Hi. I am new. I just lost my boy yesterday. He just turned 14 in January. I have had him since I was 26. I have no husband (or boyfriend) or children so he has been my life. He was brillaint and the sweetest little fiesty shi tzu/poodle that ever was. I am just so lost right now. And the pain is worse than I thought. I just want to die (not thinking about suicide but that's how I feel.) I don't know what to do.

Does anyone have any ideas? How long should I wait until I think about getting a new puppy? I wanted to get one a few years ago to ease this exact situation but was told by my vet that it would have caused too much stress for my little baby who had a heart condition.

Thanks for any help.

hi
did u get him put down?
Dee's mommy
Avril

Sort of.... he was failing quickly out of the blue (fine one morning, vomiting etc. that evening) so I had them give him very strong pain killer so I had a little time to be with him before he passed. It all took about an hour that I will remember for the rest of my life.

aww
how big was ur baby

He was 22 lbs almost all of his life, but lost 2 lbs about 8 months ago.... He was 3/4 shih tzu and 1/4 poodle.

hello, sorry to hear about your loss. what was your dog's name and how did you lose him? i'm right there with you, i just had my cat put to sleep yesterday due to chronic renal failure. i didn't expect it to be this hard. here is a suggestion. i have been reading articles about pet loss and one suggested that you write down all of the things that you want to remember about your lost pet. i have been writing all day. it made me feel better and it even made me laugh when i was writing all of the quirky things that my kitty did. i just found this forum this morning and have been here all day. the people here are great and it is so comforting to know that there are others who have been where you are now. not a lot of people understand the bond between pet and pet owner and the pain that one feels when they lose their pet. the people here know. as for getting a new pet right away - that's for you do decide. i have people in my life that are pressuring me to get another cat right away and i don't feel that i'm ready. of course no animal in the world can replace the one you've lost but they will offer you unconditional love and help you through your grieving. it's different for everyone. if you don't have anyone in your life to help you through this then maybe you should adopt again. it's not easy, i know. be strong. ah

Thanks so much. My boy's name was Regis. And it suited him - he was King for sure. I don't know about writing things down but perhaps I will give it a try. Nothing seems to work. The void and pain are nothing like I've ever felt, even when my childhood dog died. He's everywhere. Even though I know he is not here, I instinctively watch my feet when I get up from the couch to make sure I don't step on him. And taking a shower this morning almost killed me - it's the first time in 14 years I actually stepped on my bath mat when exiting - he always laid there sleeping while I showered and I would step over him. I think getting a puppy sooner than later would be good for me, as I live alone, but my mother thinks differently.

the pain is huge, i know. i'm not sure if it gets better, this is the first time i have ever gone through this. what was wrong with regis, if you don't mind me asking.

Regis had congestive heart disease and was taking pills for several years. However apparently it was not his heart that failed, but something else. I never did get a complete answer. He was vomiting and defecating and had trouble breathing. He could not stand. They put him on oxygen but he was not getting better. I can't believe how fast it happened. I feel completely wiped out, yet full of pain and wanting to throw up.

How old was your cat?

kitty would be 14 this year. i am 24 years old so i don't really remember any part of my life without her. i'm sorry to hear about regis. when it happens that quickly it really doesn't give you time to prepare. i'm glad that you got to say goodbye though. ah

I to had no husband or boyfriend...and when Moose died, it was so heart wrenching...beyond belief actually. I was couch riddin for several weeks and spent more hours than I could count on this board. I read others stories and I realized most importantly I was not alone. I had lost my best friend, and my job....could'nt pay rent anymore...it has been so life changing. But I am getting better a little at a time, I will never get over it, I will never forget it. Someday, I will help another animal in need, but for now, I guess each one of us are different, although I have talked to people who have said in retrospect they had gotton another way to soon. I am sorry about your loss, it hurts alot, I know. Pamela N.

Thank you Pamela. I am sorry about Moose. I have never known pain like this before. I don't know how to handle it. Just wait and it will pass is what I am hearing. I just find it hard to believe. But I thank you for your thoughts and words. I know I am not alone, and while that is good to know, it doesn't really ease the pain, just lets me know I am not insane. I hope I will just know when the time is right to start again. Will having a new soul to love (and be loved by?) ease this loss????

