Lost... Options

[justme]

Thanks Jon730. That did put a little smirk on my face...

I'll try to think of that..

[sissycat]

I am having a difficult time posting this to you, but I feel it important so here goes try # 3. 1st time i hit a wrong button, 2nd time electricity went off.

I just wanted to say my family also thought I was grieving too long. I found the wonderful people here and learned it is ok to take as long as you need to grieve and everyone is different. I just finished having a short cry. Haven't cried in 1 1/2 weeks. I think it makes me feel better. They also thought I was nuts to put up so many pictures of Sissy. There are 4 right here on the wall behind my computer so everytime I sit here (this is my usual spot) She is looking right back at me. I even had one blown up to 8x10 size. I had them at my work too. May sound crazy, but I would rub her pictures on her back as if I were rubbing here. Just a feeling that made me think she knows I still care.

Animals work in mysterious ways so maybe your dog experience was a sign. I believe I had a sign, but not like that. Just a few days after she had passed I was on my knees in the floor and I know it was her that rubbed up against me to let me know she is ok.

I hope your finals go well. I know Raggs would have wanted you to continue to do well. Raggs spirit is with you no matter where you go or what you do. He will help you through your finals!!!!!!
Many Hugs to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[justme]

sissycat, Thankyou for your post, 3rd time lucky.

No it doesnt sound crazy.
I have put up a...'shrine' if you like, under his favourite tree in my back garden. And as soon as i feel..'comfortable' looking at pictures of my Raggs, i too will have many pictures around the house...

In a way i think i was directed to this site...
I knew in my mind that i was starting to make the rest of my family...'uncomfortable' with my crying and grieving as a whole. It was wearing on them...
So i began to seek help and comfort via the Internet. I then came across this forum full of understanding loving people.

I keep praying for some sort of sign, i sit on the floor or in the garden hoping that i feel a brush against my arm or leg...anything.
But...maybe what happened to me today was a sign...i dont know, i'll never know.

Thankyou.

[Jon730]

I keep praying for some sort of sign, i sit on the floor or in the garden hoping that i feel a brush against my arm or leg...anything.
But...maybe what happened to me today was a sign...i dont know, i'll never know.

I was reluctant to stroke him but i kneeled and began to anyway, at which time my neighbour appeared looking somewhat shocked. He walked over and said 'wow thats unusual, he is very protective of my wife and i and only lets us pet him'...Something of which i already knew...I was shocked too.

A man was trapped on the roof of his house in a huge flood and the waters were rising. He prayed for a sign.

An hour later, a boat came by and he waved them off.."I am awaiting a sign!". They shrugged and left.

Later, another boat came by. He likewise waved them off.."I am awaiting a sign!!". The guys in the boat looked at each other, shrugged, and powered away.

The water were still rising, and it was getting toward Sundown. A helicopter circled overhead, but he waved them off. "I am waiting for a SIGN!!".

That night, he drowned and appeared before Saint Peter.

"I prayed and prayed for a sign, but one never came!!!"

"WE SENT YOU TWO BOATS AND A HELICOPTER!!!!!!"
________________________________________________________________________

Most people do not really believe in coincidences, deep down. Just accept the message from that dog who never liked you, and be glad of it.

[JOANNE]

Justme'

I had a Raggs too, a 15 yr and 5mos Bichon who passed away July5th 2oo6 and I miss him so much, time will help but allow yourself to grieve.

Raggs Human Mom
Joanne

[justme]

LoveThem,
Yeah the people on this forum are just...Angels...Everyone of you guys.
And yes, Jon730's post was...somewhat different..But in a good way. The end of his post made me smirk. I thank him for that.

You said: 'There is no time limit on grieving. One "size" does NOT fit all.'
I say: Since comming to this forum and reading peoples stories, i have realised that completley. I accept that now and in a way..feel comfortable knowing that.
Like i said, i do now grieve by myself, or here with you guys in this exact spot i find myself every night into the early hours.
I noticed for the first time while out walking today, just how many beloved pets their are in my neighbourhood. I never noticed it before but...it seemed like everywhere i turned their seemed to be some kind of loving friendship between a dog or cat and their owners...I just couldnt believe how i never noticed it before...
Probably because i had my own special friend and that was all that mattered.

