My Best Friend And Constant Companion Has Departed Options

[MikeB]

My best buddy, Frank, a dachshund, was with me for 15 1/2 years and died just last Sunday, Halloween. A nearly constant companion, we travelled together, put in many miles together, been through times good and bad together, we were truly "mates". He was with me at home and at work and all who met him cherished him. The condolences, cards, and flowers have been supportive but the hurt is immense and the sense of loss almost overwhelming.
Frank suffered from Cushing's disease for a couple of years but that did not slow him down. His vision deteriorated, but that did not slow him down.
To pay him tribute, I sat alone last evening and put some thoughts on paper to honor him. I will share this with you:

11/6/2010
Dear Frank:
Where ever you may be right now, I hope you are comfortable and not alone. You are not really alone because I am with you in spirit every moment of the day and night. We are still together, as we were for over 15 years.
You know how much I miss you; you know I can never forget what a loyal, understanding, loving, and tolerant friend you were. You were there in the happy times and the sad times, never faltering in your loyalty and love. We had such fun together over the years, seen so many places and things. From the day you were gathered up, a tiny bundle, from a house in Campbell, California when I probably first said, “I love you man” until just 5 days ago, when your little body had to say goodbye, we were hardly ever apart.
I am honored that you chose to be my pet. I am honored that your last breaths were taken upon my shoulders, where you belonged and always wanted to be. And you are forever welcome there. I am so sorry you had to go.
I see and smell reminders of you around the house, your house, my house, Denise’s house, and Jazzy’s house, our house. Denise misses you so very much also. And if you happen to run across Jazzy, tell her we still miss her and love her.
Life has changed down here, with you up there. But my memory of you, though it makes me aware and sad for the loss, is one of joy when it recalls our lives together.
If it is possible, where you are now, think good thoughts of me. I tried my best to give you a wonderful life and I think I did a good job, but believe me, you repaid me so many times over. I was so lucky to have had you in my life.
Many people, those fortunate enough to have met you, and those that only have heard about you, have honored your life by remembering you since you departed. You brought joy to many people, you comforted patients, frightened by the prospect of surgery, and you brought laughter to all with your quirks and antics. Storekeepers, motel managers, veterinarians, neighbors, anyone who came in contact with you, will remember you, Frank, and, though sad at your leaving, will be better and happier for having met you.
Be well and happy in the spiritual world where you now dwell. I ask God to bless you, though I know he will do so without my asking. You are so deserving of those blessings.
Frank; you may trust that I will never forget you. Your spirit awaits me, your mortal remains will always be at my side to remind me of my true best guy friend ever.
And as the first day, it will always be, “I love you Man”!
All my love,
Poppy Michael

Attached image(s)

 

[janika]

Dear MikeB

What a wonderful Tribute to your darling Frank. I am sending you my thoughts and prayers and offer my heartfelt condolences for the sad loss of your precious Frank. He is a beautiful boy and I can see how much he is loved. I would love to hear more about him and maybe see some more photos.
Hugs.
Jan and my Angels and Pixie xx

[moon_beam]

Hi, Michael, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the loss of your beloved Frank. Losing a beloved companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we have been blessed with the privilege of their company.

Thank you so much for sharing your heart filled tribute to Frank with us, and for sharing a picture of your best buddy. This grief journey is a very hard one, particularly in the beginning deep grief. Our beloved companions give to us their undivided attention and unconditional love, and we in turn surrender ourselves to them without reservation - - and this is one of the many reasons why losing their physical presence is so very painful to adjust to - - both physically and emotionally.

Michael, one of the many important things to remember is that you are not alone in your grief journey. Each of us here do understand what you are feeling, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and will look forward to knowing how you're doing whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[madi]

What beautiful words, thanks for sharing with us and showing us just how beautiful Frank was. He sounds like he made so many people happy in his time with you and I know how very sad it is to lose such a beautiful best friend. You have my deepest sympathy and please know that so many people here share your grief and feel your pain. Hugs to you Michael xx


madi xx

[JanEeee]

What a dear and beloved companion Frank was, he certainly came into your life giving his all and happy to be part of your family. It is truly heartbreaking to have to say good-bye to such a cherished family member and that ache continues as we remember our good friends and all the joy they brought to our lives.

