Today is 4 weeks since my beautiful Victoria was euthanized. I miss her so very very much. My heart aches without her physically next to me. Touching her soft cottony coat is something I dream about. My scapebook photos help me remember what a wonderful journey we had together. Our spirits were so new to each other at our beginning.

I've decided to start looking for another ##er spaniel or ##er mix. I do not expect another dog will be as smart as my precious Victoria, and I know there will be no replacement for her. I'm trying to find a rescue dog that needs a loving home, and will fit into my life. I spent time this weekend filling out applications for a couple rescue sites, and am beginning to pass the word around. I trust that I will be guided.

With peace and gratitude,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. It is so very hard "adjusting" to the physical absence of our beloved companions. It truly is a lifetime journey, if the absolute truth be known, for there is always an empty place in our hearts that our companions have taken with them when they joined the angels - - so that they can have a part of us with them while they patiently wait for our appropriate time to join them. Then, and only then, we will truly be totally whole again.

I am glad for you that you feel comfortable beginning the process of searching for a new companion and hopefully therapy partner. Each beloved companion has their individual strengths, and I would not be surprised at all that your precious Victoria will be guiding your new companion and partner in "knowing" what to do. I am so looking forward to sharing your journey in this new beginning. I know it comes with many mixed emotions for you, but I truly believe your precious Victoria is nodding her head and wagging her tail in total approval, and will be guiding you to your new companion partner.

I hope you will have a very peaceful evening tonight, Juturna, blessed with your Victoria's sweet Living Spirit. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you again, Moon_beam for you encouragement and support. Yes, I do have some mixed emotions about searching for another canine companion. There are so many dogs that need a loving home that I feel it is a blessing to adopt one.

I'm trying my best to move forward and took an important step today. Every morning my beautiful Victoria and I would visit the affectionate donkey, and 2 goats that are on the grounds here. This was my precious Victoria's favorite time and her little tail would wag extra hard. Today was the first day since her death that I was able to visit the donkey and the goats. I made it a quick visit so that I wouldn't be seen crying there. The donkey missed me, as she came over to me immediately, and I'm glad that she seemed happy.

Need to get some sleep.
With peace and gratitude,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, it is always hard continuing routines that were shared with our beloved companion, such as your visiting the resident donkey and goats. I'm glad you felt able to visit with the donkey, and to have it a private visit. I'm sure the donkey was sensitive to the reality that you were physically there alone, but also very much aware that your precious Victoria's sweet Living Spirit was also present. I know this was difficult for you, Juturna. It's okay to change the routine if you'd like to continue visiting with the donkey and goats. Whatever you do, wherever you go, Juturna, your precious Victoria will always be with you sharing everything just as she always has, and always will.

I hope you will have a peaceful evening tonight, my friend, embraced with the presence of your sweet Victor's Living Spirit. I will look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you, Moon_beam for your validating words.

My beautiful Victoria's spirit was present in my sleep again. I love how I can touch her in my dreams. And when my dog sitter was here doing a few things for me, she told me that she heard Victoria's footsteps coming from my home office. This was the same room where I had seen her spirit light. (I was not home when my dog sitter had visited.) I'm certain that my precious Victoria is letting us know she is here.

I will try to visit the donkey and goats again this weekend as I know they miss me. And I adore the donkey; She's so affectionate.

Wishing you a peaceful night.
With serenity and gratitude,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, how special that your dog sitter heard your precious Victoria's footsteps. Our beloved companions do find a way to communicate they are still with us, and how wonderful that you visit with each other in your dreams.

I hope your visit with the donkey and goats is comforting to you, and I hope you will have a very peaceful evening, and a good weekend. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, my friend, and look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

dear juturna

isn't it just amazing how much a part of every facet of our lives our babies become. it makes for there to be so many firsts and each of them can feel so huge. somehow though, i think they give us the strength to keep forging ahead.

i like that you had the sitter hear victoria's footsteps, even more confirmation that she is with you. i find that i can sometimes feel movement on my bed where bohdi used to sleep, like how it felt when she was moving to a more comfortable position.

take the gentlest care of you
rb

i love the idea of befriending a donkey and goats, so sweet

Dear Rainbohdi and Moon_beam,

Thank you both so much for your validation and support.
Rainbohdi, I love how you can feel your precious Bohdi's spirit move next to you in bed.
And Moon_bean, I agree that they find a way to communicate with us.

