Hi, Annette, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. What a WONDERFUL picture of your precious Daisy. I LOVE IT!!!

I'm glad I was able to help put the right words to what you are feeling, Annette. I know when I am highly stressed I go into a panic attack and my brain literally shuts down - - I can't think at all until the panic attack eases. These coming weeks are going to be a challenge, how well I know. They are stressful enough under "more normal" circumstances. Will you be able to take any time off from work over the next several weeks? Perhaps you could take a few days and just go to the next town to get away - - check into a hotel and treat yourself to room service?? I hope there will be a way that you can find the essential time you need to be alone - - to not have to put on the "public face."

If I find out which picture Oslo's Alma Mater selects for the contest I will post it for you to see but so far I haven't heard anything more about the contest.

Annette, it is an honor to be able to be a source of comfort and encouragement to you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers every day, and that I look forward to knowing how you're doing. Just remember, my friend - - we're with you, beside you in every step you take, - - one step at a time - - one day at a time.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you sooo much for sharing those pictures of your precious Daisy. She's so cute and adorable and I smiled just looking at her picture. It's easy to see why you're still hurting so much. I completely understand what you said about the holidays coming up - I'm dreading it. I'm so glad that we have this forum to help each other through.

Hang in there and take care,
Cheryl xx

Thank you Aaron, MoonBeam and Cheryl....that picture is probably one of my favorites thats been hanging on the wall...oh...I've lost count on how many times I've stood in front of it crying my eyes out....how many times I wanted to take it down because it just hurt too much to look at it...but I didn't.

I think I will be hanging her Christmas stocking up next weekend. I don't want to..but the tears are going to come whether I put it up or not...so we might as well do it, right? I don't think I will be decorating my home as much as I usually do during the holidays...It's just not in me..maybe next year. But I'm going to put pictures of Daisy and Alexis in my room and hang the stockings underneath them...with a strand of white lights..make it look nice for my girls. That way it's the first thing I see when I wake up and the last thing I see when I close my eyes to go to bed. I'm crying already right now just thinking about it....ugh...I can also feel the anxiety poking at me...wanting to get in again. I need to tell Mr. Anxiety to go away...nobody's home! It's going to be a long couple of months for us. I'm glad for this site..I think I'm going to be here quite often in the next few weeks just to make sure I'm not the only one that wants to scream because it's all so overwhelming.

Take care to all

That sounds like a lovely idea. Gosh, this is so hard, isn't it? It's gonna be a tough couple of weeks for us all, but we will help each other through it. I'm here if you need me. We all are

Take care,
Cheryl xx

Hi, Annette, what you're going through sure does sound so familiar - - when it hurts as much not to do something as it does to do it. In this case - - your hanging Daisy's and Alexis' stockings, leaving pictures up rather than taking them down, etc.. How well I do understand those feelings.

Annette, just do what you feel up to doing, and if what you do becomes too much to bear, - - then it's okay to take things down and put them away - - to re-visit at a later time, when you're stronger. Remember - - nothing in this grief journey is "engraved in stone" - - AND your Daisy and Alexis will love you no matter what - - especially for you taking care of yourself and doing for you what is best for you. Whatever you do, or don't do, or try to do, or decide not to do, or wait to do, - - or whatever - - Annette, they are always in your heart and your memories, always with you loving you.

And, as Cheryl so wonderfully reassures you, so I echo her words: we are here for you to help you through these coming hours, days, weeks - - and beyond.

Annette, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to knowing how you're doing whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you Cheryl and MoonBeam, It is going to be a tough holiday to get through...especially when the thoughts of "this time last year" keep popping in. One of my neighbors told me "just get another dog so you can get your life back" then she laughed. Now, I know she didn't --mean it-- the way I --heard it-- ...she's a very nice lady...but still....I kindly told her that I didn't miss having A Dog....I missed MY Dog...MY Daisy. Thats why I'm love this site...people here just get it.

Daisy: I missed you yesterday...it was such a beautiful day in the 70's...almost like summer, so I decided this was a good time to go outside and clean out our veggie garden and close it for the winter. Several times I looked over at your favorite spots...but you weren't there...it hurt. I swept away the spider webs covering the entrance to your dog house you never used. But ooooooo the look on your face when you smelled that a kitty had been in it the night before...your hair would stick up on your back and you would run around following the scent like a wild boar. I would tell you to be nice, since you weren't using it then share it with the outdoor kitty's so they could have a place to sleep. Yard work is just yard work...no more playing around...goofing off...just watching you sunbathe..it was more like "hard work". And yes dear...I raked the few leaves that did fall into some of the shrubs so your lizards and frogs will have a warm winter. I promise to take care of them for you. Remember when we were done we would both take a bath and lay on the couch for a nap? I cried myself into the nap because you were not next to me...but I had the most wonderful dream of holding you and you were just kissing and kissing me....thank you. When I woke up I still could feel you in my arms...which made me cry some more. I miss you bubble-butt. I miss you like crazy.