I've had to say my sad farewells in several years lately, 2008, 2009, and again recently. Each time is full of fresh loss, each little creature has their own unique place in my heart.

I hope you continue to honor your memory of Frank, writing him notes and sharing them here. We are all on that same journey here and our compassionate companionship is what makes our road just a little bit easier.

Jan

[MikeB]

I have appreciated all the support I am receiving, from this panel and from many others. I have had many pets throughout my life, but none as long as Frank. Our relationship has been the longest, most consisitent in my adult life.
He was with me through the joyful, fun filled times, and there by my side during the times of severe loneliness. He was my buddy and my "rock". We travelled many miles together when I was going, often, between California and Montana. I always drove my truck and he spent much of the day on my shoulders, the place he spent his last moments, on the way to the veterinarian. He died on my shoulders, where he belonged.
He came to the office with me every day, and greeted my patients, cheering them as he relaxed them. Now, patients come and look quizzicly, asking "where is Frank"? The answer brings me tears all over again.
As he aged, his spirit stayed young and his support was unwavering. I read how some dachshunds lived up to near 20 years of age, and friends had told me that Frank would likely do the same. But he was my dog, my friend, and though others, well intentioned, tried to give me hope, I knew inside that my cherised companion was fading. But he even tried to hide it from me. Frank was a real trooper to the end.\
As sad as I am, I do not feel sorry for myself. I was blessed with a friendship and a love that cannot be surpassed. I must say that, without my wife's support at this time ( I knew Frank before I met her, but she loved him also) the loneliness would be excruciating.
Thanks agan for listening. I always feel a bit better writing about Frank.
I am including a photo of Frank about a year before his death; he is just sleeping quietly and, like me, showing off all his grey/white hair.

Attached image(s)

 

[moon_beam]

Hi, Mike, thank you so much for letting us know how you're doing. I smile as I read about your precious Frank's grey and white hair. When my Oslo began showing his age, I would tell people he is showing his wisdom. I often referred to him as "my distinguished gentleman." And what wisdom our beloved companions bring to us through their undivided attention, unwavering devotion, and unconditional love.

Our beloved companions do hide their infirmaties from us until their physical bodies won't let them do it anymore. It's part of their genetic "survival" code. Unfortunately this doesn't help us, their human caregivers, because by the time they are finally unable to hide their aches and pains whatever is causing them has progressed into an advanced stage.

Mike, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers as you travel this grief journey one day at a time, and please continue to let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[ziggymonster]

Mike I am so sorry to hear about your Frank....your story sounds quite similiar to mine. I lost my 16 year old poodle Mozart a month ago. We were inseparable.....he came to work with me every day...slept next to me like velcro every night.He has been with me thru out my cancer journey which still continues.I have lost other special dogs, but none like Mozie. Never have I experienced a grief so intense...ever. I'm still quite emotional but the intensity has lessened slightly.....I miss him every day. I know that time will help...so be good to yourself.

[MikeB]

Thank you for your support ziggymonster. Yes, the grief is intense and the feeling of frustration that I am no longer available to be there for him is troublesome. It is now 1 1/2 hours until just one week from his death. Why do not know that so precisely?
I do suppose that time will help and the good memories will survive. But for now, and my guess is that intermittently, forever, I will feel the pangs of this loss.

[LostInDespair]

Mike,
Your words are so beautiful. They could have easily been mine-I loved my Squiggy the same depth. I am so lonely and fractured by his loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have cried for you as I read this, my deepest sympathy and support to you. Frank was quite handsome. Many hugs for you in this difficult time,
-Di

[MikeB]

Thank you for your thoughts and I respect and share the sorrow of your loss.

Though time and activity may make our loss less in the forefront of our lives, the importance of our pet, their life, and their love is never diminished. The bond I had with Frank was unique and irreplaceable. I do not feel any guilt about whether I took proper care of him toward the end of his life. I know he loved me and wanted to be with me until he just could not stay any longer. And he did not suffer; I would not have allowed that. But it never came to that point. His death came quickly, as I said before, on my shoulder, taking his last ride to the vet to end his final distress. But he wanted to die near me and he went to heaven directly from my shoulder, riding in the car as he did every day.
I have included a photo from about 12 years ago, of him on my shoulder, riding in the truck.
I am not a religious person, but I want to believe he is at rest, doing what I am doing; remembering the wonderful relationship we shared and the fun we had for so many (but never enough) years.