I worked on my beautiful Victoria's scrape book again this weekend. I included another piece of her hair that I had cut off in her final hour, a quote, more pics, and a poem. While I prayed and cried, I gathered the courage to open the little box with her ashes and look at her paw print.

Wishing you both peace. I appreciate your friendships very much.
With gratitude and serenity,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing and the progress on your precious Victoria's scrapbook. This truly is a labor of love - - a reflection of the eternal love you and your precious Victoria share. I hope you find it comforting to work on your treasure of memories - - including the tears of sorrow that are in your heart as you continue your grief "adjustment" journey. Your precious Victoria is always a part of you, Juturna, she is always a heartbeat close to you.

I hope you will have a very peaceful evening, Juturna, blessed with your precious Victoria's sweet Living Spirit. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thanks, Moon_beam for your support and time.

I had a hard time today when I had to tell someone else that my beautiful Victoria is no longer here. I was in the hair salon and did not want to start crying, but I could feel my eyes becoming misty. This grief process is so intense, and the feelings just keep surfacing. Then again on the phone tonight with one of my friends I was crying. Fortunately, my friends are safe. It feels as though I could cry myself to sleep tonight.

Hope you had a peaceful evening with your precious Noah.
With gratitude and peace,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, yes, this grief journey is truly filled with so many unexpected twists and turns. I am so very glad you have friends who are safe for you to share your feelings with. It does help to make this adjustment journey a little easier to bear.

And it is so important that you allow yourself to feel these emotions - - and to release them. Trying to evade them or suppress them is not healthy - - physically or emotionally. I hope you felt your precious Victoria with you last night to comfort and cheer you. And I hope that you feel both our individual and collective encouragement coming to you across the cyber miles to comfort you and strengthen you through every step you take in your journey.

I hope you will have a peaceful evening tonight, 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

Dear Moon_beam,

Thank you for your compassionate words of support.

It is surprising to me that I miss my beautiful Victoria now more than ever. I've been crying again. I just hope that the tears will wash away the pain. My birthday was today and it felt empty without her. My life partner and I went into NYC to celebrate and I was focused on the one ##er spaniel we saw walking with his guardian.

Your friendship and caring is much appreciated.
With peace and gratitude,
Juturna

Hi Juturna,
Hope your birthday was nice today. What did you do in the big city? I think that holidays, birthdays, etc make it even more apparent and painful that our fur companions are not with us any longer. I can truly relate to the crying. It does not take much for the tears to begin again. It must be comforting to be able to have such a strong connection to your baby in your dreams. Such a long process to work through all of this grief.

Again wishing you a Happy Birthday.

Joanne

Hi, Juturna, I am so sorry that yesterday was a difficult day for you. The first birthday "without" is yet another milestone reminder of not having the physical presence of your beloved Victoria with you, and it is quite understandable your sadness and feelings of emptiness. This grief journey is not a straight line from "A" to "B" but one of many challenging emotional twists and turns, ups and downs, and turnarounds. It's hard to "celebrate" when your heart is deeply missing a beloved companion.

I hope today is a peaceful one for you, my friend. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Juturna, and will look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

dear juturna

i so understand the sense of missing your girl now more than ever.

it must be especially hard to have your first birthday without her. i am glad you were born and are still alive, you have a generous and beautiful soul.

take gentle care
rb

Hi Joanne,

Thank you for the birthday wishes.

Yes, this grief process is long and hard. Seeing my beautiful Victoria in my dreams does help and there have been nights when I can still her snoring. I know you really relate to the crying.

I adopted another dog, a ##er mix, but it's just too soon. So, I'm returning him tomorrow to the shelter where he can be adopted by someone who is ready for him. He's a love bug. So, I'm feeling regret about the process.

Hope you have a peaceful night.
With gratitude,
Juturna

Dear Moon_beam,

Thank you for your words of compassion.

Yes, it was a difficult birthday, and I was unable to have fun. I've been unable to have fun in NY since my beautiful Victoria passed on to her next life. I know this is part of the grief. Also, since I had regret going into the City on the night before she died, NY now carries a heaviness in my heart.

I hope and trust that you and your precious Noah are having a peaceful, snuggley night.
With gratitude and peace,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, I know what you mean about places having certain meaning, and how NYC now holds sadness for you. I'm wondering how it went today returning the little fellow to the shelter. I know this must be weighing heavily on your heart - - as it weighed on mine when I returned the little kitten to the vet. Right now, though, you must focus on what YOU need, and you're doing the very best for this little fellow by giving him the opportunity for a new home. You are to be commended for your honesty and thinking what is best for him at this time.