I love you,
Mommy

Yes, hearing people say things like that, even when they are good intentioned, are difficult. It's not like replacing a TV or a watch. These are living creatures we shared strong bonds with that cannot simply be replaced no more than bonds we shared with human family and friends can be replaced. Kristy and I are lucky to have family and friends who know what we are going through and can empathize, but not everyone we know is like that. That's why this site is so special.

Thanks for sharing those special memories. I could visualize you and Daisy being in the garden together as if I was your neighbor looking over the fence to see what the laughter was all about. I can tell how much you love her and how special she was. Always remember those memories and how special Daisy was. I still think it is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.

Hi, Annette, thank you so much for sharing your precious letter to Daisy with us. Oh how I know what you mean about the yard work - - now being "hard work." And I do so know what you mean about the "this time last year" creeping in, and how absolutely nothing is the same. Even though I am blessed with Noah's sweet presence, I know that nothing is the same for him either, and this saddens me even more because "this time last year" he still had his big doggy brother Oslo and his baby sister Abbygayle to snuggle with - - and now - - it's just me.

I'm so glad you were able to have sweet dreams of your precious Daisy. May each of your dreams be sweet ones of your precious Daisy.

Annette, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers frequently, and look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank Heaven
Thank Heaven
For Li...ttle Girls

On the Eve of Thanksgiving...I am soooo thankful that I got to share my life with you Alexis and Daisy.
Thank you for teaching me to:

Be patient and understanding
Be strong and independent
Knowing when to just stop....and take a nap
And when to take a cookie break.

I love you both and will never forget you.

And most of all, thank you God for letting me know what true love is and giving me the opportunity to become a mom (even thought it was to the furry-four legged kind

Happy Thanksgiving Day to all.

Annette, yet another beautiful and touching post that brought tears to my eyes. Both your girls are just... stunning. So beautiful and pretty. You can see just be looking at the pictures what a wonderful, happy life they led. That's all because of you, Annette. It's clear that you loved them both with all your heart and gave them the best life a kitty and doggy could ever ask for. They will be with you, always.

Hugs, Cheryl xx

Hi, Annette, thank you so o o o o much for sharing these wonderful pictures with us. I love your opening, "Thank heaven, for little girls" - - my mom used to sing me this song when I was a little girl, and I can still hear Maurice Chevalier's rendition as well, in my memory.

As Cheryl has so eloquently spoken, your girls lived a wonderful earthly life with you knowing they are eternally loved. And now, Annette, they are sharing a blessed life with you with their sweet Living Spirits always with you wherever you go and whatever you do.

I hope this holiday weekend will be one of great peace and comfort to you, Annette, and blessed with many happy memories to cherish always.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you Cheryl and MoonBeam, I talk about my kitty so much I thought I would share a picture of her. I saw the movie on the classic movie channel a couple of months ago and now I seem to always have that tune...Thank heaven for little girls.... in my head now. I hope the both of you are doing well. I know with the holidays coming up it's going to take a little extra strength to get through this.

I took the bin out that has the christmas stockings. It's still in my room...unopened. Just knowing Daisy's stocking is in there made me break down and cry.....gonna be a lot harder than I thought. I can't believe they are both gone now. But I'm glad they're together again. I'm going to write letters to them and put it in their stockings...hopefully when I'm done I'll be ready to hang them up. It's definately going to be an emotional christmas.

When I went walking, alot of people have their outdoor decorations and lights up. Lights that used to make me feel warm and fuzzy inside....now make me feel a little sad and empty...they don't even seem as bright to me....like I'm looking at them with a pair of sunglasses on.

I keep trying to think of all the good Christmas memories with the both of them....but hearing those songs...and seeing the movies on tv...it's just so hard not to cry. I have to admit...I can't wait until Christmas and New Years is over.

Thanks for being here
Hugs to you both

Thank you for sharing those pictures of Alexis and Daisy with us. Those are really special.

I wish I didn't echo the same sentiment as you, but I feel the same way about the holidays being over. I know my wife feels that way. Thanksgiving wasn't the same as it usually is. I know Christmas will be especially difficult. We are going on a skiing trip in a few weeks and I really could care less about it, as bad as it sounds. As my wife has said numerous times, there is a hole in our home and no way to fill that void. So we know what you are going through. The holidays are always difficult times when facing the loss of a loved one. All we can do is live through each day and each moment the best we can.

