Full Version: The Captain
Hello, I just joined the forum, I had to put my beautiful chocolate lab down on Monday. I just have started feeling a little better, but I have my moments. The last 5 days have been really tougher than even human relatives dying. I finally left my house (after staying at my moms on monday night) and am going to pick my girlfiend up from the airport. I will probably not be on here too much this weekend, but wanted to say "Hi" and hope I can talk with some nice people when Im not having such a great moment. He was truely a gift from God, and the house is very quiet. : (.
Hi, Cappy, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the physical loss of your beloved Captain. Losing a beloved companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we are blessed with the privilege of their company.
"The last 5 days have been really tougher than even human relatives dying."
Clinical professionals now recognize that the physical loss of a beloved companion is as devastating, if not more so, as the physical loss of a human family member or friend. Our precious companions give to us their unconditional love and undivided attention, and in turn, we surrender ourselves to them without reservation. This is one of the many reasons why it is so very painful - - both emotionally and physically - - when they precede us to the angels.
This grief journey is one of adjustment to the physical absence of our beloved companions. There is no way we can ever "move on" or "get over" them - - or even find "closure." These terms were developed in the very early beginnings of hospice in this country, and in my opinion, are very inaccurate. The love bond we share with our beloved companions is eternal - - it is not restricted to the physical laws of time and space. While our earthly journey continues, our beloved companions also continue to share our journey just as they always have and always will - - for they are always a part of us - - they are always a heartbeat close to us.
Cappy, this grief adjustment journey has many emotions of ups and downs, twists and turns, and turnarounds. It is frequently referred to as a "horror roller coaster ride." Please know you are among friends here who truly do understand what you are going through, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.
Thank you so much for sharing your beloved Captain with us. Perhaps sometime you will feel up to posting picture(s) of him - - but only if / when you are ready. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Cappy, and look forward to knowing how you're doing whenever possible.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
"The last 5 days have been really tougher than even human relatives dying."
Clinical professionals now recognize that the physical loss of a beloved companion is as devastating, if not more so, as the physical loss of a human family member or friend. Our precious companions give to us their unconditional love and undivided attention, and in turn, we surrender ourselves to them without reservation. This is one of the many reasons why it is so very painful - - both emotionally and physically - - when they precede us to the angels.
This grief journey is one of adjustment to the physical absence of our beloved companions. There is no way we can ever "move on" or "get over" them - - or even find "closure." These terms were developed in the very early beginnings of hospice in this country, and in my opinion, are very inaccurate. The love bond we share with our beloved companions is eternal - - it is not restricted to the physical laws of time and space. While our earthly journey continues, our beloved companions also continue to share our journey just as they always have and always will - - for they are always a part of us - - they are always a heartbeat close to us.
Cappy, this grief adjustment journey has many emotions of ups and downs, twists and turns, and turnarounds. It is frequently referred to as a "horror roller coaster ride." Please know you are among friends here who truly do understand what you are going through, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.
Thank you so much for sharing your beloved Captain with us. Perhaps sometime you will feel up to posting picture(s) of him - - but only if / when you are ready. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Cappy, and look forward to knowing how you're doing whenever possible.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
thank you so much for your kind words. The mornings are very hard because, he always woke me up at 7 to eat (unless he was under the covers due to it being cold). I still wake up at that time and realize he is gone. I will try and upload a pic.
Dear Cappy, I am so sorry for your loss - I too had to make the hardest decision for my girl cat Mischief, it was definitely harder than any human i have lost (even my grandfather who i loved dearly), we have such defined and clear love with our furry souls, much easier than messy human minds - unconditional and uncomplicated. I had a real routine with Mischief, it's so hard adjusting your life around their absence...my heart goes out to you...hope you find a moment of peace today, leejaye
Dear Cappy
My heart goes out to you on the passing of your beautiful chocolate lab. It touches me deeply since I had to say good bye to my Gretta, the kindest choloclate lab who ever lived. Chocolates have special souls. Even their names are delicious. Don't even try to process anything for at least a couple of weeks. This is the shot-in-the-heart period - you've been shot in the heart with a high powered rifle and you're bleeding all over the place. It seems like you can't do anything but sit and take it. I'll tell my Gretta to hustle over to you choco and make special friends with him in the Perfect World. Like is an empty place, a hollow place without our big babies to wake us up, walk with us, sleep in the carpet always near us. We have so much love to give and now there is no place to give it. Out arms and hearts are empty. Don't be surprised if you next move on to the "robot walk" period. Walking through the "must do's" of like like a zombie. Your heart is telling you not to even try to "deal with it", to preserve appearances as much as you can in order to keep the physical parts of your life going. After a while - maybe a long while - you settle in for what I'm beginning to think is a lifetime experience of carrying a concrete block on your heart. I'm truly sorry for the suffering and grief you're going through, my friend. The only consoluations are that, from you writing, I can tell you were the BEST pet parent there ever was and that you daddy's love created a coconn of safety, stress-free, safe place for your choco, so even though he may have had bad and sick times, the love of a dad made his heart calm and he know he would be loved until the last day of time. My wownderful vet told me after Gretta passed that, "She's in a safe plac enow." and those words have stuck with me - even though they make be cry every time to think of them.
You've come to the right place, Cappy. We're a family of loving (and sane) people who have had the blessing of an extraordinary love with a special soul-mate animal and are now separated from them temporarily = and feeling the horrible pain of that. Please write often to let us know how your grief journey is going (or not) - every one of us will understand. Alone, we're just strraws in the wind, easlity blown about and broken, but together, as we hold each other up in time of despair, we are strong.
My condoleneces, my friend, for the passing (disappearnace, actually) of your darling chocolate and for the roller coaster of horror that you've had to get on. Remember, you've got a LOT of company of friends who care for and about you.