I hope you have had a decent day, Juturna, all things considered. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, my friend, and look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear Moon_beam,

Thank you for the reminder that its OK to focus on my needs. And I really appreciated your validating my honesty.

I missed seeing the little boy this morning, but was also very relieved. The guilt of returning the adopted boy to the shelter has replaced my guilt with my beautiful Victoria for now. I am praying that he is adopted by a loving gentle soul who is able to love him for who he is.

Missing my Victoria has become a constant pain in my heart. There were 2 nights last week where I could hear her snoring when I went to bed. It was music to my ears.

Hope you and your precious Noah are having a peaceful night.
With gratitude and peace,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, I can relate to your feelings of relief of not seeing your "foster" furchild this morning, as I also felt the same way after I returned the kitten to the vet. I was so relieved not only for myself but also for my little Noah. A part of me truly wanted to provide a loving home for him- - he had such a sweet personality - - but when I saw how upset Noah was and how sad the little fella was having to stay in the crate I knew the only thing that would be the best for the kitten was to return him to the vet. I had never ever had to do something like that before in my life, and I was just so heartbroken, but when I saw the relief in Noah I also felt relieved. I hope your heart and mind will find peace in knowing that you truly did the right thing for your "foster" furchild, and that he will indeed find a loivng home.

I also know that having to take this little waif back to the rescue shelter has emphasized the emptiness in your heart and home from the physical absence of your precious Victoria. Just the short time together with him re-emphasized the grief in your heart, and for this I truly am very sorry. When I tried adopting the little kitten it had been 4 months since Abbygayle joined the angels, and that turned out to be "too soon" for both Noah and me. So I can just imagine how this experience is touching your heart.

Juturna, I hope today has been a decent one for you, and that your evening will be blessed feeling your precious Victoria's sweet Living Spirit close to you, embracing you, loving you. And please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, too, and will look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear Moon-beam,

Thank you so much for relating and understanding. The support from you and 3 of my local friends has helped me enormously this week. I continue to feel guilty and pray that the little boy is adopted into a loving home. He is a wonderful little dog. Fortunately, the shame has decreased. I know there are valuable lessons to be learned with this experience.

Yes, the emptiness in my heart is great and I miss my beautiful Victoria deeply. I look at pics of her daily and my heart breaks. I've been unable to visit my donkey friend and the little goats.....maybe next week.

Hope you and your precious Noah are having a peaceful evening.
With gratitude and peace,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, I am so glad to know that the "shame" you have been feeling about returning your "foster" furchild has decreased. This is very good news - - definitely a step in the right direction.

I'm glad to know you have a support network close to you to help you through this very challenging and unpredictable grief journey. And I am honored to know that I, too, am offering you comfort.

Don't pressure yourself to visit the donkey and goats unless you feel up to it - - this all a part of establishing the "new normal" in your life and routine, and can only be done in your own time as you're up to forging the "new normal" one day at a time.

I hope today has been a decent one for you, my friend, and that you will have a peaceful evening and weekend filled with your sweet Victoria's Living Spirit visits and everlasting love. And please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you, Moon_beam for your ever present support.

I learned today that one of our friends adopted 2 dogs last weekend and then returned them on Mon. for her own reasons. As in my situation the dogs were great, but she and her husband were not ready for the commitment. Somehow this helped me. I'm slowly coming to terms with returning my foster little boy. And very much hoping that he will be adopted this weekend into a kind, loving family.

Thanks for reminding me that I can visit the donkey and the goats when I am ready. I know the donkey misses me, so this pressures me to get myself ready.

Hoping that my beautiful Victoria visits me in my dreams this weekend. I miss her so very very much.

Sending you and precious Noah warm snuggley wishes.

With peace and gratitude,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, isn't it amazing how we are given the support and reassurance we so desperately need just at the right time? I'm sorry your friends were facing the same dilemma as you, but it also provided you an opportunity to let them know they did the right thing by returning their "foster" furkids. And it reaffirmed to you that you also did the right thing for your "foster" little boy. Each of you did the absolute best thing.

