I dreamed last night that Guinness had only just died and I had to tell the people who were with me and I just felt terrible, terrible all over again.

Mostly I try to ignore my grief, focus on the positive. But it is always in the background and it will not go away. I'm not even sure I want it to go away, because that would feel like I'd betray Guinny. I do not ever want to NOT miss him. Nowone can equal what he meant to me, nowone, not even my boyfriend whom I love very much.

I find myself giving all sorts of explanations for this strong sentiment because people find it hard to accept. But in my heart I do not agree with this at all. We had something. And those people were very dear friends, yes "were" because if someone can not accept someone else grieving for someone dear, even if it was an animal, then maybe they are not such good friends after all. What's more, I feel very sorry for them that they do not know something so wonderfull.

It does not make things any easier though. In times when you need your friends most you find they make you feel like you are weird. Great.

I have not done anything yet to honour Guinny, I am afraid that it will break my heart all over again. And I do not want to not miss him. But I wish the sadness would go away.

Unfortunately there are many people who don't understand that deep love and attachment that exists between people and their beloved pets. Like you, I feel sorry for them. They are missing something wonderful.

You are not weird. You are just one of the lucky ones, like the rest of us on this site, that are capable of great love, and unfortunately the resulting grief.

I am sorry for your loss. Don't bother with those who don't understand, and don't worry about betraying Guinness. He wants you to feel better. I always have said that the last gift you can give your pet is to help him/her leave this world without pain, if necessary. I am changing that - the last gift you can give your pet is to be happy, even after they p^^ away.

Daisy's Mommy

It's sad that your former "friends" weren't comp^^ionate enough to offer sympathy and support during your time of need! Some people offer the excuse that they're "too busy to deal with it" and "it's *only* an animal". Bosh on them! They have a piece of gl^^ for a heart. It's only in times like that you find out who really are friends and who aren't.
Please honour Guinness any way you can: a prayer, lighting a candle, going to church and getting him blessed (that helps so much!!), even planting something in his memory ( a rose bush or a tree). It will also help as a sort of closure. My cat Precious' ashes were blessed last weekend and I have felt so much better -- almost like he was declared an angel! And he was my angel and always will be.
Please know you will be in my thoughts and prayers -- Guinness too!
Lisa