Woody Options

[Steve K.]

I was here ten years ago for my Beauregard. Now I am here for my Woody. Woody was a dog that nobody wanted so me and the wife took him in. He was a handful at first and he made us wonder if we made the right decision but he turned out to be a wonderful dog. He was a retriever mix and a beautiful red color.

Well, on Sunday 09/21/08, I went out for the day and the wife took the dogs (we have another shelter dog) for a walk. They were both on a leash but Woody pulled away from my wife and ran into the street. He was hit by a car and the wife got animal control to take him to the emergency clinic where the vet said it didn't look good. The wife made the decision to let Woody go and when I got home, my heart was broken. My poor wife had to watch him get hit by the car and then make the decision to let him go. We are both heartbroken. I can't sleep, I can't eat, and all I do is cry at the drop of a hat. Our other dog (Smokey Joe) is 9 years old but Woody was only four. I expected him to be around for many years. Why did God take our dog from us? I don't think that we are bad people. We took in both dogs and two stray cats. We love our animals like children. Why was he taken from us?

[LS Support]

sorry to hear you had to come back, but hope you find the support you need here again. the old forums are still up and running (read-only), you may be able to find your original pos,t if you want to locate it: http://lightning-strike.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5

[sissycat]

I'm sure Woody had some special calling for him to have been taken so soon. Just as my Sissycat. There was a incident beside my driveway with her and a car. She was taken June 5th this year. Way too soon. Only 2 years old.
Wish you didn't have to come back here, but you know we are here to support one another.
Beautiful pictures by the way.

Share some stories or more pictures if you like.

Hugs to you!!!!!!!!!!!

[AngelCareOne]

Steve, I am so sorry about your sweet fur kid Woody. He looks a lot like my Buddy dog in build but a different color. I also rescued Buddy dog from severe neglect and abuse.

How awful for your dear wife to have witnessed what happened. She is probably as much of a basket case as you are at this time. Steve, I wish so much I could reach out, put my arm around your shoulder so we could cry together. How gosh awful terrible this must be for you and your wife.

Please accept my most sincere condolences. I can feel your pain. I truly can and I do weep with you. And Woody was four years old. Your heart is breaking and it feels like your world is tumbling down around you. Of course you're not bad people. You're wonderful, caring, loving people! Where would this world be without those like yourselves who rescue these dogs and cats? What a dream come true for those fur kids to be in your loving care. You're the cream of the crop, Dear One ... You and your dear wife. Please don't ever, ever forget that.

I feel so bad that you're suffering so because of this accident that took your Woody from you. My gosh, I feel at such a loss any have many tears right now. I'm supposed to be comforting you and I know I'm not doing a good job of that at all. I feel much empathy for you and your dear wife. I hope you don't mind if I post a song here for the you, your wife and fur kid Woody. Again, I am so very sorry this happened.

I pray it brings you and yours some comfort knowing that Woody is still very near, right there with you. He's only just a breath away. And a breath away is not far at all to where you are, Steve.

Please Turn up Your Volume and Click on Woody's Picture

"To Where You Are"

Who can say for certain maybe you're still here. I feel you all around me. Your memory's so clear.
Deep in the stillness, I can hear you speak. You're still an inspiration. Can it be? That you are my Forever Love. And you are watching over me from up above!

Fly me up to where you are beyond the distant star. I wish upon tonight to see you smile!
If only for a while to know you're there. A breath away's not far to where you are.

Are you gently sleeping here inside my dream? And isn't faith believing all power can't be seen.
As my heart holds you just one beat away, I cherish all you gave me everyday!

'Cause you are my Forever Love watching me from up above.
And I believe that Angels breathe and that love will live on and never leave!

Fly me up to where you are, beyond the distant star! I wish upon tonight to see you smile.
If only for a while to know you're there. A breath away's not far to where you are!

I know you're there! A breath away's not far to where you are!

Please come back when you're able to talk more. I realize how very difficult it will be to type or even see your PC monitor through your tears. It is by caring and sharing that we help each other get through these very difficult times. Woody is and will always be right there with you. Truly, he will. You've just gotta believe and then you'll feel and know it's so.

Many Comforting Hugs, Love, and Hope for Peace to You, Your Dear Wife and Woody!

Always,
Dottie xoxoxox

[ann]

Hi Steve K., I'm so deeply sorry to hear about your precious Woody. Your words of pain have been mine too. Why, my Arthur, why so young(2 1/2) I felt I must have done something to deserve this terrible pain of losing him. Someday we will find the answers to our whys. As much as this hurts we have to continue to remind ourselves we were lucky to have had them in our lives no matter how long or short of time it was. It may not seem it now, but the joy and love they give us is more powering than the pain of losing them. Your pictures are beautiful. Such teasures..It was an unforseen accident, I know all to well, my heart aches with yours..Hugs.Ann

[LoveThem]

Why did God take our dog from us? I don't think that we are bad people. We took in both dogs and two stray cats. We love our animals like children. Why was he taken from us?