Juturna, I hope today has been a pleasant one for you, and that your evening will be enriched with your precious Victoria's sweet Living Spirit visiting you. Peaceful dreams, my friend.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

dear juturna

i am so relieved for you that you were able to slowly release some of the guilt about having to return your little foster boy. i know it was hard but i do believe it was right for you and him at this point in time, it seems like you're knowing that now too.

i hope you hear or feel the comforting presence of your precious victoria soon and that it can fill a little of the emptiness in your aching heart.

take gentle care
rb

Dear Rainbohdi and Moon_beam,

Thank you both so very much for all your support. Returning the little foster boy has become less of an issue for me as I know that I did what I had to do.

I've been overwhelmed with a crisis at work and that has been my priority the past 2 days.

Tonight, one of my clients brought in her little Chinese crested girl. I loved it! And I trust that when I am ready to adopt a dog again, I will know it.

Your friendships are much appreciated.
With gratitude and peace,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. You must feel so emotionally drained at the end of the day helping others through their various traumatic journeys, particularly without your beloved Victoria's comforting assistance. I hope you are being able to rest peacefully at night comforted by your precious Victoria's visits in your dreams.

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

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moon_beam,

This weekend is 2 months since I lost my beautiful Victoria. Yesterday my friend who had been with us in Victoria's final hour, sent me pics he had taken after my girl had been euthanized. She looked peaceful, but it was so sad to see her skinny little being.

I was able to visit my donkey friend and the 2 goats today. Everyone was very happy to see me as I was to see them.

Hope you enjoy the weekend with your precious Noah by your side.

With peace and gratitude,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for letting us know how you're doing. I'm so glad you were able to visit with your donkey and goat friends. The "Angelversaries" are hard - - they mark the passage of time that we have "survived" without the physical presence of our beloved companions by our side. And we wonder how this can be true. I hope the pictures of your precious Victoria are comforting to you. I, too, have taken pictures of my companions after the "procedure." Later - - much later - - as I'm looking at these pictures they are a comfort to me and a reassurance that my "decision" at that time for them was the very best I could have made. No doubts, no regrets. They also help me to focus on their healthy life - - the quality of life we shared together on our earthly journey together - - which is what I know my beloved companions want me to do - - as does your precious Victoria.

Juturna, I hope today is being kind to you. I hope your evening will be a peaceful one filled with the comforting presence of your precious Victoria's sweet Living Spirit. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and will look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you again, Moon_beam, for your compassionate response.

Yes, I love looking at the photos of my beautiful Victoria. Today I was able to recall our joyful times together at the beach this past autumn. Even though Victoria's health was slowly dwindling then, the salt air seemed to renew her energy.

I am looking forward to visiting my donkey friend, Carousel, and the 2 goats again this week.

Hope you and your precious Noah have a snuggly restful night.
With peace and gratitude,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, it sounds like yesterday was a good day for you, and I am so glad for that. Seems like it has been a long time coming, doesn't it? I'm so glad you were able to enjoy your wonderful memories of your precious Victoria yesterday.

I hope your visit with Carousel and the two goats is a pleasant one for you when you see them this week. It sounds like these visits are comforting to you, and I'm glad for that.

I hope today is being kind to you, my friend, and that you will have a very peaceful evening filled with your precious Victoria's sweet Living Spirit to comfort and cheer you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Juturna, and look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you, Moon_beam, for your continued support. Yes, feeling good has been a long time in coming. And it is wonderful to recall joyful times with my precious Victoria. I actually told 2 more people that my beautiful girl has passed on to her next life, and I was not in tears.

Tomorrow morning I will visit Carousel and the goats. Today was just too rainy to be standing outside with them.

Hope you and your precious Noah have a peaceful night together.
With peace and gratitude,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, just stopping by to say " hello". I hope today has been a good day for you. I know Carousel and the goats will appreciate seeing you, and I know Carousel in particular will be there for you to listen to whatever you share with him / her.

I hope you will have a very peaceful evening tonight, Juturna, with your precious Victoria's sweet Living Spirit to comfort and cheer you. And please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you, Moon_beam.

Thank you for stopping by. I visited Carousel, as well as the goats, yesterday. She was so happy to see me and kept nuzzling my hand. We both enjoyed the visit and I was able to walk away smiling.

Today I told another person of my beautiful Victoria's passing. Though I still think of her a great deal, and go to bed at night pretending that I'm holding her, the tears are quieter and less frequent. I miss touching her the most.

