One year ago today our lives were turned upside-down when Winston was hit by a car and died on the way to the vet. I always knew how much I loved my animals but I wasn't prepared for the overwhelming, intense grief I felt over his death. By chance, I happened upon this website and posted what had happened and by the end of the day I had so many responses I could barely keep up with them, it seemed.

The wonderful people on this website helped me through a loss that was as painful as the loss of my mother in 2008. I still miss Winston and think of him often, but I sometimes wonder if he left us to make room for Scout, the little girl we brought home a couple of months later that so very badly needed a home. Every so often she'll come up to me, put her front paws into my lap and lean her head into my chest, as if to say "thank you so much for saving me."

To everyone who helped me out when I needed it so badly, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Nothing could have made the loss of Winston easier, but to know there were so many people out there who knew what I was going through and were willing to offer me support, sympathy and encouragement was truly amazing.

RIP, Winston T. Puppy

Dear wchamilton

My heart goes out to you for the passing of your Winston. You've done some HARD work this last year. And I know what you mean about this site - is it not a life saver? I lost my Gretta (the kindest chocolate lab who ever lived) on April 10 of this year and quite by chance (although I KNOW it WASN"T) I came upon this site. It's a community, a family of caring, loving friends who all love and are loved by some very special animals and who KNOW what their passing does to our hearts. Right now I'm away from home at my sister's house (she's Bobbie on this site) and she just lost her c-o-c-k-e-r spaniel Trevor (the bravest little dog who ever lived). I couldn't let her go through it alone. AS the appointed day came closer and closer, her postings were so agonizing that I just jumped on a plane and flew here. Gotta stick together.

Winston most definitely sent you your new love-bug. I firmly believe that when our special spirit animals pass into the Perfect World, they continue to love, care for, guide and watch out for us just like they did when we could see them.

Thank you for sharing Winston's story with us. (I love that name!). Please keep us up on the new love bug.

Gretta's mom

Dear Clay, thank you so very much for sharing with us how you're doing and your and Winston's "angel-versary". It is an honor and a pleasure to be one of many friends here who were able to offer you comfort and encouragement and hope during one of the very saddest moments and journeys of your life.

And it is a pleasure to have shared your new beginning with your little girl Scout. I hope all is going well with Miya and Takoda and Scout. Please know you and all of your family are in my thoughts and prayers, Clay. Please stop by and keep in touch once in awhile.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Clay,

Wow, has it really been a year?? How time flies. Thanks for sharing Winston's Angelversary with us. I hope you and your family are doing well.

Cheryl xx

Hello Winston (and Scout's) dad

Thank you again for reminding us of your great Mr Winston. He's loved, he's remembered and he's honored - by you and by all the LS friends that he touched.

Most DEFINITELY he sent you Ms Scout .... My Gretta (the kindest chocolate lab who ever lived) passed on April 10 and three weeks later she sent me a great big beautiful black lab / Newfie mix - 7.5 years old. Many other people here have had similar experiences. Love is forever - in both directions - and infinite - so when we give our entire heart and soul to one fur baby, we can still give our heart and soul to another onne - without taking a THING away from the first ... or the second .... and the third ... and the hundredth. That's what it means to be infinite.

Keep the faith, W and S's dad - you're an inspiration.

Gretta and Rufus's mom

Hi

Just checking to see how you are. Winston -- can't wait to meet him someday - gotta live a little better, though. :)

Gretta's mom

Hi again

Just read your intro - what a great story. I knew a dog named Winston once - that's why it's my favorite name for a dog. The Winston I knew is/was a big, lumbering basset hound. But boy could he run when he wanted to!! To all the Winstons' wherever they are - we love you!

Gretta's mom