When I read these questions, it made me think of a topic I put in the Tributes section of the forum, called "A Dog" about a little boy's answer to such a question. It was a feel-good answer when I first read it and there may be a little bit of comfort there.

I am so sorry about what happened to Woody and that your wife had to witness it all. That to me is one of life's cruelest moments that can't be explained. It is a terrible accident and seems just so senseless a loss. And yes, the question would be WHY?

There is really no comforting answer because it is just felt it should not have happened at all. What power is it that does this to such an innocent baby?

I see by his pictures that Woody was a beautiful boy and big dogs are always so very huggable!

It is understandable to cry, and then cry again. Taken so young is heartbreaking. What has helped me over the years is I came to the belief that when it is a baby's time to go....it will be taken out of our hands and we will have no control over what happens because that is the one battle we will always lose.

If they are not truly meant to go, we will be able to do things to keep them with us longer. We are allowed to win that battle.

I have seen puppies go, I have had a 3 year old boxer/shepherd become epileptic (at a time there was no cure or treatment), and we have no choice but to accept what happens. All we can ever do is the best we know how...sometimes it works and we are thankful but other times...it is truly beyond our control.

In the way it happened....part of your crying may be looking for a closure because you were not there through it all. That can make you feel helpless but if you can think of it as fate was in charge..you will realize...nothing could have changed what happened. It is a terrible tragedy and all you can do is hug your wife and you two cry together because you both have the same pain and understand just how much it hurts inside. Of course, you two are not bad people. The answer to your WHY question is asked by many who have been in similar situations...and I guess a simple answer would be that....it was just meant to be. Not fair? Of course not..it never is. But it is a cruel part of life that sometimes becomes a part of our lives...for no reason at all.

I like that you mentioned you have another shelter dog. A few months ago, I got a shelter cat and gave him a home when we lost our last one, Little Guy, last September. Sometimes I think they are taken from us because maybe there is another "brother" or "sister" who needs us and I know when I have such a loss...it helps me to get another and it helps them to have a real home. I also know if over the years...I never lost the first one...I would never have known the next one, and so on. Sometimes it helps to feel something good can come out of a tragedy.

And, instead of "no reason", I like to think of what the little boy said in that topic I posted in Tributes called "A Dog".

Please write here as often as you feel like it. Share your thoughts and feelings and questions. We all share the same pain because we have had the same loss so we do understand and we try to let you know what has helped us to start healing.

Grief is exhausting and very overwhelming and it takes time before we are in more control of it.

You describe both your dogs as shelter dogs. You and your wife gave both these babies a good home with love in it. They could not have asked for a better life than you provided. You both did the best you could for Woody for the time you were allowed to have him. He knows that and you both know that too, deep down in your hearts. What takes these precious ones out of our lives is something we cannot win that battle.

Woody has a special place in your hearts. That is where he can never be taken from you. In time, you will be able to remember the good days of happiness of being together and just know that time is so very special....we are always glad we did have it.

One "Mom" here said: The pain of losing him will never ever be greater than the joy of knowing him.

Think about that. I do and it helps me because no matter how great or how little the time, I am grateful I had each one of these precious best friends for the time that I did and I would never ever have given up having them in my life...even though I know there will come a time they will be taken away. We always pray it is many years in the future but we and our best friend never have any guarantee, do we?

Hugs to you and your wife. I am so very very sorry about what happened to Woody. His pictures show a very happy, beautiful and loveable dog.

I wish you peace and healing....and just remember (as you said you were here years ago) that it really does take time. But by coming here, you are never alone.

There is always someone here listening and wanting to help.

[moon_beam]

Hi, Steve, please permit me to offer you and your wife my sincerest sympathies in the loss of your beloved Woody. Losing a beloved companion is never easy regardless of the cir%%stances or how long we have had the blessing of their company. You ask why God took Woody from you? Well, God didn't take Woody from you - - Woody was hit by a car - - an accident that ended very tragically. As with people, sometimes the only way God can heal our beloved companions is when they are released from their physical bodies and return home to the angels. Your wife did everything right in trying to keep Woody safe, but unfortunately Woody was stronger which enabled him to pull away from her. If this side of eternity were "perfect" this tragic accident - - and other tragedies involving our beloved companions - - would not happen. But unfortunately this side of eternity is not perfect, and consequently, our lives include having to endure the heartbreaking cir%%stances of losing our beloved companions. But God is still with us in these times of tragedies as He reaches out to us through the hearts of others who try to comfort us and give us hope. Woody knows that you love him with all your heart, and would have moved heaven and earth to restore him to a healthy life with you. God has healed Woody and is holding him in His loving arms until it is time for you to resume your rightful place with Woody at your appropriate time in eternal joy. The grief journey you and your wife are now traveling is not an easy one, Steve, but it is one that you do not have to travel alone. You are among friends here who do know first hand the heartache of losing a beloved companion, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us. Please know you and your wife are in my thoughts and prayers, Steve, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[Steve K.]

