The Captain Options

[LoveMyMickey]

Cappy is sooo cute in his t-shirt. Of course he was and is important.......My Mickey had a sweater and a raincoat that he did not like. I think he was trying to tell me that he has enough on with that thick fur coat.

Cappy, I hope you have a pleasant evening and night...

LoveMyMickey

[Cappy]

Dear Cappy

Thank you for the wonderful pictures of your beautiful chocolate Captain. Like you, I grew up in the VERY Catholic church - with their views that animals don't ahve souls, they don't go to heaven, etc. etc. If , you go back, I think most of that stuff was thought up by MAN, smart theologians like Thomas Aquinas and his Uncaused Causer, etc. I'm even more of a believer in God - and I believe that God does love animals, they DO have souls, and we WILL be reunited with them in the Perfect World. My vet is not God, certainly, but he IS one of the most caring - and scientific - people on earth and his words - after giving me some big, big hugs, were. "She's in a safe place now." That's my story an I'm sticking with it!!

Gretta's got a new friend now who looks just like her - what a pair!

Cappy - you've got a long road ahead of you. When you've shared a love with a spirit-animal like Cappy, his going back to where he came from means you can't see or hear or touch him - for a while. And that HURTS!!!!!!!!! Whatever you have to do - do it! Everyone's grieving is different, yet somehow it's all the same. It's being shot in the heart and bleeding all over. Then it's the "zombie-walk" where we robot our way through the external of life even though we're truly not present. In a way, that's good, because it keeps us doing SOMETHING besides curling up in a ball and weeping 24 hours a day - which would be our first choice!

Gretta is the first dog I had as an adult. I gazed into her beautiful soulful eyes SO many times. I love her with everything I have - and more. And she loves me even MORE than that. It's been 5 months since she went home - and this gried journey has been MUCH worse than I ever thought it would be. Moon Beam on this site calls it the roller coaster of horrors. (I have an even more unkind name for it.) Let's join hands and make a Chocolate Lab admiration team!

Please tell me more about Mr Captain. When did she come to you? How old was she when she went home? What were his favorite things to do? Was he - like Gretta - a food vacuum - or more like a food radar? What were his favorite toys? Did he know how to play?

I'll tell you some things about Gretta, too. (But this Robot has to get going to work right now.)

Cappy, I think you were sent by an angel. Another Chocolate parent! Thank you more than I can say. (And don't let a 14th century (?) guy in a tunic and leggings get in the way of your heart. The heart knows. And .... one things we DO know Tom A definitely did NOT have a chocolate lab - 'cuz they don't bite when people say goofy things!)

God bless you and Mr captain.

Gretta's mom

Do you have any pictures of your beautiful girl? How old was she, Cappy was only 9 when the cancer got him.

[Cappy]

Cappy is sooo cute in his t-shirt. Of course he was and is important.......My Mickey had a sweater and a raincoat that he did not like. I think he was trying to tell me that he has enough on with that thick fur coat.

Cappy, I hope you have a pleasant evening and night...

LoveMyMickey

I hope you have a pleasant night too! Thanks for the compliments he IS a beautiful dog.

[leejaye]

Hi, Cappy is so gorgeous in that shirt - I know what you mean about some dogs liking to wear clothes, my mum had an Aussie Terrier who LOVED clothes - he would actually check himself out in the mirror if you got him something new and put it on him! And Cappy certainly has a beautiful smile, I'm betting it's shining down on his mum and dad right now, hoping today brings you a moment of peace with his memory, Leejaye

[Cappy]

Hi, Cappy is so gorgeous in that shirt - I know what you mean about some dogs liking to wear clothes, my mum had an Aussie Terrier who LOVED clothes - he would actually check himself out in the mirror if you got him something new and put it on him! And Cappy certainly has a beautiful smile, I'm betting it's shining down on his mum and dad right now, hoping today brings you a moment of peace with his memory, Leejaye

Thank You leejaye, his smile is beautiful, he was a gift, just so sweet. It seems that in the morning I miss him something terrible, but in the afternoons Im alright. I couldnt even talk about him to anyone right now face to face without crying, but last afternnoon talked about him at length with an old friend. I even called a few breeders yesterday, and now that is the furthest thing from my mind. Thanks for your kind words.