Hi, Annette, I do so understand what you mean about the holidays and the lights and decorations, etc.. It's so very hard to have the "festive" spirit when there's a huge hole in your heart and life. Just take it slow and easy with the Christmas decorations, Annette, and if it gets to be too much - - just know that your girls will not want you to try to do something that would make you more sad.

As for the movies and such, I try to watch things are not "holiday" related, and usually go for the mute switch on the remote when the "season greetings" advertisements come on. And if push comes to shove, there is always the "off" button. Like you and Aaron, I will be thankful when the "most wonderful tiime of the year" is over with. Just 31 days to go.

Annette, we are here with you, and for you, my friend. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

My Daisy LuLu...I finally went to visit grandma on Sunday. It's been 4 long months since I've seen her. I know....when you were here we saw her every Sunday. But she understands that I needed to be alone these past few months...she knows how much you meant to me. In the summers she would come over because it was too hot to drive you anywhere and in the winters I would bundle you up and "off to grandma's house we'd go". Just the words "grandma's house" you would run to the front door and jump in circles. I would pick out a color of sweatshirt and put it on you and try to guess if grandma was going to be wearing the same color...we knew we got it right when we could hear her laughing before she even opened the door. You always made every visit with her so much fun.

It was hard being there without you...it was pretty obvious something was missing...laughter, happiness. I wanted you there...I needed you there. I was strong....but when she fell asleep on the recliner...it was sad not seeing you on her laps. Oh....how you loved grandma's laps. And hearing that syncronized snoring that the both of you would do after a big lunch. I cried all the way back home.

I love you Bug-a-loo

Hi, Annette, how fashionable your sweet Daisy looks in her jacket. Thank you so much for sharing your heart's letter to your precious girl. I'm glad you had a good visit with your grandmother, and I also do understand so very well how different, and difficult, it was. Another first - - the first visit without your sweet Daisy's precious physical presence for both you and your grandmother.

Thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing, Annette. Please know you are frequently in my thoughts and prayers, my friend.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you MoonBeam. I just love her little denim jacket. A couple of years ago I bought some buttons in the shape of yellow and white daisies so I could sew them on all her winter things. She has one on her denim jacket at the very bottom on the back...I have one on my denim too. I did a few but never got around to getting all of them. But now I'm going to sew the rest on my jackets...and when someone asks me "you must like daisies" I will reply "yes I do...with all my heart".

I had some time today to start going through and gathering all her pictures. I thought I was ready but.....seeing picture after picture...all those years seeing her from a young little girl ...and growing into a mature little lady took my breath away. It just went by so fast.

I can't even begin to describe how special that picture is, so I know it must be a million times more special for you. I know these past months have been very difficult for you, so thank you for being able to share pictures and stories of your little Daisy. It helps to read others' stories about their special fur balls.

Hi, Annette, your daisy buttons sound wonderful!! What a wonderfully special way to honor your beloved Daisy.

I know what you mean about time going by so fast with our beloved companions. One of the songs I sing to Noah is "Where are You Going, My Little One". It was a big hit in the 60's, and describes the growing up of children. Our furkids are our children, too, and our time with them is never long enough.

I hope the coming days will be peaceful for you, Annette, and please know you are frequently in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thanks Aaron and MoonBeam...our children remain "child-like" throughout their lives but unfortunately they do get old and we have to say goodbye...it's just not fair.

I hope the both of you and everyone here have a good holiday...it's going to be an emotional one...but we will get through it.

To my Girls:

It's going to be tough waking up Christmas morning without you....but you will be in my heart. I'm sure there will be many, many tears...but it's because Mommy loves you so much.

And God, when senility has crept into my life and I don't know the person standing in front of me or my own name...please, please don't let me ever forget my girls.

Lots and Lots of Kisses to you Alexis and Daisy

I didn't want to forget you Alexis

Hi, Annette, thank you so much for these wonderful pictures of your precious girls. What is in our hearts can never be forgotten, even when our minds grow dim with age, I promise you, Annette. You are in my thoughts and prayers, my friend.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

What beautiful, precious photographs. I don't think we will ever forget our babies. Even if old age does try to steal our memories from us; it can't steal what is forever embedded in our hearts. And when our time comes to be reunited with them... it is our hearts that will lead us right to them.

I'm not sure if I will be able to get onto the forum Christmas Day, but I want you to know, Annette, that I will think of you and wonder how you are getting on. In fact, I will think of everyone on here, and I am sure I will gain some sort of comfort in knowing that we're all going through this together.

Take care,
Cheryl xx

You are both so right MoonBeam and Cheryl....what's in our heart...is forever....under lock and key until we see them again. I'm sure everyday for them is like Christmas now.

I hope the both of you have a very Merry Christmas

Lots of Hugs

Hi Annette,

Just stopping by to see how you're doing? I know you were finding the holiday season difficult. I bet you're glad it's all over with. I know I am.

