Full Version: My Darling Donnie
This is my first post. I wanted to share my love story. My sweet black Labrador was born on September 12, 2008. My husband brought him home when he was six weeks old. We were immediately inseparable. Every minute spent with him was an adventure! He was the sweetest funniest puppy I have ever had, and he grew into the kindest, most loving and wonderful dog I could ever hope for. I lost him to cancer on April 30, 2012. The saddest day of my life. I held him in my arms as he took his last breath and I felt my heart shattering. The sun has not shined the same for me since that day. My best friend no longer waits for me to come home at the end of the day. He isn't here to give me a hug when I am sad. No more cuddles, no more walks, no more handshakes. No more unconditional love for me. I feel so achingly lonely. I miss you so much Donnie. Sleep tight my angel
Oh Donnie's mom
My heart is crying with yours today over Danny's passing into the Perfect World. My Gretta (the kindest chocolate lab who ever lived) went home in April a year ago and I well remember (with the sword to the heart) the first day I came home and she wasn't at the door with her sweet face - I used to call her "Nose-Dog" when she did that. Donnie's mom, it's doubly sad that Mr Donnie had such a short time on earth. I know every day was precious and irreplaceable with him. More than any other animals, I think doggies worm their way into our hearts and live there in such a deep way. Soon you will hear from Moonbeam, sort of the mother of us on this site. She will have wonderful, spot-on words of consolation for you.
The first days are hades on earth - everything is a "no more". And every "no more" shoots that rifle of grief into your already bleeding heart. "Shredded" is a word used by many people here. I think it describes perfectly the experience of the first days, week, months - sometimes even years of separation from our beloved.
There is nothing you "have to" do - just keep breathing - and sometimes it seems like even that is too much. Express your grief and love in whatever way you need to. (I slept on Gretta's dog bed - a big orthopedic one - for over a week right after she went home.) As Moonbeam will explain much better than I can, we humans live in a world of senses. That means when we can no longer see or hear or touch someone, we say they're "gone." But they aren't. Donnie is still right there beside you doing what he always does - romping, playing, guarding you, guiding your steps, teaching you life lessons when you don't even know it. He's just a breath away. At the same time, his spirit is also in the Perfect World (I don't know how spirits can do this but they can) where it is always 68 degress and sunny with plenty of shade, cool water, yummy food and LOTS of friends. Gretta and my sister's dog Trevor and our friend's dog Mickey are on the welcoming committee and by now they taken Donnie under their paws (maybe angel-dogs Do have wings!) amd have shown him all around heaven already.
Love never fades or diminishes. Donnie and you shared the most special love there is in the universe - and it WILL endure - forever. Someday you WILL be reinuted with lively Mr Donnie, never to be parted again. There's little book written by a Franciscan monk called "Will I See You in Heaven?" that explains from a religious viewpoint that the answer is definitely "YES." Donnie is, like Gretta and Trevor and Mickey and all the millions of other fur- fin- and feather-babies, living and still on his job - guiding your steps and caring for your heart.
Be very kind to yourself, Donnie's mom. especially during these first days and weeks. You're in the shock-and-awe period and sometimes the most one can do then is breathe out and breathe in. It's OK, Donnie's mom. Everyone here understands - from experience. We're a band of brothers and sisters united by having the rare experience of having been found by our soul-mate animals and sharing life and love with them. You've come to the right place, Donnie's mom. Thank you for sharing beautiful Donnie with us.
Gretta's mom
My heart is crying with yours today over Danny's passing into the Perfect World. My Gretta (the kindest chocolate lab who ever lived) went home in April a year ago and I well remember (with the sword to the heart) the first day I came home and she wasn't at the door with her sweet face - I used to call her "Nose-Dog" when she did that. Donnie's mom, it's doubly sad that Mr Donnie had such a short time on earth. I know every day was precious and irreplaceable with him. More than any other animals, I think doggies worm their way into our hearts and live there in such a deep way. Soon you will hear from Moonbeam, sort of the mother of us on this site. She will have wonderful, spot-on words of consolation for you.
The first days are hades on earth - everything is a "no more". And every "no more" shoots that rifle of grief into your already bleeding heart. "Shredded" is a word used by many people here. I think it describes perfectly the experience of the first days, week, months - sometimes even years of separation from our beloved.
There is nothing you "have to" do - just keep breathing - and sometimes it seems like even that is too much. Express your grief and love in whatever way you need to. (I slept on Gretta's dog bed - a big orthopedic one - for over a week right after she went home.) As Moonbeam will explain much better than I can, we humans live in a world of senses. That means when we can no longer see or hear or touch someone, we say they're "gone." But they aren't. Donnie is still right there beside you doing what he always does - romping, playing, guarding you, guiding your steps, teaching you life lessons when you don't even know it. He's just a breath away. At the same time, his spirit is also in the Perfect World (I don't know how spirits can do this but they can) where it is always 68 degress and sunny with plenty of shade, cool water, yummy food and LOTS of friends. Gretta and my sister's dog Trevor and our friend's dog Mickey are on the welcoming committee and by now they taken Donnie under their paws (maybe angel-dogs Do have wings!) amd have shown him all around heaven already.
Love never fades or diminishes. Donnie and you shared the most special love there is in the universe - and it WILL endure - forever. Someday you WILL be reinuted with lively Mr Donnie, never to be parted again. There's little book written by a Franciscan monk called "Will I See You in Heaven?" that explains from a religious viewpoint that the answer is definitely "YES." Donnie is, like Gretta and Trevor and Mickey and all the millions of other fur- fin- and feather-babies, living and still on his job - guiding your steps and caring for your heart.