It has been four days since I lost my big red dog and the pain of the loss has not diminished one little bit. I thank all of you for your kind replies. I continually ask God why he took Woody but I know that I won't get an answer here on earth. I love all of my animals but Woody was a special guy. He was full of life and he loved to run and play. He took a chunk of my heart with him when he left. The tears keep flowing and I can't stand the thought that I have to come home from work and Woody isn't here. Don't misunderstand me, I love my Smokey and he is also a one of a kind dog, but they were the best of buddies and I think that Smokey misses his pal. My wife is the office manager of a cranberry farm here in NJ and we used to take the guys to the farm to let them run and play in the woods. Woody used to go into the ponds even on the coldest days. We used to bring them to the farm several times a week until the price of gas went up but even after it rose to $3.00+ we made sure that they got here at least twice a week even though it is a 50+ mile round trip. Both of the photos below were taken on the farm. The photo of Woody and Smokey was taken the evening before Woody was hit by the car. It was his last full day on earth. I sure do miss my dog.

[havana]

Steve, please allow me to say to you how sorry I am to read about Woody, I know there is no words in this world to make your pain less easier for you and your wife, I too lost my Son Buster on June 20th in a different way and my pain is there still, it feels like it was yesterday when I have to let him go. You can come to us every time you need too as much as you want to talk to us 'cause that is why we are all here to listen to the one in need like I was once, my condolences to you and your wife and please give lots of love to Smokey he probably miss him as much as the two of you, always here, Jorge

[ann]

OH, how precious. They certainly looked liked the best of buds. I know how hard it is for you to go home and Woody won't be there. I'm still having a hard time with it after 4mo. But Smokey needs some extra hugs. I'm sure he is hurting too. You both need eachother to heal. It makes it that much harder when they are so special to us. That picture is so cute and yet the hardest one to look at I'm sure. One of the my favorite photos of my Arthur was the last one. It sure does hurt. Many hugs to your family including Smokey.. Ann

[Bubba]

Hi Steve--------I am so sorry to hear about Woody.I lost my boy,Willy on 9-3-08.As a guy who is getting to the age where I can start to get my senior discount at Dennys I have racked up a bundle of PO'd moments through the years with God.I will present two sides of my view here,both positive AND negative.First the negative.If,as a lot of us believe,me included,that this brief thing on this planet we call life will be followed,if we are decent folk,by a conciousness and a new spiritual form in an actual place(heaven,state of nirvana,whatever) and if we came from this mythical place initially,why this 'step',this life,this proving ground? Some say God the Father/Mother(women give birth not men) has so much love He /She wanted children and loneliness would no longer be an issue with God.Why, then,wasn't the 'family' created and left in place in the heavens so God could hang with his kids.Why this whole invisible,we think your 'up 'there and we really want to please you game so we can fly back to you after we have suffered,loved then lost love(as in the case of our pets) 'prove' our love to you so we can spend eternity HAPPY! There are those who say that was the original plan but one putz out of the bunch was a revolutionary(Satan) and screwed it up for the gazillons of people there and all who came after.What a load of HOOHAW that is .God creates this place and invents humans and can't blow away one dude.Oh please!The younger me conceived God as a Spiritual EVIL scientist/inventor( if we are still talking single,sentient being with form) who created all we see and discovered with telescopes and gets off watching us flail with loss, grief, infirmities,a keeping us in the dark as to final outcome but sending messages through certain men of 2000 plus years ago who said that if we follow the teachings of a human said to be his son,well,then I gotcha covered baby!Isn,t the fact we were created(I really can't believe the CHAOS theory as there seems to be too much inter-connection-one element survives because of another element and the symbiotic relationship of all living forms-atom compressed matter) really good enough.Are these thoughts because a huge ego and we DESEREVE a predictable long term Happy pension plan(heaven)?AFTER ALL WE DIDN'T CHOOSE TO BE CREATED AND BORN,YOU(GOD) DID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now for the positive.GOD HAS NO POWER OVER WHAT HAPPENS ON EARTH.And frankly, I don't see how anyone can say for certainty what the PLAN is.In the East it is said Desire creates attachment and attachment creates universe.Look what humans have created.It is endless.Are we chips of the old Supernatural Block?(God).Is all the suffering,sickness,LOSS,grief,loneliness,seperation and uncertainty really just a function of our humanity?(not yet in spiritual form) and a 'STEP" as we CREATE(as sons and daughters of God) 'OUR' specially tailored versionof heaven?Is that why we have to be here because God digs us so much HE/She wants us to have the chance to experience things on our own(free will) and 'CREATE' what for each of us, through our experiences,is our own version of Heaven? HERE'S THE GOOD PART:HE THEN DOES GIVE TO US, AFTER WE DIE,OUR OWN CUSTOMIZED HEAVEN WITH ALL THAT WE WANT.IN OUR CASE,(ALL THE GOOD FOLK HERE ON THE FORUM),(after the orientation meeting)ALL THE BEAUTIFUL PETS (OUR BABIES)we have lost and ALL OF OUR OTHER DESIRES AND WISHES!!!!!LET'S FACE IT:THE 'RAINBOW BRIDGE' IS PURE CREATIVITY!!!! I BELIEVE IN IT,I HAVE FAITH IN IT,I CAN'T "SEE" IT but somehow I just 'KNOW' it is 'THERE'!!!!!!!!