Hope you and your precious Noah have a peaceful night's sleep with sweet dreams.
With peace and graittude,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, I hope you know that even though "the tears are quieter and less frequent" this does not mean that you are forgetting your precious Victoria. It does mean that your heart is finding more room for your precious memories to enjoy as your deep grief is easing. For this, I am very thankful you are finding more peace in your heart. May your heart continue to fill with this peace so that your heart can smile embraced with your precious Victoria's sweet Living Spirit.

I'm so glad your visit with Carousel and the goats brought a smile to you. Yesterday was a good day for you - - one a long time coming.

The physical separation is equally hard to adjust to. Every time our beloved companions touch us, rub up against us, they leave their scent on us that identifies us as belonging to them. When they precede us to the angels, our physical bodies actually go into a withdrawal. I'm sure you are aware that the first year of a loss is a critical one, particularly for the elderly, who are physically separated from their beloved companions, as well as when they are the survivor when they are separated from their spouse or significant other. This is why some folks find it comforting to hold a blanket or a pillow or toy or something that belonged to their precious companion when the physical ache to feel them, hold them, is overwhelming. This helps to lessen the painful emptiness of our arms and the loss of physical touch.

Juturna, I hope today is being kind to you, and I hope your evening will be a peaceful one filled with the presence of your beloved Victoria's sweet Living Spirit to comfort and cheer you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

This was a favorite time every morning for my beautiful Victoria. Carousel always happily greeted us.

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for sharing this wonderful picture with us. I know this is a cherished memory, and I thank you so much for sharing it with us.

I hope your trip to NYC yesterday was a good one, and that you were able to work on your taxes as you had planned. I'm wondering how things are going with your new search for a companion. There are so many wonderful programs now for assisting homeless waifs to find loving human caregivers. The homeless men's shelter sounds like a place of "new beginnings" for both the men and each of the fur kids who are sheltered, trained, and loved there. Please let us know how things are going in your new search.

We're still under a winter weather event advisory but so far nothing substantial has materialized, at least not in my location. We have had some rain but for now it's cloudy. Although the temperatures are only in the 30's just above freezing, the humidity is close to 100 percent, so it feels warmer. From the latest forecast we won't be out of winter's last gasp forecast until tomorrow evening. Looks like something is making its way from the west which may be the reason why the forecast is now inlcuding the possibility for "something" to enter this area tomorrow. This is not unusual - - we usually get "something" this early into a change of seasons, but thankfully it doesn't last long.

Juturna, thank you again so much for sharing this wonderful, cherished memory with us. A picture truly "paints a thousand words." I hope today will be a pleasant one for you, and that your evening will be filled with the presence of your precious Victoria's sweet Living Spirit. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, my friend, and look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you so much Moon_beam. I hope you were able to see one of the little goats in the photo as well. When this was taken the goats were not as friendly with me as they are now.

Yesterday in NY went well. I was able to go back to one of our favorite natural food restaurants. Since I had been there Victoria's last night on earth, which I regretted doing, it has been difficult for me to go back. I realize that I need to create new experiences there.

My search for a little canine companion is moving along. I love what I am learning about this little girl in the men's homeless shelter. She is deaf and is considered a harder dog to adopt because of her limitation. (I have a perfect set up here for a deaf dog as I had an extra door installed when my beautiful Victoria became deaf. This prevents any possibility of an animal companion running outside without a lead.) NH is 8 hrs. from my home. So, I'm waiting to find out if there is any way there could be transportation to meet me at a 6 hour point. Thank you for inquiring. I'll keep you posted.

Hope the weather is not too bad where you are, and that you and your precious Noah have a peaceful evening, my friend.
With graititude and peace,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for letting us know how you're doing. I'm so excited for you in your search for a new companion. This sweet little girl at the men's homless shelter sounds like a real sweetie, and your experience with your precious Victoria would make you the perfect mom for her. I truly hope this works out for you, Juturna. Perhaps the humane society can set up transportation. I will be so o o interested in knowing how things work out on this for you and this precious little girl.

Establishing a "new normal" during our grief journey is a challenge, to put it mildly. All the places that we used to go to, looked forward to going to, shared with our beloved companions - - are reminders that our lives are changed once again. Our lives change for the better when our compannions unite their lives with ours during their earthly journey, and they change again when they precede us to the angels. This time, however, we are blessed with their eternal love forever in our hearts and memories, and their sweet Living Spirits forever with us. It just takes awhile for our hearts and daily lives to be comforted in knowing this. I'm glad you were able to go back to your favorite restaurant, Juturna. All things in their own time, my friend. Your Victoria is so o o proud of you.