[Bobbie]

Dear Cappy,
First, please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your wonderful doggy, the Captain. I havebeen away from my compter for a bit and fell far behind in just about everything. Your dog looks absolutely beautiful (yes, boys can be beautiful, too) and so full of life. You already know that my sister (Gretta's Mom) had a chocolate lab named Gretta. She was a wonderful creature.

I lost my C spaniel, Trevor, in July. We had to put him to sleep because the pain from his many neurologic problems (brought on by abuse) was so severe that medicine wasn't working at all any more. He graced our lives for 2 years and 2 months. I took care of him 24/7 and loved him more than any of my other C spaniels (I've had 7). The loss is still searing, even though I now have a 2 year old English C spaniel. I was very troubled about living with Dreamer until a very wise woman told me that, indeed, Trevor had sent me Dreamer to remind me every day that Trevor can now run, jump, play, fetch, roll over for tummy rubs, etc. in Heaven over the Rainbow Bridge even though I cannot see it. Makes sense to me and has helped me, too.

I still visit Trevor's grave almost every day.

One thing I wanted to tell you: I, too, went through Catholic schools and am still quite "Catholic". I believe that ALL creatures that God creates go to Heaven when they perish. Remember being taught that there is no beginning or end to Heaven? Well, then there is room for every non-human creature created, however many zillions that is. You know all about the human stuff so I won't go there. I'll be sure to tell Trevor, Rudy, Birney, Jasper, Kelly, Crocker, Spot and Squirt about the Captain, but I'm sure they've already met and are good friends.

Blessings............................
Bobbie

[Gretta's Mom]

Hi Cappy

I second by sister Bobbie's "do animals go to heaven" motion! Another note: ALL animals go to heaven. On their own, they're beautiful souls. People sometimes make them into things they're not meant to be and definitely NOT like inside.

Gretta and Cappy are inseparable! What a beautiful picture. And thank you again for the very touching poem about the spirit of a labrador.

May some happiness come to you.

Gretta's mom

[moon_beam]

Hi, cappy, just having an oppotunity to get caught up on your news. I'm smiling at your Captain wearing a t-shirt. When my Oslo went outside and the weather was not pleasant - - raining, snowing, cold -- he would wear a jacket that I got for him through a furchild clothing store. I'm not sure it ever really gave him much protection against the elements, but he knew I was putting it on him with "mommy love" -- and he never tried to get out of it.

I hope life is treating you kindly, cappy. Thank you so much for sharing your beloved Captain with us. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and always look forward to knowing how things are going for you.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[Cappy]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for writing. The last 3 days or so have been good, Ive been really busy with work, and have also started going back to the gym which has helped a lot with my mood. The house still seems so strange, and I still wake up right at 7 but dont have to feed someone which is strange too. I am not as "violently sad" as I was almost 2 weeks ago, and am beginning to be able to talk about The Captain and tell stories of our wonderful times together. A friend who has aleays had dogs invited me to his football get together today and I accepted, I wouldnt have done that last weekend. So, everything is slowly returning to normal. I like being able to tell stories about Cappy, I think it honors him, and I think he doesnt want me to be sad, because he was such a happy dog and didnt like it when I was sad.

Bobbie- I had read about you and Trevor and he seemed really sweet, I didnt know that you were Gretta's Mom's sister! I'm a litlle jealous that you have another doggy! The house is so weird without one, Dreamer sounds great. Ive been looking at different Labs but realistically can't get one until at least the 1st of the year, but Im shooting for late Spring. I will get a yellow this time, not a chocolate, it will be interesting. Im sure I will be on here reading up on your all experiences with your new babies. I think you are right about all of creation going to heaven, I was really torn on that when I first joined the site, but know now that my Captain and Trevor are in a great place right now.

Gretta's Mom- I think I posted yesterday, but just in case.... I loved that poem, I found it on a Lab breeeder's website. The breeder is in Minn. or Wisconsin I think the kennels are called: The Captain's Labs! and the dogs look perfect, my favorites that Ive seen. It just popped up on a google search for american style lab retriever, do you think........?????? ; ) Yes, I totally think "someone" helped me out with that one. ; )

Moon Beam- I kind of thought the same thing, some dogs hate to wear anything, our dogs felt proud to wear those things, very important, and very loved. I appreciate you writing and all your words of encouragement and hope.

