Today was alright. I was very busy at work, and realized at the end of the day that I hadn't thought about Pen almost all day. It made me sad, but now we have a four day weekend and I'm looking forward to some time off, but part of me knows I'm really gonna be missing my girl. I loved long weekends with my doggies - lounging on the couch, taking walks, sleeping in together. I think of the craziest things, like how she would squat to potty. I miss every little thing about her....

Dearest Shannon, I'm very deeply sorry for your loss and that you're in so much pain, grief and sorrow. Please know that you and Penny are in my thoughts and prayers as I wing many Angels to soothe you and guide you through this most gosh awful difficult time.

So adorable as puppies, too! I hope you don't mind that took the photo to a program and adjusted the contrast, brightness and sharpened the image a bit. Just in case you'd like to see, I'll put the URL links to the two images here for you to click on and bring up for viewing. I added frames to the second image but no text. No captions.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l179/MyS...PennyBaby-2.jpg

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l179/MyS...nnyBaby-2-1.jpg

Big Comforting Hugs to You and Penny!!!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

Thanks Dottie! Yeah, I lost alot of my pictures, so I had to find this one through an old email I had sent, so it was all changed as far as the quality of the image. Today was better. My vet sent me a sympathy card and also called to speak this evening to see how everything was going. It really makes me more and more certain that I left my girl in good hands. At first I wasn't so sure, but we talked for about 10-15 minutes, just about the day she got sick, and some of his thoughts, etc. It's still strange without her, and I don't know when and if I'll ever feel able to pick up her bowl...it's just too strange. But I'm finding it easier everyday. Of course there are the many moments throughout the day that I re-realize that she's gone, and feel completely sick, but it doesn't last as long. Reading the Rainbow Bridge poem has been a major spirit boost. I have no doubt it's the truth.

I'll still keep up my posts...I think it has made a major difference to know others understand and are struggling through the same issues.

Love you all!!!
Shannon

You're very welcome, Shannon. What lovely news you have. So comforting. Yes, I can certainly understand that strange feeling because I still have it myself. As far as The Rainbow Bridge, it's for real, Dear One. Nope, I'm not just saying that. I know in my heart that it is there and only a breath away. Since you get such a major spirit boost from the poem, I think I have something you'll enjoy and pray it brings you just as much comfort and boosts your spirit even more. Here's a preview of the Rainbow Bridge for you.

Please turn up your volume, click on the doggie Rainbow Bridge, give it a few seconds to load, then click where it says "Click to Begin."

Here you go, Shannon. A virtual trip to the Rainbow Bridge with all my love!!!




I hope you enjoyed. I believe it's beautiful!

Tons of Comforting Hugs, Love and Peace to You and Penny!!!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

I've noticed that I've been busying myself quite a bit. I mean...to the extent that I had a four day weekend and I immediately began to tear out my hall bathroom and remodel it. And since my husband is gone, I'm doing it on my own. I think I knew that it would keep me occupied through my time off, and perhaps then I wouldn't miss Pen so much. Of course it worked, but I decided to be done last night at about 9pm...and sat down, and just broke down. I think I'm going through the "how in the world can she really be gone" phase again. Since it has only been a couple weeks, I almost feel like she'll be back. Sort of like how you miss your dog on vacation, but you know once you get back, life will be back to normal. I ordered a very special Urn for her, and received it over the weekend which was nice because I'll be able to get it to the humane society so they can put her directly in it, but was also a blow to the gut - like "yup...it's true. You ordered the Urn for heaven's sake. She's not coming back".

I miss her so much....

Very, Very normal feelings and reactions. You must do what helps you to feel better..the trick is trying to figure out what that is.

Remember...........you are not alone.

Hugs and words are all we can put here....but they are to show the pain, the missing, the ...everything sad felt...is shared and understood.


Judy

Shannon,

I have experienced all of the same feelings. All I can tell you is that it will get better little by little. Take it one day at a time. I just lost my Woody but I lost another great dog 10 years ago so I can tell you from experience that it does get better.

Best wishes,

Steve

Hi Shannon,

Keeping yourself busy with constructive activity is a wonderful way to focus less on the grief and pain you are feeling. I can remember baking..................lots and lots of baking! My neighbors, friends, and co-workers received pies, cookies, cakes, and candies. Some told me I had given them enough to get them through the holidays without having to bake anything for themselves. My hubby joined me in the kitchen and we actually had some fun throwing flour at each other and making a huge mess. It did give me some reprieve, but it didn't take long for the sadness and tears to creep up on me again.