Gretta's mom
My heart goes out to you on the passing of your beautiful chocolate lab. It touches me deeply since I had to say good bye to my Gretta, the kindest choloclate lab who ever lived. Chocolates have special souls. Even their names are delicious. Don't even try to process anything for at least a couple of weeks. This is the shot-in-the-heart period - you've been shot in the heart with a high powered rifle and you're bleeding all over the place. It seems like you can't do anything but sit and take it. I'll tell my Gretta to hustle over to you choco and make special friends with him in the Perfect World. Like is an empty place, a hollow place without our big babies to wake us up, walk with us, sleep in the carpet always near us. We have so much love to give and now there is no place to give it. Out arms and hearts are empty. Don't be surprised if you next move on to the "robot walk" period. Walking through the "must do's" of like like a zombie. Your heart is telling you not to even try to "deal with it", to preserve appearances as much as you can in order to keep the physical parts of your life going. After a while - maybe a long while - you settle in for what I'm beginning to think is a lifetime experience of carrying a concrete block on your heart. I'm truly sorry for the suffering and grief you're going through, my friend. The only consoluations are that, from you writing, I can tell you were the BEST pet parent there ever was and that you daddy's love created a coconn of safety, stress-free, safe place for your choco, so even though he may have had bad and sick times, the love of a dad made his heart calm and he know he would be loved until the last day of time. My wownderful vet told me after Gretta passed that, "She's in a safe plac enow." and those words have stuck with me - even though they make be cry every time to think of them.
You've come to the right place, Cappy. We're a family of loving (and sane) people who have had the blessing of an extraordinary love with a special soul-mate animal and are now separated from them temporarily = and feeling the horrible pain of that. Please write often to let us know how your grief journey is going (or not) - every one of us will understand. Alone, we're just strraws in the wind, easlity blown about and broken, but together, as we hold each other up in time of despair, we are strong.
My condoleneces, my friend, for the passing (disappearnace, actually) of your darling chocolate and for the roller coaster of horror that you've had to get on. Remember, you've got a LOT of company of friends who care for and about you.
Gretta's mom
Hi, Cappy, thank you so very much for sharing with us how you're doing, and for sharing your wonderful Captain with us. He is a handsome fellow.
Right now you are in an adjustment journey of "firsts" - - the first moment, the first hour, the first day, the first week, the first month, the first holiday, the first anniversary - - and on and on and on -- where your beloved Captain will be sharing your routines and accomplishments and disappointments and special events with his sweet Living Spirit close to you. And this is a very difficult adjustment - - both physically and emotionally. We live in a physically oriented world - -sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. We become so emotionally - - and physically - - accustomed to the physical closeness of our companions during their earthly journey that we simply cannot imagine our lives without with them. And then -- we are faced with the "reality" of the deepest grief we will know on this side of eternity.
The good news is that the love bond we share with our companions during their earthly journey with us is eternal. We are forever blessed with the presence of their sweet Living Spirit continuing to share our earthly journey just as they always have and always will. For us, though, this is a very difficult transition to make but as always - - our beloved companions are forever patient and continue to encourage us as we travel our adjustment journey.
And each of us are here with you to help you through the difficult times, to share with you the not so bad times, and to embrace you with our collective and individual comfort and strength when you are feeling the deepest depths of grief that we never knew was possible.
Cappy, thank you so very much for sharing your beloved Captain with us. I hope today is treating you kindly. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to knowing how you're doing and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Captain.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
Right now you are in an adjustment journey of "firsts" - - the first moment, the first hour, the first day, the first week, the first month, the first holiday, the first anniversary - - and on and on and on -- where your beloved Captain will be sharing your routines and accomplishments and disappointments and special events with his sweet Living Spirit close to you. And this is a very difficult adjustment - - both physically and emotionally. We live in a physically oriented world - -sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. We become so emotionally - - and physically - - accustomed to the physical closeness of our companions during their earthly journey that we simply cannot imagine our lives without with them. And then -- we are faced with the "reality" of the deepest grief we will know on this side of eternity.
The good news is that the love bond we share with our companions during their earthly journey with us is eternal. We are forever blessed with the presence of their sweet Living Spirit continuing to share our earthly journey just as they always have and always will. For us, though, this is a very difficult transition to make but as always - - our beloved companions are forever patient and continue to encourage us as we travel our adjustment journey.
And each of us are here with you to help you through the difficult times, to share with you the not so bad times, and to embrace you with our collective and individual comfort and strength when you are feeling the deepest depths of grief that we never knew was possible.
Cappy, thank you so very much for sharing your beloved Captain with us. I hope today is treating you kindly. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to knowing how you're doing and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Captain.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
Thank You so much.
Dear Cappy
Just wanted to stop by and see how your heart is doing today. Two things for sure:
Love is forever - in both directions. Sometimes an animal, no matter how living, is a spcial friend forever. But sometimes, and I can tell you're one of us, there is an animal who is really us - we're made of the same "stuff". And that spirit-animal has sought through the entire universe to find his or her "other half." Imagine that - all those billions of people! When s/he finds us, s/he puts himself in our path so we will see him (or her, of course). In the most unexpected of times and places, we meet - and the sudden rush of love tells both of us that we have found the being who is carrying a part of our soul. The pieeces lock inot place and we have a miracle life.
Whoever created the universe saw fit to make animal lives shorter than human lives, and so this miracle comes to and end - we think! But It's NOT SO! Our soul-mate has simply disappeared from view, from our sensory world, and gone back to where they came from - the Perfect World. In the words of my vet, the kindest and most caring AND most scientific person alive, "She's in a safe place now." They can see us, hear us, walk with us ... everything they did while we were together on earth. We just can't - and so we declare what we can't sense, not true. NOT TRUE!! Our spirit animals are just a breath away. One author said, "his head is in your hand, just like always." They can heear our words, see our tears - and - as always, they speak "Universal" so they CAN understand us. Best of all, they love and are loved by us - EXACTLY as always.
In these days of searing sorrow, the Captain is there beside you, guiding your steps just as he always did - from the beginning of time. He is wrapped in that most protective cocoon of all - a mother's love - just as always. When you need him call his name. It's like a beautiful song in his heavenly ears. And, Cappy, everyone's grief journey is unique. No one's is exactly the same as anyone else's. We are here for you no matter what - day and night (and sometimes nights are the hardest). Rest completely assured, though, that you and your Captain WILL be reunited in the perfect World.