Just letting you know that you're in my thoughts.

Hugs, Cheryl x

Thank you Cheryl, thats so sweet of you to ask. Yes, I am glad the holidays are over. This was the first time ever that I didn't have a furbaby in my house. They were always the first ones I would to say Merry Christmas to and the first for a big New Years kiss. Christmas was just....there...I felt nothing. And New Years I decided that I didn't want to "ring in the new year" so I stayed home. I attended my uncle's funeral last week....i felt so bad...here his kids, grandkids, greatgrandkids were in the front row crying and I did not shed one single tear....again I felt nothing. I hate this person I've become. I know I need to find something to do with all this time I have now and I will get back on track with my life. One thing for sure it will definately involve animals, mabe the humane society, the animal sanctuary, or just work partime at a pet spa and lodging place.

I never intended to get a dog, although I love them and grew up with them, but I just knew I would not have one in my adult life...I was more of a cat person. I don't have kids (not because I couldn't but because my knight in shining armor hasn't shown up yet). As I got older I got tired of being taken advantage of - for being a single woman - and just having one meaningless relationship after another. I became the woman you would hear saying things like "Never mind! I'll just do it myself!". In no time I managed to build a wall up around me.....by myself.

But then one day......my neighbor came over to show me her new puppy...they named her Daisy. She was sooooo tiny. I held her in the palm of one hand and her head was the size of a golf ball. As the months passed and I would take my walks, I would always stop and hang out and just watch her in the yard with her sister from the previous litter. When she grew up they were going to look like twins. She was such a happy little thing. After about 8 months my neighbor told me they found a bigger house and with a baby on the way they thought that it would be better to give Daisy to someone that had enough time to take care of her, and asked if I wanted her. I said yes before she even finished her sentence.

I ran to the store and bought everything I could, came home and they brought her over. I gave her a bath and just sat on the sofa and just....stared at her playing with her toys. Oh gosh, what have I done...caring for a dog is soooo different than caring for a cat. I requires alot more time...ooogles of time. After a couple of months I started thinking maybe I should find someone that had more time to care for her. I'm so glad I didn't. She changed my life...made it better....made me a better person. I adjusted my life to fit hers, I started staying home more (and absolutely loved it) I started working on the yard so I could enjoy it as much as she did. I bought her a doggie car seat and took her everywhere. We went to all the yearly pet expos, fund raisers, etc. that involved pets. I started to meet the most wonderful, and kindhearted pet people (like the ones on this site). One by one the bricks on my "wall" started to come down....and the door to my heart opened up and she jumped right in. She became my life. People around me could see the difference...they said I was just......happy all the time. And I was.

I don't believe in "luck", "chance" or "the right place at the right time" kinda stuff. I do believe in fate/destiny. Every single decision I made in my life led me to live in that particular house, every decision my neighbor made in hers led her to live in the house next door to me. Daisy was destined to be mine...it wasn't a quinky dink....it was meant to be. I know God put her in my life so I could become the person He needed me to be. I believe that for all of us and our pets. He didn't create them to just entertain us....He created them for a reason.

So everyday it has been a struggle....everyday I have to fight back the urge to pick up a brick and rebuild my wall. But I will fight it everyday....because I don't want Daisy's life here on earth to have been all for nothing. She sure was somethin'.

Hi, Annette, your precious Daisy sure IS somethin'. What a precious picture of her in her car seat! Thank you so o o much for sharing your wonderful memories with us.

I, too, believe "to everthing there is a purpose under heaven." It's just that it's really, really hard to understand what it might be in some circumstances -- even years down the road.

Please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the loss of your uncle. Feeling numb, particularly in the experience of another loss, is normal. It's one of the protective mechanisms our mind and body have to keep us from being overwhelmed. There may come a time when you're thinking about your uncle and you may find yourself bursting into tears - - it will just happen perhaps when you least expect it. This is okay, Annette - - it will be normal.

Annette, I wish you the very best in this current year. I hope and pray that your heart will be filled with peace as you continue to adjust your life without the physical presence of your beloved Daisy. And I hope your heart will be filled with joy as you feel your Daisy's sweet Living Spirit with you sharing your days just as she always has and always will. May the eternal love you share be a guide for you that will lead you to where you know it is "right" for you to be. And through each day may you know you are frequently in my thougths and prayers, and will look forward to knowing how things are going for you whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Annette,

Thank you for sharing the beautiful story of how Daisy came into your life. Your posts really touch me -- they seem to speak to me -- and I find myself with tears in my eyes, smiling, and nodding my head, all at once, whenever I read them.