The journey of healing is long and there will be times you will take giant steps, then baby steps, and sometimes two steps backwards. Emotions can run wild and at times you will say to yourself, "I thought I was doing so much better." The ups and downs eventually plateau, but it takes time. I feel especially saddened for you because your hubby is away and you have been forced to cope with Penny's death in a new location.

I send you hugs of comfort and love,
Beth

Yesterday was the first day I crated Jax for a full work day. Right after Penny passed, I stayed home from work for a couple of days, and then my mom came to visit, so she was home with him all day. She left last Friday, but I had that day off, so my poor Jellybean has not been in his crate without Pen for more than a couple hours, tops. I decided I wanted to keep our crating routine, because I don't know if he would develop anxiety being out in the open all day without Penny, and also he and our younger kitty can get pretty excited and I don't want them flying up and down our creepy narrow stairs all day (plus last night I noticed his little nose was puffy on one side, and I think he got nipped).

But I have to say I noticed a difference in him yesterday when I got home. Over the past two weeks, he's actually been adjusting alright. I catch him searching the house quite a bit, but he's generally in good spirits. What's so hard is that when I used to come home to him and Penny, the moment I came in the house, I heard them jumping around in there, but when I get home now, Jax just sits quietly and looks at me. I open the catch and he slowly comes out...and then just crawls all over me. I usually just lay on the ground and let him go crazy. He'll whine and whine (but he did that when Pen was around too). But after he was out, he was SO playful. I've never seen him that energetic. Usually he'll get spurts, but it was all night. and then I later caught him in his crate just laying there. I just let him be for a while, but he just sat in there for probably 3 hours.

I hope that he adjusts. I definitely notice a change. He was clearly lonely all day without her, but its as if he's just realizing that she is not coming back. I just give him lots of love -- he's such a sweetie. His eyes are just so sad

Hello friends --

I've been reading everyone's posts on their threads, and it is tough to hear the stories, but makes me feel more understood. One thing that has been bugging me actually is that everybody is speaking about the dreams or messages they have or feel. I remember over the couple days after she passed, I thought I heard her...but I have had no dreams, and I don't think I see her anymore. Instead, I've been having rather traumatic dreams about others who I care about dying. It's a little disturbing really, and I spoke with my husband who said that the same has been happening to him. I would give anything for a pleasant dream of her, or to think I hear her again.

I had to go by the humane society yesterday to drop off the urn. It was tougher than I thought. They said it would still be another week or two, and they were very kind, but as I was telling them about this whole experience (because they asked) they kept fidgeting with this poor yellow lab and putting this hat on him. Then she said she would also make sure to remove some fur for us, and that made me loose it. I cried all the way home. I just want her back. Give me my friggen' dog! Why do they prolong this process, it's awful. Maybe when she is home again, then she will give me messages that she's alright. I can only hope.

I read Richard's post about the paw casting they did for his dog. I may call and see if I can arrange that as well. That would be very special..

I just need a little guidance through this...

Shannon,

Between my wife and me, we have had three instances where Woody "visited". They are very quick and they will leave you wondering if it was a "message" or not. My wife had one and I had one and we experienced one together. Each time I had to think about it and decide that it was more than a coincidence. I have tought about each since because I wonder if I saw what I saw was real or not but in the end I think that it was my Woody letting me (and my wife) know that he is okay.

It took two weeks to get Woody's ashes back because my wife was so upset that she wrote down the wrong phone number. We have him in the bedroom for now and I talk to him frequently. I put my hands on the box when I talk and close my eyes and try to picture him in front of me. I still can't believe he's gone. I miss my boy very much.

I hope that you get Penny's ashes back soon. It helped me a bit and I hope that it will help you, too.

Steve

well...I've made it through yet another weekend without my girl. It's strange really -- I still have this strange sense of denial -- like how could she actually be gone.However...and I don't know if it's because I'm looking for them, or if they are really happening, but I think I am starting to get little messages from Penny.

She loved little toys with squeakers. Her brother rarely plays with toys. Sometimes he'll grab them briefly, but generally doesn't carry them around. She had this little duck that I got her maybe 4-5 months ago. I got her the duck, and Jax the bear. Strangely they pretty much only played with their own. Some of her toys are still on the ground from when she played with them. I decided not to pick them up, but let them be strewn where they may...just like when she was home. But her duck had been on the bedroom floor for the last 3 weeks. Last night I was getting ready for bed and it was lying up on my night stand right next to my book. I picked it up, and smiled...it was very comforting.

