It Seems To Me That I Want, My HEALTHY wolf back! Options

[ladywolf]

I'm just sitting here pondering the nature of the grieving process, and it has occurred to me that it seems to be true for a lot of us that what we are missing so much and longing for are our young, healthy, energetic, joyful pets--not our old, ailing, pain-ridden, somewhat miserable pets. Not that we don't love them right up until the last minute, and then beyond--but I know that I wouldn't particularly have wanted poor old Ladywolf, with her heavy tumors and diabetes, to have lived a whole lot longer. She couldn't walk very well, she was uncomfortable, she knew that she was compromised and couldn't do what she used to--she was happy to be in my presence, and I her's, but her quality of life had definitely deteriorated, and she was ready to go when she did.

So I, and perhaps a lot of us, are really longing for the "old" fur-kid--the one who didn't have pain and limitations. That's why it's SO painful when a life gets cut short suddenly--it's a major trauma that can cause Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Happy, bouncing, joyful animal here one minute and gone the next...

When I want Lady back, I want the Ladywolf who was somewhere between three (when I met her) and thirteen--the companion who could do anything that we wanted to do, and with enthusiasm and great energy. So I'm yearning for the impossible! THAT Lady left me about two years ago...

Just a observation--not all of you may agree, but it's something to think about...

Big Hugs to everyone--

Margi and Spiritwolf

[Berta]

Hi Margi,

I know exactly what you mean. I have had this very subject on my mind a lot lately, even quite a while before Chico died. I miss our old times, when Chico was an energetic healthy dog! When he would take me for walks, leading the way and dragging me behind him. When he'd bounce off the storm door barking furiously at any noise he heard outside. His 'great escape' game, where he would fly out the door if he got the chance. Then he would just run and run and run and it was so hard to catch him. Sometimes he'd allow us to get close, then dog-laugh and take off again. He thought it was a game. He was such an energetic dog to end up laying on the couch unable to walk for his last 6 months. But yes. That is what I want back!

I have been wondering how long it will take to start remembering the healthy Chico more instead of his most recent months of being sick, ailing and helpless. I miss him desperately, but I would not want him to be back in that state. I think I had already begun my grieving for him months ago, when he was no longer able to do the things he loved.

If we could only turn back the time. Impossible of course, but I sure wish I had that happy little dog in the pic on my avatar back.

Berta