BELIEF,FAITH,CAN'T SEE BUT IT IS THERE...........hmmmmmm.........SOUND FAMILIAR?

I THINK WE ARE COVERED
Brought to you by the twisted mind of Bubba.....Thanks for lisennin and I'll keep the light on for ya.
GOD BLESS BEAUTIFUL BABY BOY,WOODY-------------PEACE and LOVE

[moon_beam]

Hi, Steve, this grief journey can feel like it will never end, and is very intense in the beginning. What you are feeling and experiencing is very normal so early in your grief. The mental health profession now recognizes that the grief journey for the loss of a beloved companion is the same as it is for a human family member or friend. The stages of grief are the same, and the most difficult part of the grief can be spread over the course of a year. The first year is very hard because it holds all the "first" anniversaries - - the first birthday, the first holidays, the first day, the first month, the first 6 months, etc.. And each of these anniversaries are reminders of the one who is physically missing. But hopefully through your grief journey you will come to know that your beloved Woody is still with you as he always has been been. His sweet living Spirit is forever etched in your heart and your memories, and no one and nothing can ever take that away from you. Because the first year is so difficult, or at least some of it, it is important to know that you are not alone in your grief journey. Each of us here understands the deep loss you and your wife are feeling, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us. Thank you so much for sharing pictures of your furkids with us, Steve, and please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[Steve K.]

It's Saturday morning. Woody used to get us up at first light but Smokey is older now and he doesn't like to get up early. I cried myself to sleep last night and when I took Smokey across the street to the field this morning, I cried for my Woody again. We have two cats and a dog in the house but it still seems empty without my red dog. Steph bought Smokey a new toy last night and that cheered him up. We played for a while and I hope it helps him. In the morning after we got up, the dogs would get on the bed and I used to throw a blanket on each of them. Smokey walked over to the bed this morning and sniffed at the blankets. I guess he was looking for Woody. I told him that he's not here. I know he doesn't understand, but I had to tell him something. Saturday or Sunday would be one of the days that we would take the guys to the farm, depending on the weather and our schedule. We will still take Smokey but the trip is not the same. The pictures below show Woody in the pond and coming out of the water. I miss my boy.

[havana]

Oh, he look so good in those pics am afraid they are perfect, am so sorry to feel your pain 'cause it feels like my own, May God Bless Him up in Heaven in company of my Beloved Son Buster, Jorge

[moon_beam]

Hi, Steve, I can imagine how your home is feeling the loss of Woody. Your life is not the same without the physical presence of your beloved Woody; it is now different. Don't be afraid to change your routines a bit - - keeping them exactly the same can sometimes add to the grief of your loss. Woody wants you to remember the times you had with him on this side of eternity with a happy heart, and eventually you will be able to do that but only after the heaviness of your deep grief has had a chance to pass. Smokey knows his buddy is no longer physically with him, and Smokey will grieve in his own way, and needs comforting, too. The time you spend with each other will hopefully strengthen your bond with Smokey and will be comforting as well. It is good that you feel you can cry, Steve, for they are healing tears for your heart and soul and body. So many people think they can get through their grief faster and easier if they don't "give in" to the grief emotions, but clinical studies prove this is very unhealthy - - medically and emotionally. By suppressing the grief emotions they are increasing the stress of their grief which eventually can cause among other physical symptoms heart disease and severe arthritis, and clnical depression. So taking the time to grieve the loss of your precious Woody is healthy and normal. And hopefully by now you know you are not alone in your grief journey, Steve. Each of us are here for you for as long and as often as you need us. You are going through a very difficult adjustment as you would go through with any other loss, Steve. But please know that Woody is still with you in your heart and your memories, and you will see him again when it is your appropriate time to join him in eternal joy. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Steve, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[Steve K.]