Then today I was at work, and I'm a school counselor. Some high school students came into my room to discuss a project we're doing this week, and one of the students said "Hey, there's a penny on the floor". I have read in other posts that finding a penny is like a message from your pet...and it was fitting that it was a penny:) I had to smile. I picked it up, and think I'll keep it in her memorial box.

Maybe I'm just stretching to find these messages...but they seem to be at the right place at the right time.

I'm still waiting on her ashes. I just want her home with me!

~Shannon

I don't think you are stretching it at all Shannon. There is no doubt in my mind these were "hellos" from little Penny. You can count on her now just as you always could before.

This last February I went on a vacation. The only reason I went was because we were going with another couple and all the expenses had already been paid prior to Goliath's death. It had only been a few months since Goliath had passed away and I really wasn't in the mood for any fun in the sun. Reluctantly and with sadness I went.

One day we were out on the main strip in Lahaina when I felt drawn to a particular store. Without looking at the store's sign I went in and began looking at all kinds of very unique pajamas. Goliath's name was stamped all over the pajamas. I had entered a store I had never been in before and the name of it was DAVID & GOLIATH"S. For the rest of that day and the remainder of the vacation I had a smile on my face because I knew Goliath had paid me a visit when I really needed one. I was at the right place at the right time, and so was Goliath.

I wish you many more "hellos" from your precious little Penny. May she be with you now and forever.

Hugs,
Beth

Well, we are having a blizzard today in North Dakota. They may let school out early...if they don't there is talk about us having to spend the night at the school. I certainly hope that's not the case, cuz Jax is kenneled. I keep thinking how I can't wait to get home to cuddle with the dogs on the couch and drink hot chocolate...but I keep remembering Penny is not there. I've also noticed that I often say "the dogs" when I'm talking to people about them. I can't muster the courage to say "my dog" (singular). I do feel blessed that I have Jax though:)

I went to the humane society on Tuesday. I brought them some clay and they are going to do all of penny's paw prints. I'm very happy about that...but I know it'll be tough to see. A woman came in with a 2 mo old long haired Chihuahua...a beautiful little boy. It was her friend's who could not keep him due to a landlord issue. So she brought him to the humane society. The woman at the desk said there was a 6 mo-1year waiting list for them to take animals. I almost took him...as the woman bringing him also couldn't have him at her apartment. But I held my ground that I'm not ready for another pet....

I suggested she contact the people the owner got him from, or list him in the paper. I certainly hope they find him a good family. I got very angry...realizing how many pets are just left. I decided to volunteer there and may foster some pets. Even though I'm not ready to take one into my family right now...I know that I can help. Just one more thing Penny has opened my eyes too.

I just want to thank everyone for taking the time to read my posts and offer me support:)

~Shannon

Hi Shannon, I hope everyone survived old man winter. You said you always mention to others "your dogs", there's a reason for that, cuz Penny is always with you. When you are ready to adopt again, she will still always be with you..Ann...I hope that little dog finds a home too..Penny will make sure of it as she is watching all you do..

Still waiting on her ashes. As of today it's officially been one month. She passed on Oct. 12. But I'm actually doing alright today. I have found that I generally will cry when I journal about her, but it feels good. It's difficult to explain, but I'm sure you all get it. In the beginning, when I cried it was such a mix of anger, sadness, hopelessness. Now, when I cry it's just because I miss her -- and I'm thinking of her.

I do wish she was here to run through the snow though. We brought her to WI last Christmas, and at the time we were still living in AZ, and she loved the snow. She just bounded through it like a deer. Jax would watch her and then follow. Now he's on his own to figure out what to do, and he's a bit nervous to go outside, but he's doing it, and I'm proud of him for that. Just last night though, I saw him daring to jump over a pile I shoveled in his outdoor kennel. I figured Penny was there coaxing him to run and play in the snow with her:)

I'm wondering when in the world I will get to pick her up. Honestly...I think they need to do something about this timeframe...1-2 months. Just as I'm starting to pull my life back together, I will most likely start over a bit once I have her ashes. It's just a bit ridiculous I think. Oh well...as Penny is teaching me, there is only so much I can control.