You said: 'I love your story about the barking dog...but you know, it doesn't surprise me..because these sweethearts DO JUST KNOW when we are hurting inside..even when they are not our sweethearts'
I say: I know my Raggs always knew when i was hurting inside so yeah...In the back of my mind i kinda' knew it would apply to other special guys. I mean heck', i feel like its pulsating out of me at the moment. I guess that part of me found comfort in thinking that it was something..'higher'.

You said: 'But so many of these things come on so fast, we just do the best we can with the time given us to act.'
I agree, a lot of conditions do come on so fast..But since last Sunday, when my Raggs passed, I have looked into Kidney failure/disease...For my own sake i just needed to know the how's and why's of that condition that took him. I know that i am torturing myself here and that their is nothing i can do now but...I needed/wanted to know if their was anything i could of done, any tell-tale signs in the months or years leading up to last Sunday.

Yes Raggs was unusually calm at the vets...Which made me feel somewhat frustrated, in a way, angry, and the feeling i'll never forget...Sick to the bowls of my core.
Like a sledge hammer it hit me that their was something not right.
My indestructible best friend was sick.
If my Raggs suffered through pain that unforgetable Sunday morning, he didnt show it...*ugh' tears again*...not a cry nor yelp. If he was in pain...He didnt need to put on a brave face for me, that was my job, a brave face for him...Even though he could see through it everytime.

[justme]

A man was trapped on the roof of his house in a huge flood and the waters were rising. He prayed for a sign.

An hour later, a boat came by and he waved them off.."I am awaiting a sign!". They shrugged and left.

Later, another boat came by. He likewise waved them off.."I am awaiting a sign!!". The guys in the boat looked at each other, shrugged, and powered away.

The water were still rising, and it was getting toward Sundown. A helicopter circled overhead, but he waved them off. "I am waiting for a SIGN!!".

That night, he drowned and appeared before Saint Peter.

"I prayed and prayed for a sign, but one never came!!!"

"WE SENT YOU TWO BOATS AND A HELICOPTER!!!!!!"
________________________________________________________________________

Most people do not really believe in coincidences, deep down. Just accept the message from that dog who never liked you, and be glad of it.

Dont put my life on hold looking for/waiting for a clear sign that may never come...
Just accept and interpret the 'coincidences' and unusual happenings as they come..

?

[justme]

Justme'

I had a Raggs too, a 15 yr and 5mos Bichon who passed away July5th 2oo6 and I miss him so much, time will help but allow yourself to grieve.

Raggs Human Mom
Joanne

Its nice to know that their were/are other special friends out their named Raggs.
Thankyou.

[Jon730]

Dont put my life on hold looking for/waiting for a clear sign that may never come...
Just accept and interpret the 'coincidences' and unusual happenings as they come..

?

Yes, just let Raggs surprise you, and accept whatever comes and do not question anything that is good, happy, or positive.

Maybe you will be one of the lucky ones who sees a darting shadow at the edge of your vision..I did. Or a brush against your leg when you least expect it.

Or a dog that was always unfriendly suddenly adopting a posture that Raggs used, and suddenly showing you compassion and friendship for no reason at all!

Or maybe, even, you will look into the eyes of an animal in a shelter, and see him there, waiting for you to bring him home.

There was a post on here that addressed whether animals had souls.

Also: Cybershoulder Room: See: Visits From Your Babies After Passing On

[goliath]

I noticed for the first time while out walking today, just how many beloved pets their are in my neighbourhood. I never noticed it before but...it seemed like everywhere i turned their seemed to be some kind of loving friendship between a dog or cat and their owners...I just couldnt believe how i never noticed it before...
Probably because i had my own special friend and that was all that mattered.

Over time you will notice many other things. Your own special friend has taught you how to appreciate everything much more. All of us tend to take things for granted........some more than others. When our lives come to a screeching halt after a loved one passes away we can realize that there are many moments in our everyday lives to notice. There is much beauty in this world...... take time to seize the special moments. Keep your heart and your eyes open and you will see many opportunities to grab onto many of the lessons Raggs taught you. Raggs will bring you many more "hellos" in the days to come. The barking dog that allowed you to pet him was no coincidence.

Goliath taught me to live each day one at a time. All I have is today....there is no promise of tomorrow.

I am sorry Raggs have passed away, but at the same time I am happy that you were so blessed in sharing the love he brought into your life. Raggs loving spirit is alive and well within you. Your hearts are bound and cannot be broken because the soul never dies. A love such as yours is everlasting.