Be very kind to yourself, Donnie's mom. especially during these first days and weeks. You're in the shock-and-awe period and sometimes the most one can do then is breathe out and breathe in. It's OK, Donnie's mom. Everyone here understands - from experience. We're a band of brothers and sisters united by having the rare experience of having been found by our soul-mate animals and sharing life and love with them. You've come to the right place, Donnie's mom. Thank you for sharing beautiful Donnie with us.
Gretta's mom
Hi, DonniesMom, please permit me to add my sincerest sympathies in the physical loss of your beloved Donnie. Losing a companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we are blessed with the privilege of their company. Your beloved Donnie transitioned home to the angels surrounded and embraced by your love.
DonniesMom, this grief journey is one of the most painful experiences you will know on this side of eternity. It is filled with so many different emotions that usually overwhelm us all at one time to the point where we can begin to believe we are literally going insane. It is frequently referred to as a horror roller coaster ride.
As our wonderful forum friend Gretta's Mom has already compassionately shared with you, our companions live with us in a physically oriented world governed by the five senses of taste, touch, sound, smell, and hearing. Every time they touch us and kiss us they are physically imprinting themselves onto us so that they can identify us out of all the other millions of people that inhabit this planet. When they precede us to the angels not only do we grieve emotionally but we also literally experience a physical withdrawal, and it is very painful. This is why it is so very important for you to find healthy ways to release your deepest sorrow. For awhile you will experience uncontrollable heart-wrenching sobbing and it is important that you allow yourself the opportunity to let the tears flow - - for they are literally healing tears that release the toxins that build up in your body from the stress of grief. When the ache to hold your beloved Donnie seems unbearable, hold one of his blankets or toys or collar -- something that belongs only to him as this will help bridge the very real physical pain you are feeling in your deepest grief. No, it isn't the same as holding your beloved Donnie in your arms, but it will help. Some people find comfort in keeping a journal particularly during their deep grief, so this is another option you may want to consider.
For awhile you may find yourself feeling totally lost - - unable to concentrate, disinterest in life in general, going through the motions, etc.. Please let me try to reassure you that what you are feeling is very normal grief - - very painful both emotionally and physically, yes - - still very normal. You will find that things still get done, bills get paid, jobs get done, groceries are purchased and put away, etc., but in what I call functioning on "automatic pilot." This is the body's way of helping you cope with a traumatic event in your life - - and losing the physical presence of your beloved Donnie qualifies as a traumatic event. Eventually you will find yourself being able to once again focus on what you're doing, but until that time comes for you it is important not to try to make any major life changing decisions unless they are absolutely necessary.
In the midst of your most anguishing sorrow, there is good news: The love bond you share with your beloved Donnie is eternal. It is not restricted to the physical laws of time and space. Your beloved Donnie's sweet Living Spirit continues to share your earthly journey just as he always has and always will. He is forever a part of you, DonniesMom, - - he is forever in your heart and your memories - - he is forever a heartbeat close to you.
I know there are no adequate words in any language that can soothe the seering pain of loss that is in your heart, DonniesMom. I can only hope and pray that the words I share with you will help bring some measure of comfort, support, encouragement, and hope to you as you travel your grief adjustment journey. And as Gretta's Mom has so comfortingly reassured you, please let me affirm her words: You are not alone in your grief journey. Each of us here 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 very much for sharing your beloved Donnie with us. Perhaps sometime you will feel up to sharing a picture(s) of him with us - - but only when / if you want to. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, DonniesMom, and that I look forward to knowing how you're doing.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
DonniesMom, this grief journey is one of the most painful experiences you will know on this side of eternity. It is filled with so many different emotions that usually overwhelm us all at one time to the point where we can begin to believe we are literally going insane. It is frequently referred to as a horror roller coaster ride.
As our wonderful forum friend Gretta's Mom has already compassionately shared with you, our companions live with us in a physically oriented world governed by the five senses of taste, touch, sound, smell, and hearing. Every time they touch us and kiss us they are physically imprinting themselves onto us so that they can identify us out of all the other millions of people that inhabit this planet. When they precede us to the angels not only do we grieve emotionally but we also literally experience a physical withdrawal, and it is very painful. This is why it is so very important for you to find healthy ways to release your deepest sorrow. For awhile you will experience uncontrollable heart-wrenching sobbing and it is important that you allow yourself the opportunity to let the tears flow - - for they are literally healing tears that release the toxins that build up in your body from the stress of grief. When the ache to hold your beloved Donnie seems unbearable, hold one of his blankets or toys or collar -- something that belongs only to him as this will help bridge the very real physical pain you are feeling in your deepest grief. No, it isn't the same as holding your beloved Donnie in your arms, but it will help. Some people find comfort in keeping a journal particularly during their deep grief, so this is another option you may want to consider.
For awhile you may find yourself feeling totally lost - - unable to concentrate, disinterest in life in general, going through the motions, etc.. Please let me try to reassure you that what you are feeling is very normal grief - - very painful both emotionally and physically, yes - - still very normal. You will find that things still get done, bills get paid, jobs get done, groceries are purchased and put away, etc., but in what I call functioning on "automatic pilot." This is the body's way of helping you cope with a traumatic event in your life - - and losing the physical presence of your beloved Donnie qualifies as a traumatic event. Eventually you will find yourself being able to once again focus on what you're doing, but until that time comes for you it is important not to try to make any major life changing decisions unless they are absolutely necessary.
In the midst of your most anguishing sorrow, there is good news: The love bond you share with your beloved Donnie is eternal. It is not restricted to the physical laws of time and space. Your beloved Donnie's sweet Living Spirit continues to share your earthly journey just as he always has and always will. He is forever a part of you, DonniesMom, - - he is forever in your heart and your memories - - he is forever a heartbeat close to you.