Attached image(s)

 

[Aaron]

Mike, please accept my condolences for the loss of your special friend Frank. Trust me when I say that we all know what you are going through and you are not alone in the grief you feel right now. It is hard, I won't lie to you. But the way that you said you won't feel sorry for yourself and how you understand how blessed you are to have had Frank by your side is comforting. That cannot replace the pain you feel now, but at least you have the right attitude of honoring Frank's LIFE and knowing how special he was. When you said "He was my buddy and my "rock".", I know exactly what you are talking about. He was a constant in your life and was ALWAYS there for you over those nearly 16 years. We all share the same feelings for the friends we have had to say goodbye to.

I hope you can share some more stories about how great Frank was. Thank you for sharing the pictures of him, those brought a smile to my face. My best friend has a Dachshund named Chester and I know how special these animals are. They are receptive, loyal and filled with personality. I am sure Frank was the same way.

[MikeB]

I am reminded every day of Frank's effect on others, as patients arrive at the office and ask, "where is Frank?" Of course, the heartbreak starts all over again. But underlying joy saves the day, knowing that this little fellow spread his love around to many for so many years.

I feel blessed to have been loved by him; I felt his love every moment I was with him. I know he felt mine. He wanted to be with me when he died, and he was.

Here is a photo of the curious guy a few years back.

Attached image(s)

 

[janika]

Dear Mike

Frank is so adorable. No wonder he is loved and missed by so many. Try and keep the warm, happy thoughts and memories coming. That's what Frank will want for you.
Thankyou for sharing the wonderful photos with us.

Hugs
Jan and my Angels and Pixie xx

[JanEeee]

What light shines through Frank's bright face, he was clearly a joy in many peoples' lives. Thanks so much for the pictures of him, his personality comes through loud and clear, a great soul much loved and much missed.

Jan

[MommyluvsuLukas]

Hello Mike,
I would first like to say that I send you my condolences on your recent loss of Frank. What a lovely dog he was and thank you for sharing such a beautiful poem with the rest of us. My prayers are with you and your family during this hard time.

MommyluvsuLukas

[Aaron]

Frank is a handsome looking guy with his white beard. Thanks for sharing his picture with us all. I hope you are pulling through and able to let the good memories keep you going. I've found that as we move past all the difficult "firsts" without our Reggie that I can think about the great bond we had with him and smile more than cry.

[MikeB]

Thank all of you for your support. I do have wonderful memories of my friend Frank, and they will last forever. However, pain and pangs of grief return when I realize that his last physical effort was to climb aboard my shoulders, where he always knew he was safe, and where he died. I am honored to have known and had the opportunity to love and be loved by such a wonderful creature.

Attached image(s)

 

[MikeB]

Early tomorrow morning, on the way to work, I will pick up the remains of my best friend Frank. He will go to work with me tomorrow, as he did so many times before. But I will bring him home in the evening and place his little box nearby. I hope to have a good and loving feeling. I know we have never been apart in spirit and this, tomorrow, may be like having my friend at home again, where he belongs.
I respect that others may not have such feelings for the remains of a partner who has passed, but each of us deals with his or her own emotions differently and no one way is correct or wrong.
I am just a bit more comforted this evening for the reasons above. But nothing will replace the eye to eye acknowledgement, the lick of the tongue, the rolling over for a rubdown, the ride in the car, the chin on my thigh, the stretch across my shoulder, the bark that says pick me up, and it goes on and on.

[moon_beam]

Hi, Mike, most folks do find comfort in having their beloved companion's ashes back home, and I share your feelings. Our beloved companions' sweet Living Spirit is forever with us wherever we go and whatever we do, but -- when they are no longer physically with us there is an emptiness in our hearts and lives that will remain until we are reunited with them in eternal joy at our appropriate time. Even though the deep grief eases with healing time, the love bond we share with our beloved companions is eternal, and they are forever in our hearts and memories as we continue our earthly journey as best we can.