My prayers and thoughts go out to all those who have read and/or posted. I am thinking of you as you also go through this journey as well.

Peace,
~Shannon

I'm wondering when in the world I will get to pick her up.


You might give them a call and with a gentle nudge say you were wondering if you could find out about how much longer before your Penny can come home....

Sometimes..wondering gets on the nerves and just maybe it would help to make the call.
Can't hurt and maybe you will get a much closer timeframe than you think.

Hope so..and hugs,

Judy

Hey all,

Thanks Judy for the idea...however I actually stopped by there frequently to bug them. But good news...well as good as can be anyway. I got a call Thursday evening that she was cremated that day and I could pick her up Friday. What is a bit strange is I was very ill on Thursday. I had food poisoning. It was a pretty bad case, and sometimes I felt like I was just going to die. I just think it's an interesting coincidence. I had finally fallen asleep around 3pm, and I woke to the phone ringing...it was the humane society saying she was cremated that day. I just couldn't stop thinking about it -- it took them 5 weeks and on the day they finally did it, I get sick.

But I picked her up on Friday. It was a mix of feelings, but it's so wonderful to have her back home. I know it's just her body, and her spirit is alive and well, but just to have the "death" process finally over...the vet bills are paid, i got her home, and now I can focus on just missing her. I think I've passed from grief to mourning. I think this may be how I will feel, to some degree, from now on. The gut wrenching pain of the shock has subsided, and now I feel like I can move forward, missing her, but moving forward nonetheless.

I'm having my ups and downs, but am feeling better. I started volunteering at the Humane Society this weekend, walking dogs, giving them some lovins, and hanging with the kitties. I see Penny in all their faces, and it feels great.

I can't say enough about the support you've all given me. You were my stepping stones. I wondered the other day how I'd be doing had I not found LS and the love and support you've all offered.

I will definitely continue to come here to update here and there and check in on everyone.

Peace,
~Shannon

Hi Shannon, I'm so happy you have found peace in having Penny's ashes back home. I feel the same as you, it's over, it's done, rest in peace little one. But they're home, which is where we always want them to be. Because of that, my heart goes out to all who have lost and never returned. That, by far, has to be the worst. We never stop missing them or loving them, but we have to keep moving on. I too will be doing some volunteer work at my local shelter. I enjoy hanging out with the kitties. I have this wierd little thought in my head, that if I show them some affection it will give them hope that there is a loving family who will adopt them someday soon. I wish they understand that, I like to think they do. I do feel sad seeing the older ones get pasted over and I do leave there missing my Arthur so much, yet at the same time I love being there when I'm there. I think you know what I mean. Good to hear back from you. Take care.. Ann

Hey my sweet little Pennybear,

Well as of yesterday, it has been 6 weeks without you. I still go through bouts of thinking "how can this be true" and "maybe I'll wake up"...but as time passes, I know now that this is permanent. I was feeling very content again this weekend, a feeling I haven't really felt since you left. Jellybean was cuddled up with me, crazy lilly cat was on the top of the couch, and fuzzy was lying in front of the fireplace. Just knowing you are back in our home gives me such comfort...

I have accidentally called for you twice now. I called for you and Jax the other day, and then night before last I said "Penpen...come". I slapped my hand over my mouth like "I can't believe I said that", but it was strange because instead of feeling really sad, I smiled. I knew I must have said that because you are home with us -- in a different way...but you are home. I see you in Jax so often...he's starting to do some of your silly things, and he's developing some courage (you know he always relied on you for everything). You'd be very proud...

I still miss you so much with my whole heart. I don't think that will ever go away, and I don't think I want it to. Christmas might be tough, especially when I pull out your stocking - But I feel you resting on my heart -- just like when you would lay on me as we would cuddle on the couch. I know you are there through it all. I hope you are making lots of friends, and getting lots of treats! Keep giving me and Jelly kisses from time to time. You doggies are the comfort of my life...you always will be!

I love you,
~Mommy

An absolutely beautiful note to your Penny.

I used to call my Little Guy after he was gone but I did it just to pretend for a moment, he
was just in another room. Others here have done the same.

Sometimes we are amazed at how very much alike we think after our loss.