I know there are no adequate words in any language that can soothe the seering pain of loss that is in your heart, DonniesMom. I can only hope and pray that the words I share with you will help bring some measure of comfort, support, encouragement, and hope to you as you travel your grief adjustment journey. And as Gretta's Mom has so comfortingly reassured you, please let me affirm her words: You are not alone in your grief journey. Each of us here 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 very much for sharing your beloved Donnie with us. Perhaps sometime you will feel up to sharing a picture(s) of him with us - - but only when / if you want to. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, DonniesMom, and that I look forward to knowing how you're doing.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
To Gretta's Mom and Moonbeam, thank you both very much for your kind words. It is nice to know I am not alone in feeling this way. I just miss my baby so much it really hurts. I still have one living fur baby, Donnie's best friend Damien, my four year old kitty. Though they were different species they were brothers =) I can tell Damien misses him terribly, he still looks in Donnie's kennel every morning as if hoping to see him there. On my saddest days I just stay in bed all day snuggling with my precious kitty. I know I need to stay strong for him but its so hard to keep it together sometimes. Thank you both again for understanding
hope this works I want to share a picture of him
This is him the first day we met
Hi, DonniesMom, thank you so very much for sharing with us how you and your precious Damien are doing, and the wonderful picture of your beloved Donnie. He is sooo handsome.
Yes, I personally know about the feline / canine family bond, and know so very well how your precious Damien is missing his big doggie brother. It is important for you to do what you feel up to doing, DonniesMom, and if staying in bed cuddling with your precious Damien is all you can handle, then that is all you need to do. Comforting your precious Damien will also bring comfort to you in return. Please do not be afraid to share your deepest sorrow with your precious Damien. He knows how deep your sorrow is and he needs to share it with you -- for the tears you cry are not just for you but for him as well. And clinical studies prove that suppressing sorrow only makes matter worse, so for your own health you need to express your grief.
I truly wish there were an easier way through this grief journey, DonniesMom. If I knew of one I would most certainly share it with you. I know I stress this but it is vitally important for you to know you are not alone in your grief journey. Grieving can make us feel so totally alone, abandoned, isolated even when we are surrounded by caring compassionate friends and family. Once again please know each of us are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.
Thank you so very much for sharing your beloved Donnie with us. I hope you and your precious Damien will have a peaceful evening. Please know you and your precious Damien are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to sharing how you both are doing.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
Yes, I personally know about the feline / canine family bond, and know so very well how your precious Damien is missing his big doggie brother. It is important for you to do what you feel up to doing, DonniesMom, and if staying in bed cuddling with your precious Damien is all you can handle, then that is all you need to do. Comforting your precious Damien will also bring comfort to you in return. Please do not be afraid to share your deepest sorrow with your precious Damien. He knows how deep your sorrow is and he needs to share it with you -- for the tears you cry are not just for you but for him as well. And clinical studies prove that suppressing sorrow only makes matter worse, so for your own health you need to express your grief.
I truly wish there were an easier way through this grief journey, DonniesMom. If I knew of one I would most certainly share it with you. I know I stress this but it is vitally important for you to know you are not alone in your grief journey. Grieving can make us feel so totally alone, abandoned, isolated even when we are surrounded by caring compassionate friends and family. Once again please know each of us are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.
Thank you so very much for sharing your beloved Donnie with us. I hope you and your precious Damien will have a peaceful evening. Please know you and your precious Damien are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to sharing how you both are doing.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
Oh Donnie's mom
What an absolutely adorable puppy - and big dog, too! After my Gretta went home, she sent me a half black lab/half Newfie - a 7 year old rescue dog named Rufus. So like Mr Donnie's first picture - don't they have just incredible eyes! And they can see right into your soul. Gretta and Donnie are having a good time teasing all the other dogs about "labs are the best." Every dog is the best in heaven - and on earth, too.
I echo what Mother Moonbeam says - only do what you CAN do. And if that means spending whole days snuggling with Damien-the-Kitty, then do it. Our special soul-mate animals can read hearts - they understand our TRUE thoughts, intentions and feelings. Be assured that Donnie-the-Lab is right there with you. But because he is now in spirit form, he can see and hear and tocuh you but you can't see or hear or touch him. NOT FAIR! Moonbeam has pointed out so often that we humans live in a world of senses. When we can no longer sense something, we experience it as gone - not existing. NOT SO! It's just an accident of our nervous system. Donnie Dog is still on his job - watching over you, reading your thoughts, guiding your steps and - most important of all - loving and being loved by you.
You gave your heart to him - and he did to you also - AND, you gave him the ultimate gift of love - a mother's loving arms to ride in to the perfect World. He felt then and feels now your great love for him. And, know what? True love - like yours and Donnie's for each other - does not diminish. It only grows. So with you and Donnie the love will continue to grow until the day you leap into each others' arms at the bridge to the Perfect World.
He's already made it. You still have many hard days ahead. After 15 months, I still cry every time I post on here or sing a Gretta-song. Reecently I came across a review of a book called UNSAID, written by the husband of a vet. One part of the book deals with having to send their own dog over the rainbow. To save his wife the grief of having to send yet another animal over, he had her fill the syringe and then he actually gave the shot. At that moment, he writes, "Something deep inside my heart and soul "shifted." I think this is the perfect way to express our feelings when our best friend goes on before us. Something deep inside has shifted - and we will never be the same. Maybe there will come a day when all our tears have been shed (though I doubt it), but our hearts and souls will never be the same - we've shifted. Thank God for the amazing beings who can shift a human heart!
Be in peace tonight, my friend.