Thank you so much for sharing your precious Frank with us, Mike, and for honoring us with the opportunity to help comfort you through your grief journey. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Mike, and look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[MikeB]

Frank, at least his mortal remains, are back at home now, resting where they belong. Also, a casting of one of his feet. It is comforting to me to have these things close.
Of course his spirit has never left my side. Our loyalty to each other, and our love for each other has remained constant through this ordeal and will be lasting.
His is in my thoughts often throughout each day, and in my heart constantly.

One of my best friends told me just after Frank died that he believes that "Frank is still there, you just can't see him".

[MikeB]

Today, when I spoke to someone about Frank's death I mentioned that I questioned the "master plan", a system that allowed that these beautiful creatures would not live as long as we do. They said they felt the same way, until someone told them that our pets are really "angels", sent here for a time to watch over us and care for us, then to return to their place with the other angels, once their mission is completed.
Thank you Frank, for teaching me about unconditional love and for taking good care of me. Be well.

[Cheryl83]

They said they felt the same way, until someone told them that our pets are really "angels", sent here for a time to watch over us and care for us, then to return to their place with the other angels, once their mission is completed. Thank you Frank, for teaching me about unconditional love and for taking good care of me. Be well.

I once heard them described as "Angels on loan." How true that is I truly believe that their spirit is with us always though. A love and bond that strong cannot just die.

Take care,
Cheryl x

[janika]

Very true, our Angels for all time. Here on Earth and for all Eternity. xx

[moon_beam]

Hi, Mike, I'm just being able to catch up on posts, and am glad to know that your precious Frank's ashes are back home with you. As other wonderful members have shared, so I wish to echo their comforting counsel to you. The love bond we share with our beloved companions is eternal, for love is eternal - - it is not bound by the physical laws of time and space. Your Frank's sweet Living Spirit is forever with you now wherever you go and whatever you do just as he always has been during his earthly journey with you.

Mike, this grief journey is one of "adjustment" to living the rest of our earthly journey without the physical presence of our beloved companions. Our beloved companions are indeed angels to share with us - - for a time - - the most important gifts that we can ever know during our earthly journey - - the precious gifts of unconditional love and pure devotion. Hold fast to your precious memories of Frank, for he is always a heartbeat near to you - - for he is always and forever a part of you, Mike, and nothing can ever change this - - not even the painful adjustment of temporary physical separation.

Mike, thank you so much for sharing with us how you are doing. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to knowing how things are going with you.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[JanEeee]

Yesterday I released my sweet kitten's ashes into the ocean. As I walked down the beach I saw many others, people out with friends and family, some walking their dogs and others jogging.

One group gave me a little smile and made me think of you and your Frank. Two joggers were running along with their dog. But who was in the lead, dashing out madly in front, such a happy face, what a great smile-------a tiny little Dachshund! No short legs keeping this little one lagging behind, no small body stopped this frisky beauty, there went someone in the thrall of life, just loving the opportunity to be out and about and charging ahead to make sure of not missing a thing!

Jan

[nicole'smom]

I was very touched by your words about Frank and the grief you're experiencing over his dying. What a sweet little guy he was. I especially loved the picture of you protectively holding him in your arms and him reaching up to lick your face. All the best to you in this painful time.

[MikeB]

Allow me to share the words of Isla Paschal Richardson, sent to me to help me through my grief over Frank, and let it help others who read it. It will bring an outpouring of tears but may help you honor your pet even more than I know you already do and remind you how much you meant to them.
"Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you. I loved you so......'twas Heaven here with you.

'Twas Heaven having Frank in my life.

[moon_beam]

Hi, Mike, truer words are seldom spoken - - a part of heaven is indeed here on earth with our beloved companions. Than you so o o much for sharing this with us.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[MikeB]

Though now the good remembrances are beginning to supercede the pain of the loss, every Sunday at the same time in the evening, the day and time Frank departed, my thoughts are brought back to that terrible sense of loss of a wonderful, trusted friend. Driving each day, alone now, without his weight on my shoulders, reminds me of the great companion he was for so many years, though not enough years. And the music playing on the radio or ipod will occasionally hit a song whose lyrics remind me of Frank, in some manner, and tears return. I guess this will go on for some time, but even as the painful parts may ease, I will not forget, nor do I want to forget, by best friend ever.