Much love and comforting hugs from my heart to yours,
Beth

[justme]

LoveThem,
I just...I'm not a religious person...In fact part of me has come to resent the thought of god over the past couple of years.
I dont mean to start a discussion about a higher power or god, nor do i mean disrespect to those who believe in god.
Just for me...It doesn't cut it...Nothing does.

I wish i did soley believe in a higher power..
But i just can't grasp it..But like you said..
'So who is to say they cannot let us know'..I hope their is something out their beyond our comprehension, i really do...heck' i know it would comfort me a little if i did..

But yes, i too have read stories and accounts of experiences that are...well, magical...And it does bring a flutter to my heart.

I too wonder how my neighbour's dog will react next time we lock eyes...quite nervous and anxious actually.
I know that eariler this evening the same neighbour who i described previously was taken away in an ambulance...I dont know why yet.

Thanks, i'll give Jon's thread a look, and Lucky's too.

Jon730,
I have seen flashes of darting shadows in the corner of my eye!...I quickly jerk my head but..nothing their. During the past week i've actually got up off of my seat to go and investigate, secretly hoping that someone is their.
The bigger part of me puts it down to exhaustion but...a part of me holds on and tells me to get up and go see.
I have read various articles etc, about animals having souls...Some not so positive, some tearful.
My best friend had a soul...No doubt.

Goliath,
I'de be the first to admit that i have taken things for granted.
Your words are beautiful Goliath, thankyou..

[sissycat]

Just wanted to ask if you knew of the Candle Ceremony that is on every Monday night? It has seemed to give me some comfort. You add for pet's name to the list. That also gave me comfort. My daughter and I actually light the candles with them.

[justme]

Just wanted to ask if you knew of the Candle Ceremony that is on every Monday night? It has seemed to give me some comfort. You add for pet's name to the list. That also gave me comfort. My daughter and I actually light the candles with them.

erm..I dont believe i have no. On this website?, the main page?
Im in desperate need of something, anything so...

[Candy's Dad]

I'm so sorry to hear about Rags. Know this place has/is a tremondous help when going through the pain. Some days, when I really miss Candy, I'll come to boards and it comforts me. I hope it can comfort you as well.

I know no words can soothe you at this moment, but know we know the pain you are going through and know you are not alone. Please come and vent anytime and we'd love to hear more about Rags.

God bless.


Candy's Dad

[justme]

Thankyou Candy's Dad i appreciate it,

I read your story about your beloved Candy. What a beautiful special friend.
I'm so sorry.

Yes, without the loving, caring people on this board...I cant imagine.

Again, thankyou.

[sissycat]

Candle Ceremony

go to www.lightning-strike.com/
click on the links, then scroll down to the Monday Pet Loss Candle Ceremony
Add your Pet's name to the Rainbow Bridge. (they update every Monday)

Then go back to the main page, click links again, then click on Monday Pet Loss Candle Ceremony words. Scroll down and it will tell you when for your time zone. Keep scrolling down till you get to enter chat room. Just pick a name and connect. The ceremony is done throught this chat room.
There are many great people to talk to here also.

You should also read The Rainbow Bridge if you have not read it yet.

Hope this is some help and not confusing.

Hope to see you there. My screen name is kitten322003

[justme]

Thankyou sissycat, no your directions were clear.

[Deanna]

Justme,
I've been thinking about you. Hope you're doing ok. Hang in there. Tell more stories and share some pics.
Deanna

[sissycat]

Justme you are on my mind this morning. Just wanted to let you know. Hope you are feeling a little better today.

Many Hugs to You!!!!!!!!!

[justme]

Deanna,
Thankyou Deanna, i will share many pictures and stories as soon as i feel..'comfortable'
My heart aches so much i just cant bring myself to any pictures just yet...

sissycat,
A thankyou to you too. I appreciate it.
I will add my special friend's name to the candle light ceremont for next Monday.

Well again, today was another tough one...It just doesn't seem to let up. My heart feels heavier than ever and i still feel sick in my stomach. When i think i'm all cried out, they soon start again. But thankfully not as much.
Half of me feels missing. Half of me IS missing.

I posted earlier about how after my Raggs passed, i suddenly noticed how many beloved pets their are in my neighbourhood. While out walking today, and seeing these beloved pets playing fetch or simply walking along side THEIR special friend, i felt...Well my heart would sink a little further, my eyes would fill up a little and then something new, a little anger

I THINK i know why but please, anyone pitch in with their own view.
I think it was because i saw what i once had. And that what i had, was taken away..

?

Will this...progress? get worse? subside?...