Hugs and best wishes,
Judy

Well, another week has passed. 7 weeks without Penny as of yesterday. I'm doing alright...now that I have her ashes, and all the other hub-bub is over, I just miss her now. Sometimes I think I'm going crazy doing all of these things in her memory...I put her footprints with pictures in a shadow box...along with her brother, Jax's too, I'm working on her scrapbook, put together two frames with her pictures for my bedroom...got a little picture ornament with her pic in it and put it on the tree (she's my christmas angel). All of it helps, but won't bring her back.

I just miss her. I can't say it any other way. I was gift shopping on Friday and found this little christmas t-shirt that I got for Jax (picture below), but it was definitely strange to take the picture because usually it is the both of them. And when I bought the shirt, there were little girly ones too, and for a moment I was looking for one of each...then again, I remembered. It's just hard to see just Jax in the picture...my lonely little pup without his sissybear.

But I figured that Christmas will come with or without her, and she would prefer me to enjoy it as much as I can anyway. I have to continue building memories with Jax too, and keep pushing forward. He's been the best bud through all of this -- I'm so thankful for him-- and my Pennybear too:)

How cute is THAT pict!!!.. I know what you mean about going crazy memorializing your Penny. It's coming up to 6mo for me and I haven't stopped either. I think in some strange way its trying to hold on to them for as long as possible. My first day as a voulenteer at my local shelter will be Fri the 5th. (I never thought I could be so happy cleaning cat waste) Anyhow, I need to wear a name tag while I work, so I just made one up, a botton pin with his and my other 2 past cats on it. The next is to buy a brick with his name engraved on it. They are building a new shelter next year and these bricks will be part of the walkway. I think it's a great idea to help raise money for it. Wishing you a great holiday season.. Take care.. Ann

2 months as of yesterday. As I feared in the beginning, time is passing, and each day is another without Penny. But I think I've moved through the most painful parts of the grief. I still have not picked up her dish. I think I'm a bit lucky than some who've lost their pets as I have Jax too who was "part-owner" of everything that was Penny's. So even though there are toys, etc that were mostly hers, I can still just leave things around the house as they were. But the dish is sort-of the only thing that is "just" hers. I can actually see myself leaving it there until my husband is back from his deployment (now just 4 months) and we can do it then. Even though I've accepted her passing, and in some ways have found some peace with it, we've had that arrangement of bowls for 4 years now. I just don't want to change it...so I'm not going to force myself. I'll probably just leave it there.

It's still rather surreal that she has actually passed away -- I look at her urn and hold it and even though I know it's her, intellectually, I also know it is not her...she's all around me...alive. I did have a dream of her the other night where she was sick and vomiting, but in the dream, I went back upstairs meaning to call the vet, but forgot, and when I remembered she was sick she was very thin and limp. I don't know if it has any significance...as when I found Penny sick I immediately flew to the vet, but perhaps it's my way of dealing with any unresolved guilt. Overall though, I think with the help of you all and my family, I've moved past the guilt. I continue to miss her terribly, but thank God that she was in my life:)

~Shannon

This weekend marked 3 months since Penny passed. It was tough. There are times I just completely lose it...feels like I can't even breath! I went to bed Sunday night, and just couldn't get her out of my mind. Eventually I ended up sleeping with her urn in my arms. What was amazing though is how Jax reacted. He was curled up in his blankies dead asleep and suddenly came out, laid down right next to my head, licked my face, and then nuzzled just his head under my blankets resting his nose right on the urn. I'm certain they have a connection that I can't even imagine. Those tough moments happen less and less though as time passes.

I finally put her bowl away. After returning from my family's house for Christmas, I was unpacking, and had taken all the bowls for Jax and the cats, so it seemed appropriate to just put the third bowl away as I unpacked the pet stuff. It was a bit emotional, but seemed natural. It was the right time.

My husband returns in less than 3 months now, so we may think about getting another little min pin. I think him being home will help my feelings of being a bit "lost". Sometimes I think I've lost my anchor...most of what my life was 6 months ago has changed...new state, new job, new house, husband deployed, and Penny gone. Even though I feel rather content with life most the time, it feels like someone else's. But I take it day by day. I continue helping out at the shelter, and taking dogs to the elderly homes for pet therapy. I enjoy it, but its hard not bringing all of the doggies home.

Peace,
~Shannon

Hi Shannon,

It was great to hear from you again. I know what you mean about feeling content most of the time and also feeling like it must be someone else's life you are living. It takes so much time to adjust to this new way of living. At first it feels completely foreign. But, as each new day comes, the realization sinks in further and further that we have no choice but to learn to cope and live in a new and different way.