[moon_beam]

Hi, Mike, of course you will never forget your precious Frank. How ever earth can we ever forget the precious life of our beloved companions? Not even the dimming of our minds with age will diminish the glow of the eternal love that burns warmly in our hearts and memories - - I promise you, Mike.

Hold fast to the precious memories you have of your Frank through your physical earthly journey together, and remember that his sweet Living Spirit is forever with you now, even though you cannot feel the weight of his physical body draped across your neck and shoulders.

I hope the upcoming holiday will be a peaceful one for you, Mike.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[MikeB]

It is just now 4 weeks since Frank departed. I continue to feel the great loss, made even greater by recalling the joy and comfort he brought to my life for 15 1/2 years. I miss the companionship as I can't help but recall our many "adventures" together. His absence is felt often, his love is felt always, and my love for him remains a big part of my life. He was, and is a special gift that I was so fortunate to come upon. I remain comforted that I gave him a good life and was there for him whenever he was in need. And he was there for me whenever I needed him. My fond memory of him is with me now and forever. God bless him.

[Aaron]

There's no doubt that you gave Frank the best life possible and for that you should be proud. My wife and I had our annual post-Thanksgiving leftover feast with our friends who have a Dachshund (Chester) and I thought about your Frank and how much you adored him. You will always continue to enjoy those fond memories of Frank, there is no doubt about that.

[moon_beam]

Hi, Mike, the one month anniversaries are among the hardest because it's the beginning of adjusting to the irreversible "reality" that our beloved companions are truly with the angels. And we ask ourselves, "how can this be, it was just yesterday when . . . " The adjustment to not having the sweet physical presence of our beloved companions is incredibly difficult, to put it mildly.

But we never will let go of our beloved companions ever, and your precious Frank is forever with you in your heart and memories. And perhaps there will be times, even years down the road, when you can say to yourself, "Hi, Frank, thanks for coming and visiting with me - - I felt you cuddle up to me."

Mike, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[MikeB]

It is now almost 6 weeks, and daily Frank's presence is felt and his touch and feel are missed. I still receive condolensces from people who just learn of his passing. Patients of mine from some years back when Frank befriended them.
The times alone are the most difficult and yet they are the times I can devote "fully" to his memory, the good things and times we shared and the many things his being my friend allowed me to appreciate more. It was so easy to love him. And I always felt he loved me, and loved me no matter what. What a gift!
Life will never be the same without Frank, but I was so lucky to have met up with that guy. I will never forget him.

[MikeB]

7 weeks since Frank died and I still miss his company when I drive alone. He was someone to "communicate" with, touch, and feel. I miss his weight on my shoulders as he loved to ride part of the ride that way.
But I do recall all the road trips he accompanied me on. I remember the rest stops along the way, when we got to hike a bit, and we each got to eat something that we had picked up along the way. Or, we ate in the bed of the pickup at some stop along the highway. I really miss those trips with Frank and it gets difficult for me on just any drive without him when I am alone.
My best friend is gone but never forgotten. He gave me a better life for being there.

[Aaron]

My best friend is gone but never forgotten. He gave me a better life for being there.

This is a wonderful summary for us all. We are all better for the time we were able to spend with our pets. I hope you can continue to heal from the loss of Frank.

[moon_beam]

Hi, Mike, I know what you mean about missing Frank's company during your travels. When I bought the van in 2003 to replace a very aging and seriously unreliable 17.5 year old Taurus station wagon, I took out the middle seats and put a nice mattress and comforter in for Oslo's riding comfort. I got him a ramp to help make it easier for him to get in and out of the van, too. I still have the mattress and comforter in the car, and the ramp is in the garage. It helps me to feel Oslo's sweet Living Spirit still with me when I go to work and do errands, and I still talk to him as I'm driving down the road.

Mike, hold onto your cherished memories of your precious Frank. Seven weeks can feel like an eternity on one hand, and on the other it is filled with disbelief still that not having Frank's precious physical body snuggled with you is real. His sweet Living Spirit is real, Mike, and I know he is still with you wherever you go and whatever you do sharing everything with you just as he always has.