Gretta (and now Rufus's) mom
What an absolutely adorable puppy - and big dog, too! After my Gretta went home, she sent me a half black lab/half Newfie - a 7 year old rescue dog named Rufus. So like Mr Donnie's first picture - don't they have just incredible eyes! And they can see right into your soul. Gretta and Donnie are having a good time teasing all the other dogs about "labs are the best." Every dog is the best in heaven - and on earth, too.
I echo what Mother Moonbeam says - only do what you CAN do. And if that means spending whole days snuggling with Damien-the-Kitty, then do it. Our special soul-mate animals can read hearts - they understand our TRUE thoughts, intentions and feelings. Be assured that Donnie-the-Lab is right there with you. But because he is now in spirit form, he can see and hear and tocuh you but you can't see or hear or touch him. NOT FAIR! Moonbeam has pointed out so often that we humans live in a world of senses. When we can no longer sense something, we experience it as gone - not existing. NOT SO! It's just an accident of our nervous system. Donnie Dog is still on his job - watching over you, reading your thoughts, guiding your steps and - most important of all - loving and being loved by you.
You gave your heart to him - and he did to you also - AND, you gave him the ultimate gift of love - a mother's loving arms to ride in to the perfect World. He felt then and feels now your great love for him. And, know what? True love - like yours and Donnie's for each other - does not diminish. It only grows. So with you and Donnie the love will continue to grow until the day you leap into each others' arms at the bridge to the Perfect World.
He's already made it. You still have many hard days ahead. After 15 months, I still cry every time I post on here or sing a Gretta-song. Reecently I came across a review of a book called UNSAID, written by the husband of a vet. One part of the book deals with having to send their own dog over the rainbow. To save his wife the grief of having to send yet another animal over, he had her fill the syringe and then he actually gave the shot. At that moment, he writes, "Something deep inside my heart and soul "shifted." I think this is the perfect way to express our feelings when our best friend goes on before us. Something deep inside has shifted - and we will never be the same. Maybe there will come a day when all our tears have been shed (though I doubt it), but our hearts and souls will never be the same - we've shifted. Thank God for the amazing beings who can shift a human heart!
Be in peace tonight, my friend.
Gretta (and now Rufus's) mom
Gretta's Mom, I know just what you mean about their eyes looking into your souls. I know his did for sure =) his eyes happened to be the exact same color as mine, and I was always bragging that my son got my eyes. I miss looking into them, they were always so kind and understanding. My sweet prince. Since I don't have him to hold, I have to settle for cuddling with his stuffed polar bear at bedtime. He brought it with him on that fateful day at the vets. As we were saying goodbye, I held him, and he held his bear. He always had to hold a bear when he was scared. I'm glad I chose to be there for his last minutes, I know he felt safe with me there. I just hope he knows how much I love and miss him. he meant the world to me, and if I could have taken his place to die, I would have done it in a heartbeat. I know he is still with me, sometimes I swear I can feel him around, but life is just not the same. I feel as though the color has gone out of my world :*(
Donnie's mom
What a sweet and loving picture - your ultimate gift of love - a mother's arms, the safest place to be, holding you and you hold your "baby bear" as you go to your eternal home. One hundred percent true - the color goes out of our lives as we struggle to accept that "senseless" life. Meaning, we can't sense our beloved ... but the good news is that Donnie CAN see you and love you .... and guess what? I have it on good authority that Gretta and Donnie are new brother-and-sister up above. Donnie is getting introduced to Gretta's "Pack" - the special animals whose stories are told here, the special animals who don't have anyone on earth to mourn them (isn't love wonderful - the more you give the more there is!).
Have a restful day today.
Gretta's mom
What a sweet and loving picture - your ultimate gift of love - a mother's arms, the safest place to be, holding you and you hold your "baby bear" as you go to your eternal home. One hundred percent true - the color goes out of our lives as we struggle to accept that "senseless" life. Meaning, we can't sense our beloved ... but the good news is that Donnie CAN see you and love you .... and guess what? I have it on good authority that Gretta and Donnie are new brother-and-sister up above. Donnie is getting introduced to Gretta's "Pack" - the special animals whose stories are told here, the special animals who don't have anyone on earth to mourn them (isn't love wonderful - the more you give the more there is!).
Have a restful day today.
Gretta's mom
Dear Donnie's Mom: Please accept my sincere sympathies on the loss of your precious Donnie. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. I can just tell how much you miss him by looking at his pictures. What a handsome boy! And he has such gentle eyes. Your post was so hard to read, especially when you told us how he held his polar bear toy at the vet. I had to fight back tears when I read that. It reminded me of the day when I had to let go of my sweet Danny boy, a beautiful Tuxedo kitty. It is good to know that you and Damien can comfort each other. The grief journey is a hard one, and as moon_beam would tell you, can only be traveled one day at a time, sometimes even only one moment at a time. Please make sure you get enough rest.
Sorry to hear about your loss----
My pretty puppy, asleep in the bathtub with his stuffed toy duck
Hi, DonniesMom, thank you so much for sharing this wonderful picture of your beloved Donnie. There is nothing like the coolness of the tub with your toy duck (what else would he have in the bath tub?) to enjoy a nap!!! I know every minute of every hour of every day right now are endless with the torture of your deep sorrow. Just take one day at a time - - one moment at a time, and please remember we are here for you.
