Monday nite Nov 1st our friend Sammy Joe a black raccoon died suddenly and unexpectly from what I believe was a blood clot or heart failure. He was 8.5 yrs old and the most beautiful, loving creature God ever put on this earth. I noticed his short labored breathing and managed to get ahold of a vet hospital 50 miles away but had to fight him into the carrier. I don't believe he made it out of the drive and I feel so guilty. We share our basement with two other males and they are deeply mourning his loss. I am to the point of not being about to function and cry non stop. I know there are no "magic words" to take the pain away but just knowing other have gone or going through the same pain helps. I am sure friends and family think I am nuts for grieving so intensly and trust me, feeling like this is not fun either. A huge hunk of my heart has been ripped out of my chest.
I was trying to shop the other day and saw a black rabbit, I had to reach down to touch its fur and when I did I had to run out of the store.
Without a doubt God loved me to send him my way, his story is a miracle in itself. I also know what comes from God returns to God, but the pain in unbearable even after 2 wks. I ask for prayers to heal
Thank you! most of all for understanding the pain of loosing a friend

Hi, coonmam, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the loss of your beloved Sammy. Losing a beloved companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we have been blessed with the privilege of their company.

How very special that you were Sammy's caregiver. Was Sammy a rescue from the wild, along with his brothers? Or perhaps a rescue from a shelter? Coonmam, please know you are among friends here who do understand the hearbreak you are feeling, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us. We would truly enjoy sharing your memories of Sammy, including how you became his earthly caregiver. Sharing our memories with others who understand does help with the healing process, and is a way that we can give our precious companions an eternal earthly memorial.

Coonmam, thank you so much for sharing your precious Sammy with us. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to knowing how your'e doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

I am very very sorry to read about the passing of your good buddy, Sammy. How hard it is to have to say goodbye to someone so dear. You had an unexpected and frantic time trying to help him and it must've been a really tough experience to go through.

Grieving has its own time and its own seasons, others do not always understand. Please know that you are here among caring friends who share your experience and have a greater understanding of your pain than people near you may have. I hope you will return often to read our stories and share more of your experiences with Sammy.

Jan

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss of Sammy. Yes, we do understand, coonmam. The death of a beloved animal companion can rip your heart out. My sincere condolences to you at this time.

Sammy is gorgeous. I'm so sorry for your loss. You will heal, in time. And yet a part of you will be lost forever--but that's ok too. You will rather your beloved companion keeps that part of you, a small token for the wonderful life he gave you. He was lucky to be with you in his last moments, and lucky not to suffer long. Please let us know more about Sammy's story.
~rachna

Thank you each and everyone. Two weeks ago tonight and the pain is so real and intense. My old 9 yr old computer quit on me yesterday so I am trying to learn Windows 7. I don't like change! I have some special stories to share about the most magnificant raccoon that God put on this earth, such a sweetie--loved hugs and kisses. I have talked to an animal communicator which some might frown on, but I need to know he is ok
Keep the prayers coming, I am still so devastated over his death
Much love!

We all know how you feel, we have all lost a special friend along the way ourselves. These bonds are truly unique and something only animal lovers can appreciate. We lost our cat Reggie a little over two weeks ago, so I can empathize with what you are feeling. There is no easy way to heal from such a loss other than to talk to others and spend time with Sammy's two brothers. If you are able to, please share some more stories or pictures with us. We'd love to know more about Sammy and his two brothers.

Hi, coonmam, I am not fond of change either, and having to learn a new computer system on top of the stress you're already under with the grief of losing your precious Sammy may seem like it's insult added to injury.

As Aaron shared this grief journey is not an easy road to travel. Each of us must do what we feel will be comforting to help us with each day of adjusting to the physical absence of our precious companion. We will look forward to hearing more about your precious Sammy Joe, and to sharing your memories of him.

Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, coonmam.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

I am so sorry for your loss of your sweet raccoon Sammy. You gave him such a wonderful special life and I hope you can take comfort in knowing that. He was lucky to have you.

I seem to be stuck in this darkness that I don't believe will ever pass.....

It's difficult, believe us when we say we understand what you are feeling. There's just no easy way or one way to heal from such a loss. You lose a member of your family just 4 days ago. I can remember how 4 days after Reggie passed that I was a wreck. But with each passing day I was able to better cope with his loss. I don't want to suggest that the way I am handling this loss is the "right" way. You will find your way but you will go through ups and downs. Just remember all the joy Sammy Joe brought into your life and how you wouldn't have traded that happiness for anything. This pain is the unfortunate price we pay for the joy we get from our furballs.

Someone please tell me this will get better--26 days later and I still cry myself to sleep, when I do sleep. I miss Sammy so much.

Hi, Coonmam, as Aaron has so compassionately shared, unfortunately there is no fast forward button to press to hurry through this grief journey. It is a one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time journey, particularly in the deep grief phase. And it is a journey that only each of us can travel at our own pace, - - but I assure you, Coonmam, you are never alone, even though you may feel so very much alone.

And to echo Aaron's encouragement, yes, with time this deep grief does ease, and you when you least expect it you will be thinking of your precious Sammy Joe and you will find yourself smiling, and your heart will once again be able to embrace the warmth of Sammy's sweet Living Spirit.

This grief journey overshadows the joy we have in our hearts with sharing our lives with our beloved companions. It does take awhile for this burden of grief to lift from our hearts, but I promise you, Coonmam, eventually this deep grief does pass.

Until that time comes for you, Coonmam, please know we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and will look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

I had to break down and go to the doctor for meds, I just didn't feel like I was going to make it on my own--I was in a very dark, scary place. It has been a terrible year for loss and Sammy dying was the ignition source of the explosion. I want to thank everyone for their support and words of wisdom. No matter how strong we think we are, we can be brought to our knees in a a second. What comes from God, returns to God and what he gives today, he can take tomorrow....live and love each day accordingly.

Hi, Coonmam, thank you so much for letting us know how things are going for you. When we are forced to endure multiple changes or losses, particularly in a very short period of time, this does cause great stress and can even cause physical chemical imbalances in our brains and bodies - - which will require medicinal intervention. So, it is good that you recognized the need to see your doctor and seek his or her professional assistance. Hold onto the promise and reassurance that God gives to us, "Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted." Please remember we are here for you, too.

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

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam