVE to be there. God gave them to us for companions, and rest assured that they will be there awaiting us to greet us.
Please know that my heart is with you, and I do share in your grief.
You are a wonderful person to care so much for these animals.
Bless you!