I hope today is treating you and your precious Damien kindly, and that you both will have a peaceful evening. Thank you so very much for sharing your beloved Donnie with us. Please know you and your precious Damien are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to sharing how you both are doing, and your treasured memories of your beloved Donnie.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
I hope today is treating you and your precious Damien kindly, and that you both will have a peaceful evening. Thank you so very much for sharing your beloved Donnie with us. Please know you and your precious Damien are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to sharing how you both are doing, and your treasured memories of your beloved Donnie.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
Hi Donnie's mom
What an adorable picture of Little Donnie and Me Duck in the bathtub. Donnie has to be pretty resourceful to get into the bathtub safely - and with the duck. My dad has the exact same duck and I'm going to send it to my younger sister Bobbie for her two c-spaniels: Dreamer and Kelley. The one-year anniversary of the homegoing of her ultimate spirit-dog, soul-mate, Trevor, is in 15 days. No matter who, how, where or when our beloved baby goes home, it puts a wound in the soul which will be a void until we meet them again - in the Perfect World. I know Donnie will be front and center at Trevor's party.
How are you doing? Are you in a place that's "hotter than hades"? I guess if you live in the USA that's pretty much everywhere. Just another concrete block for one's heart to drag around. Some days seem just too much to bear - yet we get through them - slowly. Please know that Mr Donnie IS - the hurt comes from his changing form - from something you can see and hear and touch into pure spirit. When we try to hold a spirit, it's like holding air - so we humans say they're gone. But Donnie is NOT gone. He's only a breath away - or as Moonbeam says - only a heartbeat away. The picture you use as your LS ID is ADORABLE!! Every time I look at it I smile - through a tear.
Please know that we are with you and every one of us would bring Donnie back to you if only we could.
Try to stay cool, today.
Gretta's mom
What an adorable picture of Little Donnie and Me Duck in the bathtub. Donnie has to be pretty resourceful to get into the bathtub safely - and with the duck. My dad has the exact same duck and I'm going to send it to my younger sister Bobbie for her two c-spaniels: Dreamer and Kelley. The one-year anniversary of the homegoing of her ultimate spirit-dog, soul-mate, Trevor, is in 15 days. No matter who, how, where or when our beloved baby goes home, it puts a wound in the soul which will be a void until we meet them again - in the Perfect World. I know Donnie will be front and center at Trevor's party.
How are you doing? Are you in a place that's "hotter than hades"? I guess if you live in the USA that's pretty much everywhere. Just another concrete block for one's heart to drag around. Some days seem just too much to bear - yet we get through them - slowly. Please know that Mr Donnie IS - the hurt comes from his changing form - from something you can see and hear and touch into pure spirit. When we try to hold a spirit, it's like holding air - so we humans say they're gone. But Donnie is NOT gone. He's only a breath away - or as Moonbeam says - only a heartbeat away. The picture you use as your LS ID is ADORABLE!! Every time I look at it I smile - through a tear.
Please know that we are with you and every one of us would bring Donnie back to you if only we could.
Try to stay cool, today.
Gretta's mom
Hi Gretta's Mom. Thank you for thinking of me, and your support. It helps a lot. I am doing okay today, usually I am saddest first thing in the morning, since I am used to being woken up by Donnie creeping under the covers so he could lick my face to wake me up. Best alarm clock ever! So my mornings are pretty boring now. But I am okay. And yes it is very hot where I am at. I live in southern New Mexico, and we have hot days all the way through November! Such a drag!
Tomorrow I am planning on baby sitting my friends two Boxers. They are very sweet and I am looking forward to being able to participate in doggy stuff again, even just for a day. I even miss the doggy smell! And I'm sure my Damien will be happy to have somebody to play with. He seems very sad most of the time. It just breaks my heart to see him like that. So I hope tomorrow will be a good day for him.
Tomorrow I am planning on baby sitting my friends two Boxers. They are very sweet and I am looking forward to being able to participate in doggy stuff again, even just for a day. I even miss the doggy smell! And I'm sure my Damien will be happy to have somebody to play with. He seems very sad most of the time. It just breaks my heart to see him like that. So I hope tomorrow will be a good day for him.
Oh Donnie baby, Mama needs you to do her a big favor. Look around your heaven and see if you can find a new arrival, a border collie named Tula. I hope I spelled his name right. This poor sweet baby just died in surgery after some evil soulless thing shot him with an arrow in the heart. Mommy just saw this on the news and her heart is broken. How can people be so cruel? Donnie honey please go find Tula and give him a nose kiss and please tell him that he is in a place now where no one can ever hurt him again. Mommy wishes she was up there with you guys. This world is full of people like that and it scares her so bad. Please send me some strength and love to use today. Give Tula a big hug okay?? He sure needs one. I love you both.
Hi, DonniesMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Damien are doing. I hope your baby sitting of your friend's Boxers today will go smoothly for you both. I can so understand how sad your heart feels seeing your precious Damien so lonely. It is heartbreaking seeing our companions grieve for the physical loss of their housemate. Still I know he is comforted by your love for him, and the blessing of you comforting each other.
I hope today is treating you and your precious Damien kindly, DonniesMom, and that you both will have a peaceful evening. Thank you so very much for sharing your beloved Donnie with us. Please know you and your precious Damien are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to sharing how you both are doing, and your treasured memories of your beloved Donnie.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
I hope today is treating you and your precious Damien kindly, DonniesMom, and that you both will have a peaceful evening. Thank you so very much for sharing your beloved Donnie with us. Please know you and your precious Damien are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to sharing how you both are doing, and your treasured memories of your beloved Donnie.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
Thank you moon beam, for keeping Damien and I in your thoughts and prayers. Your words are very comforting to me. Well baby sitting got canceled today, so that was kind of a bummer. But Damien and I snuggled all morning, and then I gave him some catnip, fed him some treats and spent some time brushing out his long hair, which he loves. So it was a good Mommy-and-kitty day. I cherish his company now more than ever. He is such a good boy. Thank you again for thinking of us.