I hope the coming days will be peaceful for you, Mike, and please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[Sassy]

7 weeks since Frank died and I still miss his company when I drive alone. He was someone to "communicate" with, touch, and feel. I miss his weight on my shoulders as he loved to ride part of the ride that way.
But I do recall all the road trips he accompanied me on. I remember the rest stops along the way, when we got to hike a bit, and we each got to eat something that we had picked up along the way. Or, we ate in the bed of the pickup at some stop along the highway. I really miss those trips with Frank and it gets difficult for me on just any drive without him when I am alone.
My best friend is gone but never forgotten. He gave me a better life for being there.

I'm not able to type clearly at the moment, and I promise to return and type something as beautiful as your initial post about Frank, but I needed to tell you that your words are perfect and I am overwhelmed by your honesty and openness.

Franks sounds like an awesome mate, please ask him to take care of my Sassy girl, she hated being alone and like you and Frank we were always together, I am inconsolable at the thought of her being alone.

thank you for your beautiful words and great action shots of your mate.

[MikeB]

It is, today, 9 weeks since Frank's death. Adjustment is slow and sporadic, but there is some comfort in the believe his soul is at peace. Spiritually, we are as together as we ever were, and will always be.....
To have had such a friend is a gift that cannot be matched. Frank gave me unconditional love, and allowed me to give unconditional love back; something I had not ever experienced before. We were meant to be buddies for life; and beyond. There is a joy in that. But I miss his presence so much.

[moon_beam]

Hi, Mike, there is a saying "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" and this is certainly true with our beloved companions. There is nothing that can replace the total feeling of oneness as we rubbed our fingers through their fur, looked deeply into their eyes reflecting their pure hearts and souls, enjoyed the sheer pleasure of their company, and all the wonderful activities they shared with us during their earthly journey. Which is one of the many reasons why this grief adjustment journey is so very difficult and painful - - both emotionally and physically.

And this is why we need to be here with and for each other, and why we are here for you, Mike - - to offer you our comfort, support, understanding, and friendship. Thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing, Mike. May you always feel your precious Frank's sweet Living Spirit with you, and may your heart be filled with the warmth of your memories together. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Mike, and please let us know how you're doing whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[MikeB]

It is now over 4 months since Frank died. He is still on my mind and in my heart daily, sometimes with a sense of sadness and loss, and other times with a sense of gratitude and love for having had this friend for over 15 years. I am still receiving, on occasion, letters or email from patients who knew him and only recently learned of his death. These are comforting reminders that he had more than just enough love for me, but was giving to others. I did have a portrait done of him, from a photo, and it is a daily reminder of the "guy" that gave me love, joy, excitement, and purpose. He will never be forgotten.

[moon_beam]

Hi, Mike, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. The anniversaries are difficult reminders of the physical loss of our beloved companions. The letters and e-mails you continue to receive are a testimony to your precious Frank's earthly journey, and to you, Mike, as his loving guardian. I can truly imagine how comforting this is to you.

Mike, thank you so much for sharing your precious Frank with us, and for letting us know how you're doing. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to knowing how things are going for you whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[Juturna]

Dear Mike,

I read about your precious Frank. What a handsome boy! Having an animal companion that is so much a part of our lives makes the loss even more pronounced. I understand what it is like to have included him in your patient's lives, as my beautiful Victoria was ever present when I conducted group sessions. (And she also had a long battle with cushings disease.)

How beautiful that you had a portrait of Frank created! You have such loving memories.

With peace and gratitude,
Juturna

[Gretta's Mom]

Frank's dad

I just read your beautiful letter to Frank in your first post. More wonderful or touching words have never been written. I also saw the picture of your Frank taken about a year before his passing. How deeply content he looks. I lost my Gretta on April 10 and am still crying and looking around for her to be physically there .... but no, it's only (only?) her spirit that's here now. Gretta lived with me for 3.5 years. She was rescued from living on the streets. The vet said she had almost starved. A wonderful foster mother nursed her back to health and Gretta chose me at the first adoption event I'd ever been to. Just pawed my a couple of times and put her even then greyiing head in my lap. Better love than hers just cannot be - except the love those special animals so completely give their chosen one. Thank you for sharing the beautiful letter to Frank. You gave each other the best you both have. And you'll see each other again in that Perfect World. All of us will.

Hoping for peace in your heart,

Gretta's mom