My sweet, darling little dog. Last week at this time we were playing ball in the park. The pre-bedtime romp at the park that we both looked forward to each day. You were so full of life and joy. It was a gorgeous evening. We played our hearts out. Then, noting the time I put you on leash, told you that you were a good girl, and we went home, and to bed.

This was the last time we played together.

I hate that you got sick. I hate that you got ripped away from me. I hate the vet for not saving you. I hate myself for not bringing you in sooner.

Little dog, my little Luba. I miss you so very much.

Stephanie, that was so beautiful! what a beautiful image to hold close to your heart! "full of life and joy!"

Last week a bunch of us wrote out alot of things about guilt! What we decided is that guilt is inevitable--no matter how we lost our pets--no matter how--we would feel guilty! it would not matter if it was by accident or illness--old age--whatever! We were completely "in charge" of our pets so it follows logically that we feel like we are the ones responsible for ANYTHING adverse that would happen! The operative word being "FEEL". You did nothing but the best for your Luba! Guilt (however unwarranted) comes part and parcel with being a pet owner, at least that is what we all concluded.

What you wrote was almost like a poem-- I still really like to think my buddy is right here with me!

If I should ever leave you,
Whom I love
To go along the silent way,
Grieve not,
Nor speak of me with tears.
But laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you there
For I will come-I'll come!
Would I not find a way,
Were tears and grief not be barriers?
And when you hear a song or see a bird I loved,
Please do not let your thoughts of me be sad.
For I am loving you just as I always have . . .
You who were so good to me!
There are so many thing I wanted still to do-
So many things to say to you . . .
Remember, please, that I did not fear death.
It was just leaving you that was so hard to face.
You cannot see beyond this life
But this you know . . . I loved you so
Never doubt that I am with you still!
For love does not die with the body
And nothing in heaven or on earth
Can keep apart those who love.

~ Author Unknown ~

That is lovely Gingerspal. Thank you.
I hope that she is nearby. But more than anything, I hope that I will see her again.

Steph,

I believe that you WILL see your precious Luba again (I have no doubts about this). In the meantime she's experiencing only bliss.

Patti,
That poem is beautiful and very touching. I cried reading it. I've been crying a bit tonight. I miss my Little Girl so much!!!

I'm so very thankful for this group.

Love to all,

Kathy