My dearest darling Donnie. Good morning my sweet boy. Mommy is missing you very much today, same as every day. Your Daddy and little brother have been very good to me, helping me get through the days and comforting me when I get hysterical, which is pretty often. I just miss you so bad. Life is not the same without your smile. I look at your pictures every day and try to remember the happier times. You were always so full of joy. That was one of my favorite things about you. That, and your velvet ears 
I just wish I could hold you and kiss you one more time. I am glad that our last moments together were spent doing just that- I was holding you and stroking your soft silky ears and kissing the top of your head. I still remember the way you looked at me, as if to say, "What's wrong Mama? Please don't cry. Here, have a kiss." Even in your last minutes you were more concerned about me. My big brave boy. I am taking good care of your polar bear until I see you again. He sleeps with me every night. I miss you so so much honey.
I just wish I could hold you and kiss you one more time. I am glad that our last moments together were spent doing just that- I was holding you and stroking your soft silky ears and kissing the top of your head. I still remember the way you looked at me, as if to say, "What's wrong Mama? Please don't cry. Here, have a kiss." Even in your last minutes you were more concerned about me. My big brave boy. I am taking good care of your polar bear until I see you again. He sleeps with me every night. I miss you so so much honey.
Hi, DonniesMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Damien are doing, and your beautiful love letter to your beloved Donnie. I know so much what you mean when you share: "That, and your velvet ears." My beloved Oslo is a Black Lab who joined the angels November 29, 2009, and I so loved stroking his velvet ears. So I can so relate how much you miss your beloved Donnie. I know my Oslo, along with all the wonderful beloved companions and residents in heaven's perfect garden, are taking wonderful care of your beloved Donnie and sharing all his memories of his earthly journey with his Forever Mom and Dad and kitty brother Damien. I know this isn't the same as being in your tender loving care right now, but I hope and pray your heart will find comfort in knowing that your beloved Donnie is in good temporary care until it is your appropriate time to join him in eternal joy.
I hope today is treating you and your precious Damien kindly, DonniesMom, and that you both will have a peaceful evening. Thank you so very much for sharing your beloved Donnie with us. Please know you and your precious Damien are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to sharing how you both are doing, and your treasured memories of your beloved Donnie.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
I hope today is treating you and your precious Damien kindly, DonniesMom, and that you both will have a peaceful evening. Thank you so very much for sharing your beloved Donnie with us. Please know you and your precious Damien are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to sharing how you both are doing, and your treasured memories of your beloved Donnie.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
Darling Donnie,
Good morning my sweet bear. How are you doing up there? I'm sure you are doing better than I can ever hope for. I know you have been restored to health and strength. This is good because I remember how sick you were near the end. I felt so helpless because I could not take your pain away. All I could do was make you as comfortable as I could. I remember your last day at home. Mama and Daddy set up a bed in the bathroom for you because it was so hot and you wanted to lay by the bathtub, just like when you were a baby. We put down towels and blankets, and brought all your favorite stuffed animals, and we made you lunch with some of your favorite foods, peanut butter and bacon What I remember most is how, after you started to fall asleep and I kissed you and tucked you in, then I had to leave for work. I walked out of the bathroom and you woke up right away and barked at me, like "Hey! Come back!" I turned around and you flashed your sweet smile at me and wagged your tail. I couldn't say no! I came back and laid down on the floor with you and we snuggled. I was late to work but I didn't care. All I wanted was to be with my baby. That was all I ever wanted or needed and I hope you know that.I'm sure you do, you always knew just what was in my heart. And I always knew yours. I wish you were still here with me Donnie. I know one day I will be with you again but that day cannot come soon enough. I miss you so much. Oh I have to tell you something. Your mama and daddy might be a foster home for two doggies pretty soon. Their owner needs to find a place to live where they accept big dogs, and he is having trouble finding a place. So we agreed to care for them until he does. I know you would have loved these dogs, they are a lot of fun. Don't worry, I am not going to let them play with any of your toys or sleep in your bed. That stuff will always be only yours. Even though Mama plays with your stuffed animals sometimes but I'm sure you don't mind. I hope somewhere out there you can hear me talking to you. I miss your sweet face so much, with your big brown eyes and your cute crooked teeth. Your daddy and little brother miss you a whole lot too. I am always thinking of you and I will not be complete until I see you again. I hope Heaven has lots of birds for you to chase, and plenty of peanut butter for you to eat, and all the teddy bears you could want. I miss you so much big guy. Please send me the strength and love I need to get through the days.