I hope today has been a good one for you, my friend, and hope that your evening will be blessed with your precious Victoria's sweet Living Spirit to comfort and cheer you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Moon_beam, thank you for your ever present support. I just wanted to jot a quick note before heading to the office.

I've narrowed my adoption decision to 2 precious dogs and am struggling with which one. I've been praying about it and am still in a quandary. One is the little deaf girl in the homelsss shelter, and the other is a 6yr. old who had to be surrendered as her elderly guardians became too ill to care for her. They are both wonderful dogs who were within 24 hrs. of euthanasia in high kill shelters before the rescue groups took over. I only wish that I could adopt both, but that does not seem possible.

Visiting Carousel this morning was the best part of my day.

Hope you and your precious Noah have a snuggly evening together, and that you are having a peaceful day.
Your friendship is a blessing.
With peace and gratitude,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for sharing your news. What a quandry indeed!!! Since both are in "no kill" living situations now, one of the questions you might want to ask is "Which one has the best opportunity to be adopted if I choose the other?" The 6 year old is considered an "old" dog now by "adoption" standards, this is true - - most people want a "younger" dog. Then there is this precious little deaf waif who is considered "damaged" by most people and is even lower on the "adoptable" list. Her best chances would, of course, be with someone experienced in the care of a hearing challenged companion. By the way, is her deafness permanent, or could it be improved with hearing aids - - and yet no one has considered this or even had it evaluated by a veterinary specialist? And yes, there are hearing aids for furkids. Would the deaf girl be allowed to stay with the homeless shelter for the rest of her life if she were not adopted? What are her options for a lifetime of love and proper care? And remember, this is a homeless shelter, and the priority is to provide assistance to the people - - humans - - it is chartered to serve. Both dogs certainly need a stable, loving environment, but this is imperatively important for the little girl who is "damaged."

Juturna, one of the "missing pieces" to this puzzle is the opportunity to "meet and greet" before making your decision. I think if you were able to do this for each one you might find a piece of the answer you are questioning right now, although I feel confident that even without the "meet and greet" whichever furchild you chose would love you at first sight, and it would not take long for the bonding process to begin for a new lifetime journey together.

I'm so glad you had a chance to visit Carousel today. Even though she can't answer your question about which furchild to adopt, she can offer you unconditional comfort and friendship. This is a BIG help under every circumstance we find ourselves.

Juturna, I hope life is treating you kindly today, and that your evening will be blessed with the sweet Living Spirit of your precious Victoria to comfort and cheer you - - and perhaps lend you some guidance in your decision. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moon_beam,

Thank you so very much for your support and for raising some questions. One of my reasons for choosing the little deaf girl was in knowing that she had been in foster care for awhile and was hard to adopt. And just today I received an email from her foster mom saying that she needs my answer asap as there is someone else who is interested in her and they do not want to keep her at the homeless shelter any longer than necessary. ( I don't know the cause of her deafness and doubt whether she has been evaluated.) The sweet little 6 yr. old has a wonderful temperament and her foster mom felt that she would be adoptable if I did not take her. A "meet and greet" certainly would have helped me with my decision. Both these dogs are over 6 hrs. away from my home. I'm feeling pressured to make a decision tomorrow.

I will continue to pray and hope to be led to the canine that is meant to be with me.

Hope you and precious Noah are snuggled in together for the night. Thank you for your trusted friendship.
With peace and gratitude,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for letting us know how you're doing. At least you know that the shelter girl has a home waiting for her in case your heart leads you to the other sweet little girl. I know whichever decision you make will be the very best for both you and your new lifetime companion.

I hope this day is being kind to you, and that your evening will be a peaceful one blessed with your precious Victoria's sweet Living Spirit to comfort and cheer you, and a confidence in your heart as you anticipate the company of a new furchild.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear Moon_beam,

Thank you for your ssupportive note.

I was led to the decision to adopt the little deaf girl in NH and was planning to go there on Fri. Then I learned of a major snow storm to hit MA and NH on Fri., so travel would not be safe. I'm asking the foster mom if she can hold her for 2 more wks. till I can make the trip on a Fri. I want my new girl to have some weekend time to adjust to her new home before I start my work week. At this point, the foster mom seemed anxious to have her adopted, so I do not know whether they will hold her. I believe if it is meant to be, it will be.