I loved when you said: "I know God put her in my life so I could become the person He needed me to be. I believe that for all of us and our pets. He didn't create them to just entertain us....He created them for a reason." This is soooo true. My Daisy changed me completely too; and made me a more loving, open person. My relationship with my now Fiance wasn't really going anywhere, until we got Daisy. Like you, I'd built a wall around myself, and my friends used to joke that I "had a heart of stone." Well, Daisy broke down that wall. Just by being the sweet, loving, wonderful little thing that she was. By being so dependent on me and my love and care. She became mine and my fiances "baby" and as a result we grew even closer and I allowed myself to fully love and be loved. To think a little bunny could achieve this... it's just amazing, isn't it? God definately creates these little furballs for a reason. They most definately are angels on loan

Thank you again for your wonderful post and I look forward to hearing how you're doing whenever possible.

Hugs, Cheryl x

Thank you MoonBeam and Cheryl...I often wonder what our lives would be like...what kind of person we would be today....without any pets. Would I be loving...or even lovable? Probably not. Thank God for them.

Today makes 5 years since I said goodbye to my kitty Alexis. I can't believe its been that long already. The story the way she came into my life is so special. First...back when I was about 9 or 10 my grandmother was in to painting ceramics. She took me one day to the shop and told me to go ahead and pick something out for myself. Of course I picked a little statue of a cat. We went back to her hobby room and I painted it......pearl white.

When my mom was driving home I had it in my hands, she asked me...why didn't you paint it? you had all those colors to choose from. I told her...I did paint it....I painted it the color I wanted...because one day I'm going to have a white kitty.

Fast forward to when I was 20 yrs old...my then roommate came home and said that her dad was going to take the kittens, that were born in the wood pile at their home, to the river to drown them. Us both being animal lovers ran over there to get them. Out came three pure white kittens. We took them back home and nursed them for the next few weeks. We knew we couldn't keep them and had to start finding them homes. Alex (I thought she was a boy) was the runt of the bunch. While her siblings were running around and playing, she was still trying to find her legs. There were times when I thought maybe she wouldn't make it...she was so tiny...almost half the size of the others. Naturally I was drawn to her..I told my roommate to find a home for the other two first....but don't give Alex away yet....my heart was already hers.

My roommate was getting married and so I was in the process of moving back with my mother. One day I went to visit her and took Alex with me. The first thing that came out of her mouth when she saw her was...That cat is not coming home with you....so get rid of it. I was crushed. Then she said...Maybe if it was a female I would let you...but not a male. My other grandma had been at the house visiting.....scooped her up and turned her over (she had been raised on a farm all her life) and said "its a female"......Then began 20 years of happiness for me and my kitty.

I said hello to her when I was 20 and goodbye when I was 40. She saw me through everything...all the ups and downs. I call those years the "baby years" because God was the only one that knew I would never have human kids....so He gave me exactly what I wanted to fill my heart. She was perfect. I still have that little ceramic kitty to this day....it sits next to her ashes. When I look over at her "shelf" I still get a tear in my eye....but then a smile will form.

My Sweet Alexis Marie:

My "first born", the love of my life. Thank you for making those years so special for me. Thank you for teaching me how to be a good mother to you and to your little sister Daisy. I know it was difficult for you to accept Daisy into our family at first....but when I told God...If I'm not going to have kids...then please let me accept it....that's when He brought Daisy into our lives. She was the one that helped me get through the most heartbreaking thing I had ever gone through...that was loosing you. Alexis, you would have been soooo proud of her...she stepped up and took very good care of mommy. Now...the both of you are together...so make sure you let her know how proud you are...she would love that, especially coming from you...her big sister. I can't wait to see you again...my sweet girl...my dream come true....my answered prayer.

Dear Annette, our beloved companions are God's sweet answers to prayer. Thank goodness your grandmother had the presence of mind to check out little "Alex" so that your mom would accept your little baby with you. They are forever a part of us, Annette - - no amount of time can take them from our hearts and memories.

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful account of how your precious Alexis came into your life, and how your precious Daisy helped you when sweet Alexis joined the angels. I know your heart is filled with their sweet Living Spirits, yet tremendously lonely without their physical bodies to hold and nurture.

Thank you for sharing the wonderful pictures of your sweet Alexis. Even as a kitten it is obvious the love and devotion she has for you as you look into her eyes. Your precious Alexis and Daisy are so proud of you and are patiently waiting for your appropriate time to join them in eternal joy.

Annette, I know how some days are easier than others, how some anniversaries are easier than others. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, my friend, and that I look forward to knowing how you're doing whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Annette,

That was sooo sweet. Your precious Alexis is so beautiful -- she looks like an angel even while here on this Earth. It is so clear how much your precious babies mean to you; and your love for them is inspiring and moving. Thank God for these wonderful creatures; and thank God for people like you to care for them.