Hugs and kisses,
Your very lonely mommy
Good morning my sweet bear. How are you doing up there? I'm sure you are doing better than I can ever hope for. I know you have been restored to health and strength. This is good because I remember how sick you were near the end. I felt so helpless because I could not take your pain away. All I could do was make you as comfortable as I could. I remember your last day at home. Mama and Daddy set up a bed in the bathroom for you because it was so hot and you wanted to lay by the bathtub, just like when you were a baby. We put down towels and blankets, and brought all your favorite stuffed animals, and we made you lunch with some of your favorite foods, peanut butter and bacon
What I remember most is how, after you started to fall asleep and I kissed you and tucked you in, then I had to leave for work. I walked out of the bathroom and you woke up right away and barked at me, like "Hey! Come back!" I turned around and you flashed your sweet smile at me and wagged your tail. I couldn't say no! I came back and laid down on the floor with you and we snuggled. I was late to work but I didn't care. All I wanted was to be with my baby. That was all I ever wanted or needed and I hope you know that.I'm sure you do, you always knew just what was in my heart. And I always knew yours. I wish you were still here with me Donnie. I know one day I will be with you again but that day cannot come soon enough. I miss you so much. Oh I have to tell you something. Your mama and daddy might be a foster home for two doggies pretty soon. Their owner needs to find a place to live where they accept big dogs, and he is having trouble finding a place. So we agreed to care for them until he does. I know you would have loved these dogs, they are a lot of fun. Don't worry, I am not going to let them play with any of your toys or sleep in your bed. That stuff will always be only yours. Even though Mama plays with your stuffed animals sometimes but I'm sure you don't mind. I hope somewhere out there you can hear me talking to you. I miss your sweet face so much, with your big brown eyes and your cute crooked teeth. Your daddy and little brother miss you a whole lot too. I am always thinking of you and I will not be complete until I see you again. I hope Heaven has lots of birds for you to chase, and plenty of peanut butter for you to eat, and all the teddy bears you could want. I miss you so much big guy. Please send me the strength and love I need to get through the days. Hugs and kisses,
Your very lonely mommy
Hi Donnie baby. Your daddy and i are at home getting ready to go to bed, and i am missing you very much right now. Do you remember how bedtime was our special time? I used to gather up all your teddy bears so you could pick just one to bring to bed with us. You always looked so serious when you were choosing. Then we would go to bed and snuggle, and you looked so content just to be cuddled up with your mom and dad. I so badly wish you were here for me to say goodnight to. Saying it on here is just not the same. But its the best i can do for now. So i don't know if you guys have bedtime up in Heaven, or if its always daytime so you can run and play as much as you want, but if you do have bedtime, i hope it is as good as i tried to make our bedtime here on earth. I know mine is just not the same anymore. Nothing is the same without you by my side. I love and miss you so much. Goodnight Donnie
Last night I prayed the Lord my soul to keep
And then I cried myself to sleep
So sure life couldn't go on without you
Now the sun is blinding me as it wakes me from the dark
I guess the world didn't stop for my broken heart
And then I cried myself to sleep
So sure life couldn't go on without you
Now the sun is blinding me as it wakes me from the dark
I guess the world didn't stop for my broken heart
My dearest darling Donnie, can you please send some loving healing rays down on your Dad today? His heart is hurting a lot, as he is missing you very much this morning. We both are. Life has gotten so hard to live without you by our side. We talk about you all the time. If i didn't believe you could hear us, i don't know what i would do. We miss you so bad baby. You know you were the first dog your Dad ever got to love? You meant so much to him. Please help him today, he is missing you so bad. So am I. We love you big guy. Wish you were here.
I almost forgot, I heard another song that reminded me of you. So many of them often do. Here is part of it.
Thank you for loving me
For being my eyes when I couldn't see
For parting my lips when I couldn't breathe
Thank you for loving me
When I couldn't fly, you gave me wings
You parted my lips when i couldn't breathe
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
For being my eyes when I couldn't see
For parting my lips when I couldn't breathe
Thank you for loving me
When I couldn't fly, you gave me wings
You parted my lips when i couldn't breathe
Thank you for loving me
Hi, DonniesMom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your husband are doing, and for sharing your beautiful heart-filled love letters to your beloved Donnie. This grief journey is very painful both emotionally and physically, and can literally be so intense that it is difficult to breathe.
My heart wept when I read your words: "Last night I prayed the Lord my soul to keep, And then I cried myself to sleep. So sure life couldn't go on without you. Now the sun is blinding me as it wakes me from the dark; I guess the world didn't stop for my broken heart." It never ceases to amaze me how life does continue on - - bills get paid, groceries are bought, meals are fixed, jobs get done, - - all the while with our hearts breaking from the overwhelming burden that a very important and integral part of our lives - - that brought meaning to us - - is no longer physically with us. How cruel it seems that life continues on.
The only thing that makes any sense to me is that we are needed to continue with our earthly journey in a way that will honor the eternal love we share with our beloved companions. We become their ambassadors to be a reflection of the light they brought to us during their earthly journey. But to do this we must first endure the painful journey of adjusting our lives without their precious physical presence, and this can only be accomplished one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time, in our own way and in our own time - - with the reassurance that we have the comfort, support and encoruagement of others who know what we are going through which gives us hope through the difficult moments, an opportunity to rest during the not so bad moments, and courage to endure the moments when we truly feel like we can no longer go on.
DonniesMom, please know you and your husband are in my thoughts and prayers as you travel your grief adjustment journeys. Thank you again so much for sharing your beloved Donnie with us. He is soooo handsome. I hope today is treating you, your husband, and your precious Damien kindly, DonniesMom, and please let us know how each of you are doing.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
My heart wept when I read your words: "Last night I prayed the Lord my soul to keep, And then I cried myself to sleep. So sure life couldn't go on without you. Now the sun is blinding me as it wakes me from the dark; I guess the world didn't stop for my broken heart." It never ceases to amaze me how life does continue on - - bills get paid, groceries are bought, meals are fixed, jobs get done, - - all the while with our hearts breaking from the overwhelming burden that a very important and integral part of our lives - - that brought meaning to us - - is no longer physically with us. How cruel it seems that life continues on.
The only thing that makes any sense to me is that we are needed to continue with our earthly journey in a way that will honor the eternal love we share with our beloved companions. We become their ambassadors to be a reflection of the light they brought to us during their earthly journey. But to do this we must first endure the painful journey of adjusting our lives without their precious physical presence, and this can only be accomplished one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time, in our own way and in our own time - - with the reassurance that we have the comfort, support and encoruagement of others who know what we are going through which gives us hope through the difficult moments, an opportunity to rest during the not so bad moments, and courage to endure the moments when we truly feel like we can no longer go on.
DonniesMom, please know you and your husband are in my thoughts and prayers as you travel your grief adjustment journeys. Thank you again so much for sharing your beloved Donnie with us. He is soooo handsome. I hope today is treating you, your husband, and your precious Damien kindly, DonniesMom, and please let us know how each of you are doing.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
Thank you for your understanding words once again, moonbeam. I am comforted knowing there are others who understand, even though i would not ever wish this sadness on anyone else.