Have the best day possible,
Gretta's mom
Just wanted to stop by and see how your heart is doing today. Two things for sure:
Love is forever - in both directions. Sometimes an animal, no matter how living, is a spcial friend forever. But sometimes, and I can tell you're one of us, there is an animal who is really us - we're made of the same "stuff". And that spirit-animal has sought through the entire universe to find his or her "other half." Imagine that - all those billions of people! When s/he finds us, s/he puts himself in our path so we will see him (or her, of course). In the most unexpected of times and places, we meet - and the sudden rush of love tells both of us that we have found the being who is carrying a part of our soul. The pieeces lock inot place and we have a miracle life.
Whoever created the universe saw fit to make animal lives shorter than human lives, and so this miracle comes to and end - we think! But It's NOT SO! Our soul-mate has simply disappeared from view, from our sensory world, and gone back to where they came from - the Perfect World. In the words of my vet, the kindest and most caring AND most scientific person alive, "She's in a safe place now." They can see us, hear us, walk with us ... everything they did while we were together on earth. We just can't - and so we declare what we can't sense, not true. NOT TRUE!! Our spirit animals are just a breath away. One author said, "his head is in your hand, just like always." They can heear our words, see our tears - and - as always, they speak "Universal" so they CAN understand us. Best of all, they love and are loved by us - EXACTLY as always.
In these days of searing sorrow, the Captain is there beside you, guiding your steps just as he always did - from the beginning of time. He is wrapped in that most protective cocoon of all - a mother's love - just as always. When you need him call his name. It's like a beautiful song in his heavenly ears. And, Cappy, everyone's grief journey is unique. No one's is exactly the same as anyone else's. We are here for you no matter what - day and night (and sometimes nights are the hardest). Rest completely assured, though, that you and your Captain WILL be reunited in the perfect World.
Have the best day possible,
Gretta's mom
Dear GM,
Thank you for your nice words, I had a pretty good afternoon yesterday after a tough morning. My girlfriend is here (she's here half the month) this weekend. She loved Cappy too and she has been really supportive. Everything was good until the light went out, and I just hoped he was somewhere and happy, and that we would see each other again. I keep telling myself he's in a good place but it is hard. I grew up in the Catholic church and of course they say that animals have no soul and they just dissappear at death. I refuse to believe that because Ive looked into his eyes many times and knows he has the most kindest, gentle soul ever. The morning around 7 is horrible as usual when I wake up to realize he is not here or where I know he is. I hope the day goes better, I just miss him so much, here is a photo of a strong healthy dog just a few months before the tumors started in his nose. Here he is doing his most favorite thing boating and going crazy playing on The Sandbar.
Thank you for your nice words, I had a pretty good afternoon yesterday after a tough morning. My girlfriend is here (she's here half the month) this weekend. She loved Cappy too and she has been really supportive. Everything was good until the light went out, and I just hoped he was somewhere and happy, and that we would see each other again. I keep telling myself he's in a good place but it is hard. I grew up in the Catholic church and of course they say that animals have no soul and they just dissappear at death. I refuse to believe that because Ive looked into his eyes many times and knows he has the most kindest, gentle soul ever. The morning around 7 is horrible as usual when I wake up to realize he is not here or where I know he is. I hope the day goes better, I just miss him so much, here is a photo of a strong healthy dog just a few months before the tumors started in his nose. Here he is doing his most favorite thing boating and going crazy playing on The Sandbar.
Dear Cappy.....I am so sorry for your loss of Cappy. He is such a beautiful dog. Looks like he was having fun in that picture......I don't know when a person starts to feel better. I have my good days and bad days. It has been 7 months since we lost Mickey and I still get tears every day. I still haven't put all his things away.....I hope you start having more good days than bad.......You are in my thoughts and prayers.....God Bless..
LoveMyMickey
LoveMyMickey
Thanks Mikey,
It is strange Saturday afternoon I was ok, and then all day Sunday I was miserable. This morning Im ok. My girlfriend leaves for work today untill Friday so I hope things stay positive. Thanks for writing, I will be on the site I think a lot this week.
Cappy
It is strange Saturday afternoon I was ok, and then all day Sunday I was miserable. This morning Im ok. My girlfriend leaves for work today untill Friday so I hope things stay positive. Thanks for writing, I will be on the site I think a lot this week.
Cappy
QUOTE (LoveMyMickey @ Sep 18 2011, 06:20 PM) 
Dear Cappy.....I am so sorry for your loss of Cappy. He is such a beautiful dog. Looks like he was having fun in that picture......I don't know when a person starts to feel better. I have my good days and bad days. It has been 7 months since we lost Mickey and I still get tears every day. I still haven't put all his things away.....I hope you start having more good days than bad.......You are in my thoughts and prayers.....God Bless..
LoveMyMickey
LoveMyMickey
Mickey is a cute little thing, I hope you have good days too and remeber the joy he brought you. I hope this get easier.
Dear Cappy
Thank you for the wonderful pictures of your beautiful chocolate Captain. Like you, I grew up in the VERY Catholic church - with their views that animals don't ahve souls, they don't go to heaven, etc. etc. If , you go back, I think most of that stuff was thought up by MAN, smart theologians like Thomas Aquinas and his Uncaused Causer, etc. I'm even more of a believer in God - and I believe that God does love animals, they DO have souls, and we WILL be reunited with them in the Perfect World. My vet is not God, certainly, but he IS one of the most caring - and scientific - people on earth and his words - after giving me some big, big hugs, were. "She's in a safe place now." That's my story an I'm sticking with it!!
Gretta's got a new friend now who looks just like her - what a pair!
Cappy - you've got a long road ahead of you. When you've shared a love with a spirit-animal like Cappy, his going back to where he came from means you can't see or hear or touch him - for a while. And that HURTS!!!!!!!!! Whatever you have to do - do it! Everyone's grieving is different, yet somehow it's all the same. It's being shot in the heart and bleeding all over. Then it's the "zombie-walk" where we robot our way through the external of life even though we're truly not present. In a way, that's good, because it keeps us doing SOMETHING besides curling up in a ball and weeping 24 hours a day - which would be our first choice!
Gretta is the first dog I had as an adult. I gazed into her beautiful soulful eyes SO many times. I love her with everything I have - and more. And she loves me even MORE than that. It's been 5 months since she went home - and this gried journey has been MUCH worse than I ever thought it would be. Moon Beam on this site calls it the roller coaster of horrors. (I have an even more unkind name for it.) Let's join hands and make a Chocolate Lab admiration team!