Take care,
Cheryl x

Happy Birthday...to you
Happy Birthday...to you

Happy Birthday...Dear Daisy... Happy Birthday...to you

Happy 10th Birthday Peanut. I'm sorry it has taken me all day to write this. Yesterday was your 6 month angelversary also. The tears would fill my eyes every time I would try so I thought I'd better wait until I got home from work. Today I would have treated you to something special and showered you with love and kisses (100 times more than usual). I'm sure your sister Alexis is going to take over for me from now on until I see you again. Like our wonderful MoonBeam says: every day that passes here on this earth, means one day closer to being reunited with you. What a happy day that will be.

I gave your doghouse away to someone that has two little chihuahua's, it hurt me alot more than I thought it would even though you never used it, but just knowing that those little pups will be jumping in and out of their new house made me smile and of course I knew you wouldn't mind one bit. Please check in on them when you can.

Thank you for letting me share my life with you. "I'm everything I am...because you loved me" --Celine Dion. I repeat that everytime I look at your pictures (which still hurts so very much).

Enjoy your day up in the Heavens with all your new friends.

I love you.......mommy

Hi, Annette, thank you so much for sharing your heart love letter to your precious Daisy. The anniversaries are hard sometimes to endure, and I'm so glad you shared your precious Daisy's birthday and anniversary with the angels with us.

I love your words to your precious Daisy: "Thank you for letting me share my life with you. "I'm everything I am...because you loved me" --Celine Dion." Your precious Daisy knows you love her for all eternity, and hearing you continue to say those words is sweet music to her as she hears your voice lift upward to her in heaven's perfect garden.

Annette, I hope life is treating you kindly. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to knowing how you're doing whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Happy Birthday dear Daisy!

Hope you're having fun with your sister at the bridge. Remember to take a minute out to go and say hello to your Mom, 'cos she loves and misses you very much.

Love Cheryl and my angel Bunny Daisy xx

Hi Annette, thanks for sharing that picture. The rubber ducky makes me laugh because our best friend has a dachshund who is OBSESSED with rubber ducks. Glad to hear that some new pups will have a new home, that should make you feel great. I hope you are doing well.

Thank you MoonBeam, I can't believe its been 6 months already. This is taking me alot longer to get through than before . . . maybe because I don't have anymore pets at home. It's just so hard.

I see from your posts that you have been already well into your spring cleaning . . . so I better get a move on myself! I noticed before winter the roof had some questionable spots . . hopefully they will be repairable and I wont have to put a whole new roof on. When did roofs start costing as much as a small car?! Plus they don't even last as long as they did in the old days. I also want to convert from evaporated cooling to refrigerated air so the cost for both is going to empty out my savings . . . oh, its times like these when I wish I was renting so I wouldn't have to deal with stuff.

Hope you are able to get some R & R this weekend with little Noah.


Cheryl, I think my Daisy heard you . . Its been months since I had a dream about her and last week I had one! Thank You. Daisy always loved any animal that was her size and smaller, so I bet she's having a wonderful time with your furbun Daisy. I hope your classes are going well. Lots of Hugs.

Hi Aaron, Daisy always looked so sad when it was "bath time" . . but when it was over . . I couldn't hold her down long enough to try to dry her off. She would get away from me and just run and run and run all through the house just as happy as can be. It looks like you will be going through your own bath time rituals with your new addition now. I hope things are going well for you and your new pup.

To my little Valentine:
I sure miss our rituals . . I feel so lost without them, but I will hold all those memories deep, deep in my heart forever . . I love you Miss Daisy.

Hi, Annette, so good to hear from you and to share with you how you're doing. I know what you mean about the 6 month anniversary. It's another "wake up" reality that somehow you've managed to survive a half year without the precious physical presence of your beloved Daisy - - and wondering where the time went. And a new awareness of how your life is "different". It's a hard anniversary of its very own kind.

Yeah, I know what you mean about "sticker shock" with purchases / repairs these days. However, I'm not really sure renting would be cost effective because the owner of the residence would need to charge a hefty rent (and raise it every year) to accommodate the increases in the cost of maintenance, mortgage payments, taxes, etc. to cover his basic costs AND - - let us not leave out any PROFIT the owner would want to have. Either way it's a royal racket.

I'm smiling at your description of your precious Daisy running through the house after her bath - - the canine version of "blow dry". My Samson didn't mind the bath part, but he truly did hate the grooming - - brushing, combing, etc. Grooming was the only time I had to muzzle him. But AFTERWARDS - - oh how he would prance around so handsome and the misery of getting to the "results" was immediately instantaneously forever forgotten.

