Rajah's Daddy was given a book today by a friend of his. I warn you ahead of time, it's a tear jerker, but also helpful. It's called The Last Will and Testament of an Extremely Distinguished Dog, by Eugene O'Neill. There were lots of things in there that reminded me of my Prince, Rajah. He always had such a distinguished, I am the best air about him. Anyway, maybe it will help you to find some comfort. Unfortunately for me, all it did was make me cry. I want to believe so badly that he can hear me every minute of every day when I do talk to him. I've been carrying his picture around with me, even sleep with it.

A quote from the book is, "I ask my Master and my Mistress to remember me always, but not to grieve for me too long. In my life I have tried to be a comfort to them in time of sorrow, (Rajah always kissed me when I cried), and a reason for added joy in their happiness. It is painful for me to think that even in death I should cause them pain." I know this is what Rajah is thinking, but even when I tell myself this, I still cry and I don't want to make him sad either. I just really miss him!

CAn anyone tell me about the candle lighting? I lit one tonight, but is there a place or for how long? Please, I want to do it right for my Rajah!

Tiffany,thanks for the info on the book.It sounds like a comforting read for anyone going thur the grief process.As for the candle lighting ceremony,it is on Monday nights at 10:00 p.m. (and that's your time it doesn't matter where you are) People who have lost beloved animals all over the world light a candle every monday evening to remember those who we have loved and lost.I try to remember to do it every monday although some times I do forgot.It's a nice way to show respect for them and I hope with all my heart that they can all see those beautiful candle flames from the rainbow bridge.Take care and you'll be in my prayers tonight.Sincerely,Renee (Sox's mom)

Tiffany, thanks from me as well for the tip on this book. It sounds like a lovely one, indeed and I want to look it up. What you quoted the book about, our precious ones not wanting us "to grieve too long", my Caesar also used to kiss my tears away, always. And that sweetness, the idea that they wouldn't want us to cry over them, only makes my heart break all the more, *because* of that sweetness. Our beloved ones wanting us to only be happy and not crying... how sweet is that? Unconditional love is a beautiful thing, indeed. And so very, very rare, that it can only be found in our beloved furkids. Sometimes when I'm crying, I will hear Caesar in my mind saying, "Don't cry mommy.... I'm with you still".... How can anyone not cry. I would have to be heartless not to. They may not want us to cry, but with them not here to dry our tears yet once more, with our hearts breaking, not crying seems to be the one thing we can not do for them. And in this, and in their profound love for us, I'm sure they must understand, too.

I agree completely, Amarna. Especially if they've been through grief with us before, they would know to expect we'd be crying for them as well. They might prefer us not to cry, just as we would for them, but they would also understand our profound sorrow and say, "that's okay, too."