I'm so glad you have Jax with you too. Of course he's stayed connected to Penny, just as you have. Once in awhile I catch Gidget staring at a wall or sitting with her back to me. I sense she is feeling or seeing something while she seems totally oblivious to my presence. That must feel so good to you when Jax snuggles in with you. My Gidget doesn't snuggle very often, but when she does all feels so right and comfy in my life. Browser is always a little cuddlebug, day or night. These wonderful animal friends of ours are so sensitive to what we are feeling all of the time. Thank God we have been so blessed to have them in our lives and hearts. They make a house a real home.

May you be showered in sunshine and love on this special 3 month angelversary. There is no doubt........Penny's spirit is very much alive and well and with you each and every day.

Hugs of love to you Shannon,
Beth

(((((Shannon)))) One thing you can count on is that Penny is no longer sick. She is out of her pain. I just lost my kitty Trouble, with his beautiful green eyes, who has been with me for 14 years, on Tuesday, and I felt the same way you did.........those first hours are the toughest to get through, but, you did the right thing to hold on to a toy and her blankie. I have a picture of my guy and i kiss him every night and day and I talk to him. Time will help to make it less painful.

hugs,

Terri

Hello friends --

It's been a while since I've come on the site. I think that part of me wanted to distance myself from the constant thoughts of Penny, and reading through everyone else's tragedies would bring my pain back to the surface every time. I can't believe 5 months have passed since Pen was with us. Still seems like only a moment ago I was seeing her fly through the house. As you all said, time does help heal. I am moving past the pain and grief, and life has become somewhat normal again. It is odd though because out of nowhere I will suddenly miss her, and cry for a moment...sometimes I think I cry because I fear moving on in some way. I have continued to help out at the humane society, and am now a volunteer for IMPS...a Min Pin rescue. My husband and I will most likely look into adopting a rescue min pin after he gets home and settled. He will be returning in 5 weeks! I'm very excited for him to be home, but it will definitely be bittersweet. He has had to process her loss from far away, and I know that once he walks in the door he will start to grieve all over again when he sees the home without her there...but I know it's just something we'll have to go through together. I also don't know how he'll react to seeing her ashes...I'll just have to pray that Penny will be there with us when he comes home to comfort and guide us through it. But I do fear that the pain and grief will start over again when he gets home -- I can only imagine he'll be very depressed for a while just getting used to life without her. So definitely puts a damper on his return -- but life will keep moving forward.

I miss you my little Pen pen...and your crazy little ears! You are forever my little goof-goof...

It is odd though because out of nowhere I will suddenly miss her, and cry for a moment...sometimes I think I cry because I fear moving on in some way.


Those "out of nowhere" situations happens to us all so it is very normal.

I think you cry because "I will suddenly miss her" rather than a fear of moving on. We just can't possibly ever forget them. We love them so very much and with all of that...will come tears because we want them back so very badly.

It is okay to cry. It is okay to think you are in control of your grief and have what I have started to call a "breakdown day".

I'm sure your husband will miss your sweet girl when he comes home..but the positive thing is you are both there to hug each other..very tightly. Sharing our grief helps to heal it.

Peace and healing,
Judy

Hello again Shannon, I'm glad your pain has eased a bit. It takes time. I hope the emptiness won't be too hard on your husband. I still have a hard time being at my partners home. I still see Arthur everywhere. He's thinking of moving and in some ways I would love to get away from that house, yet all my happy times with Arthur is there. Crazy. I'm glad your still keeping with your vouleenter services. Getting another dog is great, I wish you success with that. Still plugging away with my vouleenter work with the kitties. Still has it's challenges. Want to take them all home, especially the one that looks like my baby. But in time, I will have a house full of them...Stop by from time to time and give us updates...(and picts of your new pin)Take care.. Ann

Hi Shannon,

I'm so happy your hubby will soon be coming home. What a joyful blessing for all of you!

Moving past that deep guttural kind of pain made it possible for me to find a new normal in my life too. Of course there are days where you will suddenly miss Penny. She was and is such an integral part of you that will always remain. Moving on in the here and now won't ever change that. Goliath is still my first thought in the morning when I awaken and my last before I fall asleep.

It had been several weeks since I last visited LS myself. So, I'm glad I chose today to stop by and find that you also came to visit. If I don't see you again before your hubby comes home, I wish you the all the best life has to offer. May all your hopes and dreams come true.