Your precious Daisy is so pretty, - - what a wonderful picture of her. Thank you so much for sharing your precious Daisy with us and for sharing with us how you're doing. I hope you're able to find a competent and trustworthy contractor to do the work you need to have done, and will look forward to knowing how things are going.

Annette, I'm so glad your precious Valentine came to visit you for awhile - - a special time for her, too. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, my friend. May your evening be a peaceful one with your precious Daisy's sweet Living Spirit with you in your dreams.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Annette,

I love the Valentine's Day photo of your adorable Daisy. Thank you for sharing it. I understand how you miss the rituals and celebrations with your precious little girl.

With peace and serentiy,
Juturna

Dear Daisy,

It seems that spring has sprung up on me out of nowhere. About this time you and I would be outside getting that yard cleaned up. (getting our vitamins, as mommy would put it) But I just can't seem to find the . . . umph . . to get up and go out there without you. I'm even thinking of hiring someone to come over and do it for me. I know it would be good for me to do it myself . . but we'll see. I just miss you so much. It's been 7 months since I last held you in my arms . . . just seems like forever ago.

I love you

Hi Annette,

It's good to hear from you and to learn how you're getting on. I know what you mean about the spring. For some reason, the sunny days have been quite hard for me. I think it was because my Daisy passed in the late spring (end of May) and it was so bright and sunny the day we buried her. Yes, I guess this is just another "first" (the first spring without her) that we have to get through. Another step in our journey. But we will get through it. The same way we got through the first week, the first month, the first Christmas, the first New Year... we will get through it with the support and friendship we have for one another on this forum; and with the love and memories of our babies forever in our hearts to guide us through.

What another wonderful picture of your Daisy. I love how you have a picture of her for every occassion. The pictures always make me smile, and the love that radiates from them warms my heart.

Take good care of yourself, Annette.

Cheryl xx

Hi, Annette, thank you so much for sharing your heartwarming letter to your precious Daisy with us. What a cutie she is with her Shamrock - - how precious. I know how you're feeling about the yard work, Annette. It's really a two sided coin - - the memories are wonderful yet the stinging reality of not being able to make more memories with your precious Daisy physically by your side is so hard to deal with. A job that is tedious by itself but fun to look forward to because of your precious Daisy is now once again a burden - - both physically and in your heart.

I am sorry this spring does not hold the promise of renewal for you that it used to. I know that feeling, Annette. It is not always easy to "adjust" to the changes we encounter during our earthly journey. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Annette, and am reaching out across the cyber miles to let you know I am with you and beside you.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

It sounds like you and Daisy spent a lot of time in the yard together, so I can understand why this time of the year is tough for you. You might just try a small task and see how it goes, but I wouldn't blame you if you hired someone to do the work.

The pansies in the front flower beds are still in full bloom for us and hold a special meaning, at least for me. We planted those pansies literally the day after Reggie passed away. It will be hard pulling those up, so I want to take some pictures and maybe take a few of the blooms and dry them. It's always the little things that have the biggest effect on us.

Hope you are able to enjoy some of the spring time

Cheryl, Can you believe some of us are coming up on a year already? It still seems weird to write 2011. I feel like time stopped for me in Aug 2010. I finally vacuumed the stairs this past weekend...with a heavy heart. The last of her hairs were on those stairs, now all I have left are the ones on her brush....and lots of pictures. When I would send my mother a card, I would put a picture of Daisy in it, so she expected one every time. So I started buying "To Grandma" cards "From Daisy". I'm glad I did, I love looking at those pictures. (still with tears rolling down my face though). Thank you for your support and friendship.

MoonBeam, I wish it was still winter, at least my mood fit the season....cloudy, rainy, cold, quiet. I'm just not quite ready for the sounds of spring...everything blooming, sun shining, birds singing. But I did buy some wild bird seed...poor little birds...they probably wondered what happened to me all these months of not feeding them. One thing about living alone is that I don't have anyone to give me a little push forward every now and then.....so I got "lazy" with my journey. My "Honey Do" list is getting pretty long, so I think keeping busy will help. But of course if I had a "Honey" to do them...would be way better

Aaron, I decided to take your advice. This past weekend I did just a little yard work..and next weekend I'll do a little more. It actually wasn't as bad as I thought. I had decided to not bother with a vegetable garden this year, but then after reading your comment "It's always the little things that have the biggest effect on us" (Daisy always used to love to help dig in the garden when I was turning the dirt over and getting it ready for planting--but always stayed out of it once everything was in...she was such a good girl) I will be "gardening for Daisy"

Lots of Hugs

Annette

Hi, Annette, today I began the task of raking the winter leaves, and like you as you worked "gardening for Daisy" I thought of my Oslo and how he enjoyed the leaves, and knew that cleaning up the leaves was a signal that warmer weather was on its way - - which he also enjoyed. I know your precious Daisy is right beside you helping you to prepare the soil for the plantings. I can see her digging to her heart's content by your side.