My beautiful Victoria came to me in a dream last night again. She brought me a message that I need to wait a little longer before finalizing adoption. Then this morning I learned of the predicted snow storm.

Hope you and your precious Noah are sleeping/ snuggling soundly. Wishing you both sweet dreams.
With gratitude and peace,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you for sharing your news with us. I know your dream with Victoria's message to you is comforting, and I do agree with you totally that if this adoption is meant to be it will happen. This is good, though, that you have felt comfortable to make a choice - - even if this adoption doesn't go through. It simply means that you're getting closer to the one that WILL go through without any interference from the weather or anything else, without any pressure from the foster caregivers, etc.. My goodness, if they aren't willing to hold her for someone who would give her a loving home it sort of makes me wonder about their screening and adoption process. I will be so o o interested in knowing how this goes for you.

I hope your travels tomorrow will be safe with the weather that is forecasted in your area. This early in the spring season Mother Nature has challenges in transitioning from winter to actual spring. Hopefully whatever winter-ish weather you get will not last very long.

Thank you again so much for sharing your news about your adoption endeavor, Juturna. I hope today has been kind to you, and that you will have a very peaceful evening blessed with the presence of your precious Victoria's sweet Living Spirit to comfort and cheer you. And please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, my friend, and look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi, Juturna, just stopping by to say hello. I hope today has been kind to you. From the weather forecast in your area I'm glad you postponed your travel to the shelter today / this weekend. I'm wondering if you've heard anything today. Do you have any pictures of the two little girls that the shelter / foster parents might have sent to you?

I hope you will have a peaceful evening tonight and a good weekend, my friend, blessed with your precious Victoria's sweet Living Spirit to comfort and cheer you. Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers, and will look forward to knowing how you're doing whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moon_beam,

Thank you so very much for your consistant support and concern.

The foster mom emailed me that they would hold the little girl, Haley, in the men's shelter for 2 wks. till I can arrange to pick her up. This rescue foster mom has not been the best to deal with, as she will only communicate on line. All the other groups call me as well, and I can get a better feel for the canine they have available. This is important when I'm considering a distance adoption that will result in a very long commitment. So, as much as I want to adopt little Haley, there are still a couple minor hesitations. Two ##er spaniel resuce groups are calling me as new adoptable canines become available. I continue to want little Haley the most, but plan to keep options open this week. I believe I was given more time to solidify a commitment for a reason. I do have pics, but want to wait till there are no reservations before sending them.

The weather here was not nearly as messy as predicted.

It is my hope that you, my trusted friend, and your precious Noah have a peaceful evening and a snuggly weekend together.
With gratitude and peace,
Juturna

Hi Juturna,

Read some of your recent posts and just want to wish you peace and some luck with your adoption process. You just hve to listen to what your instinct is telling you. It will be nice for you to have a new fur companion but I have found the tears still come for my lost love.
Thinking about you and wishing you a restful weekend.

Joanne

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for the information about little Haley. Well, at least you have pictures, and that's a good thing. And it's also nice that her foster mom will give you a 2-week window to pick her up, if you decide to move foreward with Haley. I agree with you it is always good to be able to talk to a live person. One of our correspondents, Clay (WCHamilton) went through an adoption process this past fall, and was considering a rescue from Mississippi (I think it was). He, too, was having some "communication difficulties" with the rescue group and decided to go with a more "local" group in his region (upstate NY), and adopted his precious Scout after having a weekend "meet and greet".
So it is good that you are keeping your options opened, and I know your heart will lead you in the right direction.

I'm glad your weather has turned out to be better than forecasted. That's always nice - - a lot better than the other way around.

Juturna, I hope this weekend is being kind to you, and that your evenings will be blessed with your precious Victoria's sweet Living Spirit to comfort and cheer you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, my friend, and look forward ot knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear Joanne and Moon_beam,

Thank you both so very much for your caring support.

I went to the Japan Society in NYC yesterday for an art exhibit to benefit the devastation in Japan. It was a very serene place and I was able to meditate on my adoption decision. I do not want to reject little Haley just because her foster mother has difficulty with communication. Part of the reason that I choose this canine is because of her special need. So, I am trusting that by the end of this week, I will be guided to where I need to be.

This morning I was looking at pics of my beautiful Victoria with my significant other. He has an abundant of photos of her on his computer, and it just became too sad for me to continue.

It is my hope you both have a peaceful night and that you are snuggling with your precious animal companions.
With gratitude and peace,
Juturna