Please tell me more about Mr Captain. When did she come to you? How old was she when she went home? What were his favorite things to do? Was he - like Gretta - a food vacuum - or more like a food radar? What were his favorite toys? Did he know how to play?
I'll tell you some things about Gretta, too. (But this Robot has to get going to work right now.)
Cappy, I think you were sent by an angel. Another Chocolate parent! Thank you more than I can say. (And don't let a 14th century (?) guy in a tunic and leggings get in the way of your heart. The heart knows. And .... one things we DO know Tom A definitely did NOT have a chocolate lab - 'cuz they don't bite when people say goofy things!)
God bless you and Mr captain.
Gretta's mom
Thank you for the wonderful pictures of your beautiful chocolate Captain. Like you, I grew up in the VERY Catholic church - with their views that animals don't ahve souls, they don't go to heaven, etc. etc. If , you go back, I think most of that stuff was thought up by MAN, smart theologians like Thomas Aquinas and his Uncaused Causer, etc. I'm even more of a believer in God - and I believe that God does love animals, they DO have souls, and we WILL be reunited with them in the Perfect World. My vet is not God, certainly, but he IS one of the most caring - and scientific - people on earth and his words - after giving me some big, big hugs, were. "She's in a safe place now." That's my story an I'm sticking with it!!
Gretta's got a new friend now who looks just like her - what a pair!
Cappy - you've got a long road ahead of you. When you've shared a love with a spirit-animal like Cappy, his going back to where he came from means you can't see or hear or touch him - for a while. And that HURTS!!!!!!!!! Whatever you have to do - do it! Everyone's grieving is different, yet somehow it's all the same. It's being shot in the heart and bleeding all over. Then it's the "zombie-walk" where we robot our way through the external of life even though we're truly not present. In a way, that's good, because it keeps us doing SOMETHING besides curling up in a ball and weeping 24 hours a day - which would be our first choice!
Gretta is the first dog I had as an adult. I gazed into her beautiful soulful eyes SO many times. I love her with everything I have - and more. And she loves me even MORE than that. It's been 5 months since she went home - and this gried journey has been MUCH worse than I ever thought it would be. Moon Beam on this site calls it the roller coaster of horrors. (I have an even more unkind name for it.) Let's join hands and make a Chocolate Lab admiration team!
Please tell me more about Mr Captain. When did she come to you? How old was she when she went home? What were his favorite things to do? Was he - like Gretta - a food vacuum - or more like a food radar? What were his favorite toys? Did he know how to play?
I'll tell you some things about Gretta, too. (But this Robot has to get going to work right now.)
Cappy, I think you were sent by an angel. Another Chocolate parent! Thank you more than I can say. (And don't let a 14th century (?) guy in a tunic and leggings get in the way of your heart. The heart knows. And .... one things we DO know Tom A definitely did NOT have a chocolate lab - 'cuz they don't bite when people say goofy things!)
God bless you and Mr captain.
Gretta's mom
Hi Gretta's Mom,
The Captain came into my life in 2002, I was going through some relationship problems and my mom suggest I get a dog.
She then found one in the paper for me to go look at. I drove about a half hour south and met with a family of a mom, dad, 2 kids and 3 dogs one of them being Cappy. I looked at him, played with him a bit, and saw how he played with the other dogs and kids. He was the first dog I looked at! They had bought him from a breeder and realised they a bit off more than they could chew. So, I went to the bank and took him home!
We went to my friends to show him and stayed for a few hours while his wife's Rotti chased him all over, but The Captain was smart and to avoid him being the water dog he is jumped in the decrotive pond and swam around happily where big dummy couldnt get him.
I then took him home, washed him off, dryed him and got into bed. He immediately put his 2 front paws up on the bed (he did that at the end too, because he was too weak to jump up anymore: ( ) and I pulled him up and he layed right next to me and we went to sleep.
I have to get to work too, but thanks for writing. Boating and fishing were his favorite things here's another picture. Ill tell you more later. : )
Cappy
The Captain came into my life in 2002, I was going through some relationship problems and my mom suggest I get a dog.
She then found one in the paper for me to go look at. I drove about a half hour south and met with a family of a mom, dad, 2 kids and 3 dogs one of them being Cappy. I looked at him, played with him a bit, and saw how he played with the other dogs and kids. He was the first dog I looked at! They had bought him from a breeder and realised they a bit off more than they could chew. So, I went to the bank and took him home!
We went to my friends to show him and stayed for a few hours while his wife's Rotti chased him all over, but The Captain was smart and to avoid him being the water dog he is jumped in the decrotive pond and swam around happily where big dummy couldnt get him.
I then took him home, washed him off, dryed him and got into bed. He immediately put his 2 front paws up on the bed (he did that at the end too, because he was too weak to jump up anymore: ( ) and I pulled him up and he layed right next to me and we went to sleep.
I have to get to work too, but thanks for writing. Boating and fishing were his favorite things here's another picture. Ill tell you more later. : )
Cappy
So sorry for your loss. Looks like he really enjoyed boating! What a sweetie he was.
Thank you Cappy! I like the boat picture. "The Captain" is truly the captain there. That brought a smile when I read where Cappy got in the water to get away from the Rotti. Looks like you and Cappy were friends right away with him wanting to get on the bed with you.......That's the way Mickey was, he jumped in a chair right away and then jumped on the bed to be with us. We got him from an older couple when he was almost 5 yrs. old.
Cappy, I hope your week stays positive and remember the fun times you had with your soulmate. Yes, I believe they are our soulmates and they are in Heaven's Beautiful Garden (as moon_beam would say), or the Rainbow Bridge, or The Perfect World ( as Gretta's Mom would say)....God Bless..
LoveMyMickey
Cappy, I hope your week stays positive and remember the fun times you had with your soulmate. Yes, I believe they are our soulmates and they are in Heaven's Beautiful Garden (as moon_beam would say), or the Rainbow Bridge, or The Perfect World ( as Gretta's Mom would say)....God Bless..
LoveMyMickey
Oh my, your Cappy is sooooo handsome. I just want to reach out and pet him 
Also, you can just tell what a wonderful, happy, life you gave him -- you can see the happiness and the love radiating from his eyes and smile. And looking at those eyes makes me believe with 100% certainty that he does have a soul -- a beautiful loving soul, a part of which remains with you, always. I truly believe we will be reunited with them again one day.