Thank you all once again, today will be the first time also that I will touch another dog, it has me concerned but I think I will be ok.
Thanks for the support!
Have a great Sunday!

[Gretta's Mom]

Hello Cappy

I'm SO glad you've come to the place where you can believe in your heart that our beloved animals live on after their life on earth (just like we do) and tha, if we live honorable lives - following their directions and the directions of our Maker - we WILL be reunited. Oh, how happy I am for you, Cappy. This thought is a tremendous consolation when tears fall and everything looks dark.

The poem - still amazing, still heart-rending. Yes, "someone" had a hand in that - probably at least two someones! Another "coincidence" - and there are no such things as coincidences - the breeder whose kennel that wonderful poem came from is in MN or WI. So am I!!!!!!! So if you ever need a pair of real human eyes to go get a look at a "potential" - I'll be glad to do it. I'll try to find them on the net.

Both of my doggies were rescue dogs - from a very well-organized group to whom I was introduced by a very active neighbor. All the dogs in our neighborhood came from her rescue group! Maybe there's a labrador waiting to be adopted - just maybe. Gotta watch out for the descriptions, though. My Rufus was billed as a black lab. As soon as I laid eyes on him I could tell from the coat he was also something else. I thought maybe a flat-coated mix. My vet said, Nope. He's half Newfie!

I'm glad your heart is beginning to heal - the love of a special soul-mate changes one forever.

Have the best day you can, my friend.

Gretta and Rufus's mom

[Gretta's Mom]

Cappy

Just found out that the Captains Labs (breeders) are only 40 miles from where my father lives! And they do participate in an informal network of breeders who try to place rescued labs!!

Now .... WHO is at work?!? :)

Gretta's mom

[moon_beam]

Hi, cappy, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. It takes time to adjust to the "new normal" as I call it when our companions have joined the angels. Physical exercise, when feeling up to it, does help when experiencing deep grief, stress, etc., because as you know exercise releases "good endorphins" which helps to relax the brain - - and the rest of the body. And as the saying goes, all things in moderation. So I'm glad returning to the gym is being a positive experience for you.

There is a saying, "out of sight out of mind" - - and most of our society believes this rule should apply to our beloved companions. But this NEVER applies to those with whom we have shared an eternal love bond, INCLUDING our beloved companions. Your beloved Captain continues to share your earthly journey just as he always has and always will for he is forever a part of you - - he is always and forever a heartbeat close to you. We are honored for you to share with us your cherished memories of your beloved Captain.

I hope today will be a good one for you, and that you will enjoy time with your friends. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, cappy, and look forward to sharing with you how you're doing and your treasured memories of Captain.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[Cappy]

Yes, "new normal" is a good way to put it, 2 weeks ago today I had to bring him in. What a shame, that cancer is horrible.

Gretta's Mom- Ive emailed and called The Captain's Kennels and I havent heard back from them maybe they are super busy or something. I will let you know when I hear from them, I would take a younger rescue myself if they had one.

Got to get back to work, thanks for writing everyone.

Hope you all have great days.

[Cappy]

Hi Everyone,

Ive really learned a lot reading other people's post on here, and it's nice to know that it's not just me feeling like I have for the last 3 weeks or so. Everyday seems to get easier and easier. The first week after losing my boy was the saddest Ive ever been in my whole life. Since, then Ive learned to accept that The Capt. had to go, he was so sick. I also firmly believe that he is still with me, and it might sound strange but at least once a day when Im alone I talk to him. I also try and say a prayer for him at night. I went to the beach last Saturday, and was sad because he was not there, but I imagined that he was sitting right next to me looking at the ocean that he loved so much, it was sad and happy at the same time.

Greta's Mom-
I finally got in touch with the breeder near you! I took there puppy placement quiz and passed it haha. They should hopefully have some new pups in the spring, he said they don't have them in the winter because no one wants to potty train a lab pup in the cold of winter, I don't blame them. I told him I will speak with him in January and go from there. He has such beautiful Labs! I would like to really get a fox red one, I didnt know that they came in that color, and it's a little different. So, hopefully I will have a fishing buddy for next summer. I still read Spirit of a Labarador evry few days, I love that poem.

Once again, thanks for all the words of encouragement, Here is The Captain cooling off in the open ocean on his last real fishing trip (he went boating a few more times before his passing) it was taken in July. : )

Cappy

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