I am home alone and all I can do is think of my Woody. The weather is miserable and I am stuck in the house. Posting these messages seems to help me and I'm sorry if I am overdoing it. I wanted to show my four legged family (before we lost Woody) and the photos below are each of my babies. Smokey Joe is the oldest at 9 1/2 years and Karma is the youngest at one year old. "A" is thirteen and Woody was four. Woody and Karma used to play all of the time and Woody used to chase "A" down the hall but he never hurt him. These guys are my life and one fourth of my life has been snatched away with the loss of Woody. I love you, my friend.

[ann]

Great pictures Steve., These are the hardest days by far. The adjustment. Moon Beam is right when she said to change up the routine a bit. That was the hardest (and still is) for me do. I sat on the porch b4 work every day for 3mo after I lost my Arthur and cried(I still cry). That was always my time to watch and play with him. My partner who I shared him with changed his rountine for day 1. Is it willpower, strength, I don't know. Next time your out with Smokey, walk a different path, go different places with him. It may help. Many hugs.. Ann

[moon_beam]

Hi, Steve, thank you so much for sharing your pictures of your fur family. When my Eli joined the angels almost two years ago (December 2006), I found it very comforting to hold something that belonged to him - like his collar. I even slept with his collar under my pillow. It helped me with adjusting to not having his precious little physical body with me. The grief journey is both physical and emotional. While you enjoyed Woody's physical presence with you there was a chemical bond that formed between you, and now that this bond no longer has the physical nurturing it is now physically painful to not have Woody's physical presence with you. Clinical studies have proven that when a spouse dies, the first year for the surviving spouse and other family members is very critical because the surviving spouse, and any other family members who were dependent upon the deceased, has an increased risk of dying also within that first year due to the physical adjustment of not having his / her spouse physically with them. The older the surviving spouse is as well as their medical health also increases their risk of dying within the first year. This is also true of elderly people who are totally dependent upon their companion animals for physical and emotional nurturing. So, if you can find some way to help bridge the physical absence of Woody you may find this to be comforting while you are adjusting to the loss of his sweet physical body with you. I know, Steve, this grief journey is the absolute pits - - particularly in the beginning and the several weeks and months that follow. But I promise you there willl come a time when you can remember Woody and smile, and when that happens, you will know that Woody has not left you. He is still with you as he always has been. Your relationship with him has just temporarily transformed to a different dimension. His sweet living Spirit is indelibly etched in your heart and your memories, and no one and nothing can ever take that away from you. You can still share your life and your heart with him as you always have, and he is listening to you as intently as ever. But for now, "knowing" this does little to comfort a broken heart. We share your pain and brokenness, Steve, and are thankful you are here among us so that we can reach out to you when you need us. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Steve, and please keep letting us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[Bubba]

Hey Steve--------No way are you overdoing anything!!!!!!!!!! It has been over 3 weeks since Wiily my boy passed away.I cry FREQUENTLY and with intensity.Moonbeam is correct.Holding it in and not grieving is not good for you.At the risk of being redundant.YES,we are ALL here for you for a long time.Write often.Your friend at LS.
Bubba...............

[Steve K.]

Woody boy,

Mommy and I miss you more than we can say. You and your brothers (Smokey Joe, "A", and Karma) are/were just about the only joy in our lives. I remember rushing home from work every day to take you out for a run and to do your business. I remember getting up early every morning for the same purpose. I still get up early and rush home for your brother, Smokey, but it's not quite the same without you. I am so sorry that the car hit you. If I could have gotten home one hour earlier, I would have taken you and Smokey for your walk and since I am stronger than your Mom, you wouldn't have gotten away from me. We had an understanding, didn't we? You didn't pull on the leash when you were with Daddy. I'm not trying to blame your Mom, I know she would do anything in the world to change what happened. Mommy loves you and she would never have let you get hit by the car if she could have prevented it. Mommy's heart is broken and so is mine. Smokey, "A", and Karma miss you, too. I hope you are with Beau and Furfee and that you are waiting for Mommy and me. We'll be there with you when our time comes. Good night my big red dog. Mommy and Daddy love you.