I'm so sorry that he had to physically leave this world. Please, just take things one day at a time. We're here to listen, always.
Cheryl x
Also, you can just tell what a wonderful, happy, life you gave him -- you can see the happiness and the love radiating from his eyes and smile. And looking at those eyes makes me believe with 100% certainty that he does have a soul -- a beautiful loving soul, a part of which remains with you, always. I truly believe we will be reunited with them again one day. I'm so sorry that he had to physically leave this world. Please, just take things one day at a time. We're here to listen, always.
Cheryl x
Hi, Cappy, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing and for these wonderful pictures of your beloved Captain. I'm smiling about his first adoptive family who felt they had "bit off more than they could chew." Youngsters are a handful for sure, and Chocolates have a tendency to be even more hyper than the Black and Yellow / Blonde Labs.
Your beloved Captain exudes the eternal love you shared with him during his earthly journey, and continue to share with him, Cappy. Love is eternal, - - it is not limited to the physical laws of time and space. Your beloved Captain's sweet Living Spirit continues to share your earthly journey just as he always has and always will - - for he is forever in your heart and your memories, - - he is always a heartbeat close to you.
I hope today is treating you kindly, Cappy. Thank you again so much for sharing your beloved Captain with us, and your special cherished memories. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Cappy, and look forward to knowing how you're doing.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
Your beloved Captain exudes the eternal love you shared with him during his earthly journey, and continue to share with him, Cappy. Love is eternal, - - it is not limited to the physical laws of time and space. Your beloved Captain's sweet Living Spirit continues to share your earthly journey just as he always has and always will - - for he is forever in your heart and your memories, - - he is always a heartbeat close to you.
I hope today is treating you kindly, Cappy. Thank you again so much for sharing your beloved Captain with us, and your special cherished memories. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Cappy, and look forward to knowing how you're doing.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
Thank You all on this site, you are all so kind and compasionate. I'm having a fairly good day today hope you are all having great ones. Thanks again for the wonderful words of encouragement and hope. I'm glad I joined.
Here is a funny picture that I hope will brighten your days. The Captain liked to wear clothes, he didnt try and take them off or complain when I was putting them on. I think he thought he was important (He was!) when he wore them. Here he is smiling away, I miss him so much.
Cappy is sooo cute in his t-shirt. Of course he was and is important.......My Mickey had a sweater and a raincoat that he did not like. I think he was trying to tell me that he has enough on with that thick fur coat.
Cappy, I hope you have a pleasant evening and night...
LoveMyMickey
Cappy, I hope you have a pleasant evening and night...
LoveMyMickey
QUOTE (Gretta's Mom @ Sep 19 2011, 08:20 AM)
Dear Cappy
Thank you for the wonderful pictures of your beautiful chocolate Captain. Like you, I grew up in the VERY Catholic church - with their views that animals don't ahve souls, they don't go to heaven, etc. etc. If , you go back, I think most of that stuff was thought up by MAN, smart theologians like Thomas Aquinas and his Uncaused Causer, etc. I'm even more of a believer in God - and I believe that God does love animals, they DO have souls, and we WILL be reunited with them in the Perfect World. My vet is not God, certainly, but he IS one of the most caring - and scientific - people on earth and his words - after giving me some big, big hugs, were. "She's in a safe place now." That's my story an I'm sticking with it!!
Gretta's got a new friend now who looks just like her - what a pair!
Cappy - you've got a long road ahead of you. When you've shared a love with a spirit-animal like Cappy, his going back to where he came from means you can't see or hear or touch him - for a while. And that HURTS!!!!!!!!! Whatever you have to do - do it! Everyone's grieving is different, yet somehow it's all the same. It's being shot in the heart and bleeding all over. Then it's the "zombie-walk" where we robot our way through the external of life even though we're truly not present. In a way, that's good, because it keeps us doing SOMETHING besides curling up in a ball and weeping 24 hours a day - which would be our first choice!
Gretta is the first dog I had as an adult. I gazed into her beautiful soulful eyes SO many times. I love her with everything I have - and more. And she loves me even MORE than that. It's been 5 months since she went home - and this gried journey has been MUCH worse than I ever thought it would be. Moon Beam on this site calls it the roller coaster of horrors. (I have an even more unkind name for it.) Let's join hands and make a Chocolate Lab admiration team!
Please tell me more about Mr Captain. When did she come to you? How old was she when she went home? What were his favorite things to do? Was he - like Gretta - a food vacuum - or more like a food radar? What were his favorite toys? Did he know how to play?
I'll tell you some things about Gretta, too. (But this Robot has to get going to work right now.)
Cappy, I think you were sent by an angel. Another Chocolate parent! Thank you more than I can say. (And don't let a 14th century (?) guy in a tunic and leggings get in the way of your heart. The heart knows. And .... one things we DO know Tom A definitely did NOT have a chocolate lab - 'cuz they don't bite when people say goofy things!)
God bless you and Mr captain.
Gretta's mom
Thank you for the wonderful pictures of your beautiful chocolate Captain. Like you, I grew up in the VERY Catholic church - with their views that animals don't ahve souls, they don't go to heaven, etc. etc. If , you go back, I think most of that stuff was thought up by MAN, smart theologians like Thomas Aquinas and his Uncaused Causer, etc. I'm even more of a believer in God - and I believe that God does love animals, they DO have souls, and we WILL be reunited with them in the Perfect World. My vet is not God, certainly, but he IS one of the most caring - and scientific - people on earth and his words - after giving me some big, big hugs, were. "She's in a safe place now." That's my story an I'm sticking with it!!
Gretta's got a new friend now who looks just like her - what a pair!
Cappy - you've got a long road ahead of you. When you've shared a love with a spirit-animal like Cappy, his going back to where he came from means you can't see or hear or touch him - for a while. And that HURTS!!!!!!!!! Whatever you have to do - do it! Everyone's grieving is different, yet somehow it's all the same. It's being shot in the heart and bleeding all over. Then it's the "zombie-walk" where we robot our way through the external of life even though we're truly not present. In a way, that's good, because it keeps us doing SOMETHING besides curling up in a ball and weeping 24 hours a day - which would be our first choice!