Hugs of love,
Beth

You are so right Judy. This past weekend, I was on my computer, just logging it on, and their was the usual chaos. Chile and Mole running laps around the house chasing Tasha the kitten. Rocky doing his best to find some quite place to got get bothered by the youngin's or wanting attention. When all of a sudden, my log in screen comes up and my screen saver is Candy on her hind legs with that look of "may of some of whatever you are eating please".

I just all of a sudden broke down into tears, as if Candy literally just died.

I thought I was well over this stage of the grieving process but obviously I wan't.

So I so understand the long term griefing that comes with loosing a beloved pet.

As much as I adore my new baby's, there isn't a day that I don't miss my Candy.

My best to you.

Candy's Dad
Hal

I think it happens to all of us who really care for our babies, Hal....and I hope it helps Shannon to realize she is not alone when those moments sneak up. We have been there, cried, and will go again there another day but it is okay to miss them, no matter how much time has gone by.

You will be okay, Shannon...as okay as we can be.

Hugs,
Judy

Hello again to all my LS friends...

It has been some time since my last post, and it has almost been 9 mo since my sweet Penny girl moved on to her real forever home in the heavens. I just want to thank you all again for your support and encouragement through a time that I consider one of the most difficult times of my life to date. The loss of Penny made me feel like a part of me was ripped out and I still have moments where it still seems so surreal that she is actually gone and I cry for a moment...which I don't think will ever really go away. But she has truely showed me so much through her life and also her passing that has made me grow as a person in so many ways, that it is difficult to put it into words, and I have a feeling she will continue to surprise me by showing me all the beauty and blessings in my and my family's lives.

My husband and I finally felt it was time to add another doggy friend to our family so Jax could have a sister. Meet Daisy - she's a 1yr 4mo old black/tan min pin. We brought Daisy home about a week ago, and felt it was the right time since we didn't feel a need to compare a new dog to Penny, and we were ready to bring a unique little spirit to our home. She and Jax are getting along so well, and she loves the cats. The transition has gone more smoothly than I thought could be possible. We adopted her through IMPS (www.minpinrescue.org), a miniature pinscher rescue organization which we also volunteer for, and when we saw her pic and description, we knew we had to meet her, and the rest is history (albeit a short history:) But I do feel a sense of calm with the two dogs and really feel Penny lead us to her because it was an interesting turn of events that brought her to us -- Penny must have been behind it:) I attached a pic of her and Jax lounging during a car ride.

Click to view attachment

I wish peace and comfort to all those still struggling with the loss of their beloved animal friends. It is definately an indescribable feeling that only those who have gone through it understand. LS helped me in ways I can't even explain, and I'm so grateful.

God Bless,
Shannon

I am so glad u r feeling better, it's been 8 days since my Buddy went to sleep I cant say anymore cos I'm trying not cry (again!!). I am glad I read about you & your Penny's journey. Sharing helps somehow.......
I'm glad there is light @ the end of this grieving process cos some days it's just all to hard.
Thankyou so much for sharing with us
elaine

Shannon,

My Sammie girl (a 3 1/2 year old black and white sheltie died 9 days ago and you know what I'm feeling. She was my everything, my happy place, my best friend and soulmate. The pain is indescribable to say the least. I'm glad you posted about where you are with the loss of Penny. It gives me much hope that I too can move on. I want to congratulate you on the new addition to your family. She is beautiful. I love minpins. I grew up next door to 5 of them when I was a kid and loved their sweet personalities. Enjoy her and thanks for sharing.

Melanie

Congratulations Shannon. Daisy looks ADORABLE!!!!!

I know mine keep my hands full (they ate two pillows yesterday - lol).


I wish you much, much joy and happiness with your new babies.


Candy's Dad

Hal

hi shannon, i just finished reading all of the postings. i wasnt around when your sweet little one passed away. im so sorry. i lost my sweet baby three months ago this year. and i know what a difficult time you went thru. like you i was blessed. i know my little fred had a hand in sending me my new little one lucy. she has brought me so much joy amidst all the tears. i just wanted to say to you how happy i am for you. your new addition is so precious. the joy that daisy will bring to you and your family is priceless. congratulations. for sure penny was behind all of this she is "upstairs" looking out for you with the biggest smile.

patricia

Shannon,

I am so happy for you. Congratulations on your new baby. That picture of the two in the car is priceless. I wish you many years of happiness with them both.