I didn't have a particularly geat chilhood, not that I'm complaining about that, I was fed and clothed and I made to adulthood intact. I'm too old to be bitter about it anymore, it's just the way it is. The reason I bring this up is because although my parents weren't always present when I was a little girl, there was always an animal nearby to love.

We always had at least one cat, and sometimes a dog. They were my constant companions as I grew through the years. This is how I came to view them as friends, not just pets. Truth be told, I like animals more than I like most people. They never have an agenda, they are genuine and you don't ever have to worry about their intentions toward you, their intentions are always honorable. Even in the wild, if an animal intends to eat you, it is honorable, not twisted.

Anyway, there are people out there who don't feel this affinity for animals and I consider this to be their loss. My own partner doesn't care for them as I do, but he cares for me, so he "puts up with them", and no matter what he says, I saw a tear in his eye the night my sweet Tripper left us.

I'm only writing this post because I want people to know that I understand this attachment we make to our furry friends, and how it comes to be. If you have recently lost a friend as I have, I feel your pain. But I'll give the same advice that I've been so kindly given. Know that they loved you unconditionally and no matter what. If you feel guilt, just keep this in mind: animals are too pure to be aware of this concept, they loved you, they knew they were loved, and they do not want you to be sad. So smile, remember the good times with your furry friends and keep that wonderfulness in your heart. It is their gift to you, for you to keep always.

-Namaste-

I did reply to you in your former post..I hope you found it.

As for what you posted here...and I am referring to your last paragraph
all I can say is.............WELL SAID!

I understand and totally agree.

Hello Libby, let me start out by saying I'm so sorry the loss of your friend. I to consider them friends, that's why I have that in the t*itle of my Bue's thread.

I feel if the animals were not there to help nurture the loving part of you, then perhaps it could have been lost. I credit cats/dogs for a great part of my personality.
You hit te nail on the head when you spoke of this.

Know that your not alone, ok?

Take Care

I share in all that has been said in this loving thread. There is no doubt in my mind that our loved furry kids loved us with no strings attached. They truly are a blessing and their love teaches us many of life's lessons. The purity and innocense that comes from them naturally is heaven sent.

Thanks for replies, and the support. My sadness right now is so profound I am just trying to keep a good perspective on things. It has only been 4 days and it was so sudden and so tragic. I don't have any children, my pets are what I have. My father is very old and close to death and he refered to himself as Tripper's grandpa. That was always sort of a secretly sad thing for me because I know how badly he wanted me to give him a grandchild and I couldn't. But that's a subject for another forum. Dad's been gone all winter and returns in just a few days. It broke my heart to have to tell him that he wouldn't see Tripper when he got home. When people reach his age and state of health they often become emotionally frail as well. This whole thing is just so heartwrenching that the only thing I can do is try to be positive and supportive of others. To all who replied to this post and my earlier one, thank you, god bless you, I am here for you too, for your joyful memories and your sad moments. We may be strangers, but were in this together now.

Yes, we are in this together now. 4 days... that puts you in the overwhelming darkness time of grieving. Bue's Mommy said it and I echo her remark...for you to remember that you are not alone. We have been in that pain and we understand it and that's why we are able to share it with you. Take one day at a day and do whatever helps you..if it is crying, then do it. If you want to come here and post some thoughts, do that.

There are also many here whose pets are their only children so there is that understanding also. I am so sorry for your loss...it is always a heartbreaking time.
But it helps to try and think of the good memories that can make you smile..even at such a difficult time as this is..being so recent.

I put pictures of my Little Guy in frames all over the house and when I walk into a room, he is still there to greet me. The pictures keep things from looking empty.
Finding pictures to post here also took time and was a good distraction.

Take Care.........I wish you peace and hugs