Gretta is the first dog I had as an adult. I gazed into her beautiful soulful eyes SO many times. I love her with everything I have - and more. And she loves me even MORE than that. It's been 5 months since she went home - and this gried journey has been MUCH worse than I ever thought it would be. Moon Beam on this site calls it the roller coaster of horrors. (I have an even more unkind name for it.) Let's join hands and make a Chocolate Lab admiration team!
Please tell me more about Mr Captain. When did she come to you? How old was she when she went home? What were his favorite things to do? Was he - like Gretta - a food vacuum - or more like a food radar? What were his favorite toys? Did he know how to play?
I'll tell you some things about Gretta, too. (But this Robot has to get going to work right now.)
Cappy, I think you were sent by an angel. Another Chocolate parent! Thank you more than I can say. (And don't let a 14th century (?) guy in a tunic and leggings get in the way of your heart. The heart knows. And .... one things we DO know Tom A definitely did NOT have a chocolate lab - 'cuz they don't bite when people say goofy things!)
God bless you and Mr captain.
Gretta's mom
Do you have any pictures of your beautiful girl? How old was she, Cappy was only 9 when the cancer got him.
QUOTE (LoveMyMickey @ Sep 19 2011, 06:24 PM)
Cappy is sooo cute in his t-shirt. Of course he was and is important.......My Mickey had a sweater and a raincoat that he did not like. I think he was trying to tell me that he has enough on with that thick fur coat.
Cappy, I hope you have a pleasant evening and night...
LoveMyMickey
Cappy, I hope you have a pleasant evening and night...
LoveMyMickey
I hope you have a pleasant night too! Thanks for the compliments he IS a beautiful dog.
Hi, Cappy is so gorgeous in that shirt - I know what you mean about some dogs liking to wear clothes, my mum had an Aussie Terrier who LOVED clothes - he would actually check himself out in the mirror if you got him something new and put it on him! And Cappy certainly has a beautiful smile, I'm betting it's shining down on his mum and dad right now, hoping today brings you a moment of peace with his memory, Leejaye
QUOTE (leejaye @ Sep 20 2011, 06:32 AM)
Hi, Cappy is so gorgeous in that shirt - I know what you mean about some dogs liking to wear clothes, my mum had an Aussie Terrier who LOVED clothes - he would actually check himself out in the mirror if you got him something new and put it on him! And Cappy certainly has a beautiful smile, I'm betting it's shining down on his mum and dad right now, hoping today brings you a moment of peace with his memory, Leejaye
Thank You leejaye, his smile is beautiful, he was a gift, just so sweet. It seems that in the morning I miss him something terrible, but in the afternoons Im alright. I couldnt even talk about him to anyone right now face to face without crying, but last afternnoon talked about him at length with an old friend. I even called a few breeders yesterday, and now that is the furthest thing from my mind. Thanks for your kind words.
Dear Cappy,
First, please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your wonderful doggy, the Captain. I havebeen away from my compter for a bit and fell far behind in just about everything. Your dog looks absolutely beautiful (yes, boys can be beautiful, too) and so full of life. You already know that my sister (Gretta's Mom) had a chocolate lab named Gretta. She was a wonderful creature.
I lost my C spaniel, Trevor, in July. We had to put him to sleep because the pain from his many neurologic problems (brought on by abuse) was so severe that medicine wasn't working at all any more. He graced our lives for 2 years and 2 months. I took care of him 24/7 and loved him more than any of my other C spaniels (I've had 7). The loss is still searing, even though I now have a 2 year old English C spaniel. I was very troubled about living with Dreamer until a very wise woman told me that, indeed, Trevor had sent me Dreamer to remind me every day that Trevor can now run, jump, play, fetch, roll over for tummy rubs, etc. in Heaven over the Rainbow Bridge even though I cannot see it. Makes sense to me and has helped me, too.
I still visit Trevor's grave almost every day.
One thing I wanted to tell you: I, too, went through Catholic schools and am still quite "Catholic". I believe that ALL creatures that God creates go to Heaven when they perish. Remember being taught that there is no beginning or end to Heaven? Well, then there is room for every non-human creature created, however many zillions that is. You know all about the human stuff so I won't go there. I'll be sure to tell Trevor, Rudy, Birney, Jasper, Kelly, Crocker, Spot and Squirt about the Captain, but I'm sure they've already met and are good friends.
Blessings............................
Bobbie
First, please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your wonderful doggy, the Captain. I havebeen away from my compter for a bit and fell far behind in just about everything. Your dog looks absolutely beautiful (yes, boys can be beautiful, too) and so full of life. You already know that my sister (Gretta's Mom) had a chocolate lab named Gretta. She was a wonderful creature.
I lost my C spaniel, Trevor, in July. We had to put him to sleep because the pain from his many neurologic problems (brought on by abuse) was so severe that medicine wasn't working at all any more. He graced our lives for 2 years and 2 months. I took care of him 24/7 and loved him more than any of my other C spaniels (I've had 7). The loss is still searing, even though I now have a 2 year old English C spaniel. I was very troubled about living with Dreamer until a very wise woman told me that, indeed, Trevor had sent me Dreamer to remind me every day that Trevor can now run, jump, play, fetch, roll over for tummy rubs, etc. in Heaven over the Rainbow Bridge even though I cannot see it. Makes sense to me and has helped me, too.
I still visit Trevor's grave almost every day.
One thing I wanted to tell you: I, too, went through Catholic schools and am still quite "Catholic". I believe that ALL creatures that God creates go to Heaven when they perish. Remember being taught that there is no beginning or end to Heaven? Well, then there is room for every non-human creature created, however many zillions that is. You know all about the human stuff so I won't go there. I'll be sure to tell Trevor, Rudy, Birney, Jasper, Kelly, Crocker, Spot and Squirt about the Captain, but I'm sure they've already met and are good friends.
Blessings............................
Bobbie
Hi Cappy
I second by sister Bobbie's "do animals go to heaven" motion! Another note: ALL animals go to heaven. On their own, they're beautiful souls. People sometimes make them into things they're not meant to be and definitely NOT like inside.
Gretta and Cappy are inseparable! What a beautiful picture. And thank you again for the very touching poem about the spirit of a labrador.
May some happiness come to you.