I know what you mean about time standing still. It doesn't seem fair that life "goes on" when our hearts are breaking. The day to day "stuff" gets done, although we feel totally disconnected from everything. We are faced with the arduous task of establishing a "new normal" when all we want is to have our "old normal" - - our "familiar normal" - - our "precious normal" - - back.

Annette, as I work raking the leaves and cleaning up the yard from winter, I will be thinking of you "gardening for Daisy." Together we can honor our beloved companions by continuing the work that brought us joy during their earthly journey with us.

Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Annette, and will look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

My little Daisy, I've been thinking about you so much. It's another holiday that I will have to get through without you. By this time in the morning I would have given you your Easter basket then we would go for a long walk. Your "grandma" will be coming over later. You will be missed. I will definitely miss making you and grandma stay inside while I would go outside and hide the eggs. Once I let you out, you would run all over the yard tracking my scent. After opening the first one and showing you there was a snack inside, it didn't take you long to find the rest. You would find one and stomp your little paws on the ground in front of it, then you would turn and look at me as if to say "I found one! Open it, Open it!"

Thank you for these wonderful memories Sweet Pea, my heart stays full because of them. It's been a tough, tough journey, but I'm getting through it. Now you and Alexis enjoy your goodies today, I love you both so much.

Mommy

Dear AlexisMarie,

Please accpet my deepest condolences on the loss of you beloved Daisy. What a special relationship you had and I love the game you created for them to enjoy the Easter holiday. I lost my beautiful Peggy 8 weeks ago yesterday and while I never thought to hide things in eggs for Easter, I used to hide her snacks in different places so she could 'track them down'. Like your Daisy, she loved that game! Thank you for sharing your tradition with us and I am so sorry that it's still so painful for you. You will be in my prayers.

Take care,

Peggy (the human)

Hi, Annette, thank you so much for sharing your note to your precious Daisy with us, and sharing your wonderful Easter picture of your precious Miss Daisy. You gave her a happy life during her earthly journey with you, Annette, and her heart is brimming - - and overflowing - - with love for you as she waits patiently for you to join her in eternal joy at your appropriate time. I do so understand how difficult the earthly journey can be at times, and I know your heart yearns for your precious Daisy. Just remember - - one day at a time, my friend, and please know you are not alone - - ever - - regardless of how much time passes in your continued earthly journey. We are always here for you, my friend - - always.

I hope today is being kind to you, my friend, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I look forward to knowing how you're doing whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

AlexisMarie

How perfectly you have expressed my own feelings, actions and behavios sinc my beloved chocolate lab Gretta departed this world on April 10. I, too, am a live-aloner. We have a special pain - all of us know why. Thepictures of Daisy are adorable. Such a sweet dog - her face just radiates love, caring - and the comfort she feels because she has the security of everything your love has to give. I haven't read you more recent posts, but I truly hope your burden has been lifted a little. No, you are NOT crazy. And if this lasts until the end of our lives, so be it. It's because we put every bit of love into our doggies and kitties and they used it as a bridge to the Perfect World. Thank you for your beautiful posts. They comfort me - and for thank I'm eternally grateful. I guess we've just got to believe ourselves when we say we know we'll be together again in that perfect World. Some days that thread of belief gets pretty thin - but our fur babies are strengthening it from thier end, I'm sure.

Have the best day you can, Alexismarie. We're with you.

Gretta's mom

My Precious Daisy,
It was one year ago today when I said goodbye. Lots of tears fell today thinking of all the good times we had. I think of you every day. It has been quite a journey. My heart will be full when I see you again.

You were my companion, my friend, my source of delight;
My pride, my joy, my protector, my brightest light.

We enjoyed the simple things...gardening, watching sunsets and sunrises;
Yet everyday with you, was always full of surprises.

I loved giving you kisses, rubbing noses and zerberts on your tummy;
You would take off running, come back and "Do it again Mommy!"

You were the only one who knew me so very well;
Always there to cheer me up everytime I fell.

No God...not now, I'll go to church, I won't be lazy;
It's not fair, it's too soon, Please....not my Daisy.

And for one brief moment my Guardian Angel left my side;
Craddled you in their arms as I whispered my goodbyes.

Up you went to the Heaven's above;
In your new body, soaring high...with the wings of a dove.

The pain...the tears..., my heart left with a hole;
Because of a love so deep, so pure, right down to my soul.

Now I take my walks alone, with my head hung low;
I knew it wouldn't be forever...one day you would go.

When I look up at the stars in the dark of night;
I thank Him for the gift that was, oh, so right.

My Sweet Pea.....I Love You;
My Darling Daisy, My Lil' Bug-a-loo.