Dear DonniesMom,
I'm sorry to read about your loss. What a beautiful dog with such a sweet face. Donnie was and is so loved. I personally know the pain of the physical separation really hurts and goes on for some time. I wish you strength and send good thoughts your way.
I'm sorry to read about your loss. What a beautiful dog with such a sweet face. Donnie was and is so loved. I personally know the pain of the physical separation really hurts and goes on for some time. I wish you strength and send good thoughts your way.
Oh where, oh where can my baby be?
The Lord took him away from me
He's gone to heaven, so I've got to be good
So i can see my baby when I leave this world
My sweet boy, today it has been 3 months since you had to leave me. My heart is still in a million little pieces. I am trying more each and every day to remember everything I learned from you. You always used to look at me with such love and tenderness and devotion. I hope that one day I can be as good of a person as you always thought I was. I am better in my heart and my soul after being your mom. I miss your sweet face so much my heart breaks again every day we are apart. 3 months later, it still feels like just yesterday that you went home. I love you so much Donnie. You are my velvet-eared angel.
The Lord took him away from me
He's gone to heaven, so I've got to be good
So i can see my baby when I leave this world
My sweet boy, today it has been 3 months since you had to leave me. My heart is still in a million little pieces. I am trying more each and every day to remember everything I learned from you. You always used to look at me with such love and tenderness and devotion. I hope that one day I can be as good of a person as you always thought I was. I am better in my heart and my soul after being your mom. I miss your sweet face so much my heart breaks again every day we are apart. 3 months later, it still feels like just yesterday that you went home. I love you so much Donnie. You are my velvet-eared angel.
I am missing your sweet face so much. You are in my every waking thought.. The last few days I have been feeling your spirit around me a lot and it gives me such comfort. I think of you every time I see a bird, I remember how you loved to try and chase them, even as they were flying away. My heart is still heavy with grief but I am trying more to remember you and smile instead of cry because you are worth being happy over. You always put a smile on my face every day that you were on earth, and I an determined to remember that happiness always, until the day I can see you again at the Rainbow Bridge.
I will take with me the memories to be my sunshine after the rain
But it's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday
I will take with me the memories to be my sunshine after the rain
But it's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday
There are places I remember all my life
Though some have changed, some forever, not for better
Some have gone, and some remain
All these places have their moments with lovers and friends
I still can recall, some are dead and some are living
In my life, I've loved them all
But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one who compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though i know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life, I loved you more
Though some have changed, some forever, not for better
Some have gone, and some remain
All these places have their moments with lovers and friends
I still can recall, some are dead and some are living
In my life, I've loved them all
But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one who compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though i know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life, I loved you more
Hi, Donniesmom, stopping by to say hello and to share your beautiful love letters to your beloved Donnie. Of all the songs that John Lennon wrote and sang, "In My Life" ranks as my top favorite, and every time I hear it, think about it, try to sing it a mist comes to my eyes and a lump in my throat because it is so expressive of "true love" - - the love we share with our companionis - - both during their earthly journey and for all eternity.
Donniesmom, there really is no reason why you need to "say goodbye to yesterday." Your beloved Donnie is forever with you and shares the memories you two have made during his earthly journey - - and continues to make NEW memories with as you continue with your earthly journey - - for he is forever a heartbeat close to you.
Thank you again so much for sharing your beloved Donnie with us. I hope today is treating you, your husband, and your precious Damien kindly, DonniesMom, and please let us know how each of you are doing.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
Donniesmom, there really is no reason why you need to "say goodbye to yesterday." Your beloved Donnie is forever with you and shares the memories you two have made during his earthly journey - - and continues to make NEW memories with as you continue with your earthly journey - - for he is forever a heartbeat close to you.
Thank you again so much for sharing your beloved Donnie with us. I hope today is treating you, your husband, and your precious Damien kindly, DonniesMom, and please let us know how each of you are doing.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
Thank you once again for your words of encouragement, moonbeam. We are all doing okay today. I agree with you, I think "In My Life" is one of Lennon's very best, and it definitely has the power to make me cry each and every time I hear it.
I had the sweetest dream about my dear Donnie the other night. I dreamed I was in my bedroom, walking out the door when I heard a bark. I turned around and my sweet boy was there, wagging his tail, healthy again. I ran to him and kissed him and we hugged and snuggled like old times. Usually dreaming about him makes me terribly sad, but this dream was great because he was so happy in it. It put a smile on my face all day. I am trying to keep his sweet face on my mind at all times, not to be sad for losing him, but happy just to have known him. Thank you once again for keeping me in your thoughts.
I had the sweetest dream about my dear Donnie the other night. I dreamed I was in my bedroom, walking out the door when I heard a bark. I turned around and my sweet boy was there, wagging his tail, healthy again. I ran to him and kissed him and we hugged and snuggled like old times. Usually dreaming about him makes me terribly sad, but this dream was great because he was so happy in it. It put a smile on my face all day. I am trying to keep his sweet face on my mind at all times, not to be sad for losing him, but happy just to have known him. Thank you once again for keeping me in your thoughts.
My sweet Donnie, I have been missing you so much lately. Especially today. Its your birthday. Four years ago you were put on this earth to find me and your dad so all of us could love each other. I miss you so much baby. I wish we could go back to last year on your birthday, remember how we had a party for you? I cooked hot dogs for you and bought you about twenty new toys. I loved to spoil you like that, you were such a sweety and you always deserved the best. I wish you were still here with me. I had another dream about you this morning and it made me so sad to wake up to our lonely house. I hope that you are having a good birthday. I wish I could spend it with you. I love and miss you so much Donnie.
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