Gretta's mom
I second by sister Bobbie's "do animals go to heaven" motion! Another note: ALL animals go to heaven. On their own, they're beautiful souls. People sometimes make them into things they're not meant to be and definitely NOT like inside.
Gretta and Cappy are inseparable! What a beautiful picture. And thank you again for the very touching poem about the spirit of a labrador.
May some happiness come to you.
Gretta's mom
Hi, cappy, just having an oppotunity to get caught up on your news. I'm smiling at your Captain wearing a t-shirt. When my Oslo went outside and the weather was not pleasant - - raining, snowing, cold -- he would wear a jacket that I got for him through a furchild clothing store. I'm not sure it ever really gave him much protection against the elements, but he knew I was putting it on him with "mommy love" -- and he never tried to get out of it.
I hope life is treating you kindly, cappy. Thank you so much for sharing your beloved Captain with us. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and always look forward to knowing how things are going for you.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
I hope life is treating you kindly, cappy. Thank you so much for sharing your beloved Captain with us. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and always look forward to knowing how things are going for you.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
Hi Everyone,
Thanks for writing. The last 3 days or so have been good, Ive been really busy with work, and have also started going back to the gym which has helped a lot with my mood. The house still seems so strange, and I still wake up right at 7 but dont have to feed someone which is strange too. I am not as "violently sad" as I was almost 2 weeks ago, and am beginning to be able to talk about The Captain and tell stories of our wonderful times together. A friend who has aleays had dogs invited me to his football get together today and I accepted, I wouldnt have done that last weekend. So, everything is slowly returning to normal. I like being able to tell stories about Cappy, I think it honors him, and I think he doesnt want me to be sad, because he was such a happy dog and didnt like it when I was sad.
Bobbie- I had read about you and Trevor and he seemed really sweet, I didnt know that you were Gretta's Mom's sister! I'm a litlle jealous that you have another doggy! The house is so weird without one, Dreamer sounds great. Ive been looking at different Labs but realistically can't get one until at least the 1st of the year, but Im shooting for late Spring. I will get a yellow this time, not a chocolate, it will be interesting. Im sure I will be on here reading up on your all experiences with your new babies. I think you are right about all of creation going to heaven, I was really torn on that when I first joined the site, but know now that my Captain and Trevor are in a great place right now.
Gretta's Mom- I think I posted yesterday, but just in case.... I loved that poem, I found it on a Lab breeeder's website. The breeder is in Minn. or Wisconsin I think the kennels are called: The Captain's Labs! and the dogs look perfect, my favorites that Ive seen. It just popped up on a google search for american style lab retriever, do you think........?????? ; ) Yes, I totally think "someone" helped me out with that one. ; )
Moon Beam- I kind of thought the same thing, some dogs hate to wear anything, our dogs felt proud to wear those things, very important, and very loved. I appreciate you writing and all your words of encouragement and hope.
Thank you all once again, today will be the first time also that I will touch another dog, it has me concerned but I think I will be ok.
Thanks for the support!
Have a great Sunday!
Thanks for writing. The last 3 days or so have been good, Ive been really busy with work, and have also started going back to the gym which has helped a lot with my mood. The house still seems so strange, and I still wake up right at 7 but dont have to feed someone which is strange too. I am not as "violently sad" as I was almost 2 weeks ago, and am beginning to be able to talk about The Captain and tell stories of our wonderful times together. A friend who has aleays had dogs invited me to his football get together today and I accepted, I wouldnt have done that last weekend. So, everything is slowly returning to normal. I like being able to tell stories about Cappy, I think it honors him, and I think he doesnt want me to be sad, because he was such a happy dog and didnt like it when I was sad.
Bobbie- I had read about you and Trevor and he seemed really sweet, I didnt know that you were Gretta's Mom's sister! I'm a litlle jealous that you have another doggy! The house is so weird without one, Dreamer sounds great. Ive been looking at different Labs but realistically can't get one until at least the 1st of the year, but Im shooting for late Spring. I will get a yellow this time, not a chocolate, it will be interesting. Im sure I will be on here reading up on your all experiences with your new babies. I think you are right about all of creation going to heaven, I was really torn on that when I first joined the site, but know now that my Captain and Trevor are in a great place right now.
Gretta's Mom- I think I posted yesterday, but just in case.... I loved that poem, I found it on a Lab breeeder's website. The breeder is in Minn. or Wisconsin I think the kennels are called: The Captain's Labs! and the dogs look perfect, my favorites that Ive seen. It just popped up on a google search for american style lab retriever, do you think........?????? ; ) Yes, I totally think "someone" helped me out with that one. ; )
Moon Beam- I kind of thought the same thing, some dogs hate to wear anything, our dogs felt proud to wear those things, very important, and very loved. I appreciate you writing and all your words of encouragement and hope.
Thank you all once again, today will be the first time also that I will touch another dog, it has me concerned but I think I will be ok.
Thanks for the support!
Have a great Sunday!
Hello Cappy
I'm SO glad you've come to the place where you can believe in your heart that our beloved animals live on after their life on earth (just like we do) and tha, if we live honorable lives - following their directions and the directions of our Maker - we WILL be reunited. Oh, how happy I am for you, Cappy. This thought is a tremendous consolation when tears fall and everything looks dark.
The poem - still amazing, still heart-rending. Yes, "someone" had a hand in that - probably at least two someones! Another "coincidence" - and there are no such things as coincidences - the breeder whose kennel that wonderful poem came from is in MN or WI. So am I!!!!!!! So if you ever need a pair of real human eyes to go get a look at a "potential" - I'll be glad to do it. I'll try to find them on the net.
Both of my doggies were rescue dogs - from a very well-organized group to whom I was introduced by a very active neighbor. All the dogs in our neighborhood came from her rescue group! Maybe there's a labrador waiting to be adopted - just maybe. Gotta watch out for the descriptions, though. My Rufus was billed as a black lab. As soon as I laid eyes on him I could tell from the coat he was also something else. I thought maybe a flat-coated mix. My vet said, Nope. He's half Newfie!
I'm glad your heart is beginning to heal - the love of a special soul-mate changes one forever.
Have the best day you can, my friend.
