To everyone,

We're all here for the same purpose. To make sense out of the losses we have suffered and to get comfort from each other who have shared, or will share, this experience. It's been just over a month since I lost my Kota, and when the tears come, it seems like they'll never end.

Today I read through a whole book that a friend had given me years ago to read. A Dog Year by John Katz. About a writer who writes about his relationships, losses included, with his dogs, and how each one brings it's own individual personality to the table. After reading it, I sure cried alot, missing all the things that Kota and I experienced together for 16 years. But it also gave me a glimmer of light, thinking that maybe someday I could be open to the possibility of getting another dog. Our pets ARE our children, companions, best friends and total devotees of whatever we put in front of them. Just wanted to share this with all of you whom are grieving and for those of you whom have moved on and welcomed a new and different loving entity into your life.

Peace
Dennis

We are all so lucky to have found this forum I think Dennis, the support here is A+ I would never have survived without it. I was in a place where I wanted to die along with my boy, even though I still had 3 dogs and a cat. To me, it was like losing a child and saying it's not so bad, I still have 4 left. People wouldn't say that if you lost a child, but they do when you lose a pet.
One thing for sure is, pets have their own individual personalities and that is what we love about each and everyone of them, they have their own identity and give so much love.
Kota has been gone only a month, not a long time Dennis and I know you miss him so much, it takes a long time to get through all the stages of grieving, but you will get there,
After nearly a year, as it got close to Ulriich's anniversary, I got a rescue kitten from a very lovely lady who dedicates her life to rescuing animals from the streets, she is a true angel.
My new darling boy is named Dexter and he has stolen my heart and has totally turned my life around and the joy he has put back into my life is a God send.
The book you read sounds like a good book, but If I read it, I will cry too. Take care and hang in there, you have lots of people here to support you, they got me back to a good place and they will get you there too, if you just give it time xx

madi xx

Hey Madi,

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I get so caught up with everyone's recent losses that I put mine on the back burner. Sounds like Dexter is a very cool cat. I still, most of the time, can't imagine going on without Kota. I've no choice though. Regarding the book, my friend who lent it to me said that everybody cries who reads it. It's actually a warm feel-good kind of message you get from it...acceptance of what is, being appreciative of what you've got, and dealing with our own issues of patience, belonging, fears.

Last week I was in the chat room a couple of times, you were the only one there but didn't respond. From another posting I saw you wrote that you were at work at the time. The only other people I've seen in the chat room were Janika and Ladywolf. We were talking about you and Australia. I didn't realize you lived there. So I know you don't want to hear this but...put a shrimp on the Barbi!

Dennis

LOL Dennis, sounds like you got our message then. We've also got "gidday mate" "she'll be right mate" and don't forget "Krikey mate" that was a great saying of the late Steve Irwin, bless him. Everyone's our "mate" xx

madi xx

Madi,

Here's one back at you. Maybe one of the words I shouldn't say, but no one else probably knows the meaning. I learned this from an Aussie friend of mine. "I"ll shout for some Fosters and snaggers you wanker."

D

Ooh Dennis I'm surprised that one didn't come out w $)*&!_*~~#. Haven't heard that one but I'm sure Madi will have.
The book sounds great and I'm heading over to Amazon to check it out. Remember folks, if you buy through Amazon a donation is made to this forum. Not sure how it works but I get all my books/ music/dvds from there now. I'm sure I will cry too, but it sounds just what we're all looking for, that glimmer of hope. As you know like Madi I also have another fur baby in my life now and I feel truly blessed that she came to us.
Thinking of you.
Hugs Jan and My Angels and Pixie x

Yes, madi knows about the shouting and Foster's and the snaggers and all about the "wankers" too. Although "that" word would not escape from my sweet lips, because I am a "lady" LOL. xx