Gretta and Rufus's mom
I'm SO glad you've come to the place where you can believe in your heart that our beloved animals live on after their life on earth (just like we do) and tha, if we live honorable lives - following their directions and the directions of our Maker - we WILL be reunited. Oh, how happy I am for you, Cappy. This thought is a tremendous consolation when tears fall and everything looks dark.
The poem - still amazing, still heart-rending. Yes, "someone" had a hand in that - probably at least two someones! Another "coincidence" - and there are no such things as coincidences - the breeder whose kennel that wonderful poem came from is in MN or WI. So am I!!!!!!! So if you ever need a pair of real human eyes to go get a look at a "potential" - I'll be glad to do it. I'll try to find them on the net.
Both of my doggies were rescue dogs - from a very well-organized group to whom I was introduced by a very active neighbor. All the dogs in our neighborhood came from her rescue group! Maybe there's a labrador waiting to be adopted - just maybe. Gotta watch out for the descriptions, though. My Rufus was billed as a black lab. As soon as I laid eyes on him I could tell from the coat he was also something else. I thought maybe a flat-coated mix. My vet said, Nope. He's half Newfie!
I'm glad your heart is beginning to heal - the love of a special soul-mate changes one forever.
Have the best day you can, my friend.
Gretta and Rufus's mom
Cappy
Just found out that the Captains Labs (breeders) are only 40 miles from where my father lives! And they do participate in an informal network of breeders who try to place rescued labs!!
Now .... WHO is at work?!? :)
Gretta's mom
Just found out that the Captains Labs (breeders) are only 40 miles from where my father lives! And they do participate in an informal network of breeders who try to place rescued labs!!
Now .... WHO is at work?!? :)
Gretta's mom
Hi, cappy, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. It takes time to adjust to the "new normal" as I call it when our companions have joined the angels. Physical exercise, when feeling up to it, does help when experiencing deep grief, stress, etc., because as you know exercise releases "good endorphins" which helps to relax the brain - - and the rest of the body. And as the saying goes, all things in moderation. So I'm glad returning to the gym is being a positive experience for you.
There is a saying, "out of sight out of mind" - - and most of our society believes this rule should apply to our beloved companions. But this NEVER applies to those with whom we have shared an eternal love bond, INCLUDING our beloved companions. Your beloved Captain continues to share your earthly journey just as he always has and always will for he is forever a part of you - - he is always and forever a heartbeat close to you. We are honored for you to share with us your cherished memories of your beloved Captain.
I hope today will be a good one for you, and that you will enjoy time with your friends. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, cappy, and look forward to sharing with you how you're doing and your treasured memories of Captain.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
There is a saying, "out of sight out of mind" - - and most of our society believes this rule should apply to our beloved companions. But this NEVER applies to those with whom we have shared an eternal love bond, INCLUDING our beloved companions. Your beloved Captain continues to share your earthly journey just as he always has and always will for he is forever a part of you - - he is always and forever a heartbeat close to you. We are honored for you to share with us your cherished memories of your beloved Captain.
I hope today will be a good one for you, and that you will enjoy time with your friends. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, cappy, and look forward to sharing with you how you're doing and your treasured memories of Captain.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
Yes, "new normal" is a good way to put it, 2 weeks ago today I had to bring him in. What a shame, that cancer is horrible.
Gretta's Mom- Ive emailed and called The Captain's Kennels and I havent heard back from them maybe they are super busy or something. I will let you know when I hear from them, I would take a younger rescue myself if they had one.
Got to get back to work, thanks for writing everyone.
Hope you all have great days.
Gretta's Mom- Ive emailed and called The Captain's Kennels and I havent heard back from them maybe they are super busy or something. I will let you know when I hear from them, I would take a younger rescue myself if they had one.
Got to get back to work, thanks for writing everyone.
Hope you all have great days.
Hi Everyone,
Ive really learned a lot reading other people's post on here, and it's nice to know that it's not just me feeling like I have for the last 3 weeks or so. Everyday seems to get easier and easier. The first week after losing my boy was the saddest Ive ever been in my whole life. Since, then Ive learned to accept that The Capt. had to go, he was so sick. I also firmly believe that he is still with me, and it might sound strange but at least once a day when Im alone I talk to him. I also try and say a prayer for him at night. I went to the beach last Saturday, and was sad because he was not there, but I imagined that he was sitting right next to me looking at the ocean that he loved so much, it was sad and happy at the same time.
Greta's Mom-
I finally got in touch with the breeder near you! I took there puppy placement quiz and passed it haha. They should hopefully have some new pups in the spring, he said they don't have them in the winter because no one wants to potty train a lab pup in the cold of winter, I don't blame them. I told him I will speak with him in January and go from there. He has such beautiful Labs! I would like to really get a fox red one, I didnt know that they came in that color, and it's a little different. So, hopefully I will have a fishing buddy for next summer. I still read Spirit of a Labarador evry few days, I love that poem.
Once again, thanks for all the words of encouragement, Here is The Captain cooling off in the open ocean on his last real fishing trip (he went boating a few more times before his passing) it was taken in July. : )
Cappy
Ive really learned a lot reading other people's post on here, and it's nice to know that it's not just me feeling like I have for the last 3 weeks or so. Everyday seems to get easier and easier. The first week after losing my boy was the saddest Ive ever been in my whole life. Since, then Ive learned to accept that The Capt. had to go, he was so sick. I also firmly believe that he is still with me, and it might sound strange but at least once a day when Im alone I talk to him. I also try and say a prayer for him at night. I went to the beach last Saturday, and was sad because he was not there, but I imagined that he was sitting right next to me looking at the ocean that he loved so much, it was sad and happy at the same time.
Greta's Mom-
I finally got in touch with the breeder near you! I took there puppy placement quiz and passed it haha. They should hopefully have some new pups in the spring, he said they don't have them in the winter because no one wants to potty train a lab pup in the cold of winter, I don't blame them. I told him I will speak with him in January and go from there. He has such beautiful Labs! I would like to really get a fox red one, I didnt know that they came in that color, and it's a little different. So, hopefully I will have a fishing buddy for next summer. I still read Spirit of a Labarador evry few days, I love that poem.
Once again, thanks for all the words of encouragement, Here is The Captain cooling off in the open ocean on his last real fishing trip (he went boating a few more times before his passing) it was taken in July. : )
Cappy
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