I would opt to say NO, because you see, I remember when it first happened, I wanted to do something, I did'nt know what, move, get another animal, I wanted to crawl out of my skin and bounce off the walls, I prayed and prayed, collasped on the floor daily.. I just wanted to change something...anything to make the pain go away, u cant go around it no matter how much you want to. but there is one thing I did' not take into account, I still had my cat go almost 17yrs, so maybe for you it would not be a bad idea to find one in need to help in honor of Regis......I know it is hard, it was just Moose and I for almost 10 yrs, he came into my life the year inbetween my parents death, he filled so many voids. I am getting to the 4th month, it has gotton a little easier, but my heart aches for him..I loved him so. And u will get there too, it is a journey you must take and I am sorry that you have to,,,,but remember the path has been set before you by many people who have gone through this most horrible time, and they will help you along just like they did me. Moment to Moment .girl! Pamela

Thank you Pamela - what you describe is exactly how I feel. I don't know where to turn or what to do to ease this pain. I wish I had another pet to turn to. I would have, but I waited too long and was told by the vet it would have been too stressful for Regis, so I didn't get one. I just don't know how long to wait now. I know I can NEVER replace Regis, but I also think another furry soul to love would provide an outlet..... I also know my brain is not functioning properly...
thanks for your kind words....

Hi RegisMom,

Yesterday was three months since I lost my 17-year-old dog, Max. Max has been my life partner for all of my adult life.

The one thing that has helped me most during this time is reading other people's postings on this website. Until I found this site, I felt like I was totally alone in the world without my Max. But when I read that other people feel the same way about their losses, it turns my sorrow from an inward focus to outward. Feeling compassion and attempting to help others heal helps me heal a little bit.

Everyone is different about when to get a dog. I took a foster dog for a rescue group after two months -- it was too soon for me in many ways, but just having any dog around is sometimes a welcome distraction from the grief. As you know, they have needs that cannot wait and it gets you moving around. But I wouldn't rush to get any dog permanently -- it wouldn't be fair to the dog if you are comparing your new relationship with with Regis.

You and Regis were together for a long time. And I know that you can still feel him and know that he will be part of you forever. Love, Karen

Thank you Karen, you are so right. Regis IS part of me and will always be. It is so new I still can't believe he is gone. I can still see the crumbs on the carpet from his doggie treats, and the scratches he made when "digging". I think getting a new focus for love will help but agree I need to get past a certain point so as to be sure not to "compare" because there IS no comparison. I don't think I could do a foster thing, because I think I would have trouble saying goodbye... But I will take your advice and keep reading here. It IS nice to get support from others who understand. thank you.

Hi Regis' Mom,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Today is the one week mark for me losing my Sasha. I won't tell you it has been easy. Like you I felt sick and just did not get out of bed for a couple of days. I truly understand how you feel and how great your loss is. Like you I feel empty. I had her since she was 8 weeks and she was 11 when she died of cancer.

Luckily I have another dog (she is 12 so I'm worred about that). I also have 2 ##tiels. I am going to get a puppy soon but a different breed as is it is too soon for me even though I loved my Scottie. I don't want her to think I am replacing her - no dog ever can. I think you have to be ready for it, and I think it is a different time span for everyone. Maybe a puppy will bring you a different kind of joy than Regis, but will fill the void.

I hope that you can think of all the good times you and Regis had through the years. Just remember he lives on in your heart and soul.

My heart goes out to you - I know your pain and I am so sorry.

Nancy (Sasha's Mom)

Thank you so much Nancy - I feel for you too. I so much appreciate the support and kind words. I still don't know what to do, but do agree I don't think I could get another shih tzu right now.... I am glad you have another dog to help console you. I am also thinking having two is a good idea... I am just a mess and don't trust anything that goes through my head right now. I don't know how to breathe.....

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know what you mean about stepping out of the shower over your Regis. My cat, Pootie, whom I lost in January at age 15 to renal failure, used to wait outside the shower for me. He liked to bat under the shower curtain, playing. He loved water, I could put him in the tub for a bath. I also lost another one of my cats, Maybelline, in January as well to cancer. She was only 10. The only sense I can make out of their passing within days of each other is that they needed to remain together. The first days after they were gone, I was so distraught that I couldn't sleep so I went through my house and rearranged some of the furniture. The table that Maybelline liked to lay under, I couldn't stand to look at it with her not there-it got moved to another room and a tablecloth throw over it so I couldn't see underneath. I still have bad days, even weeks later, my house seems empty and sad without them, even though I have two other cats in the house and two dogs as well.
When my brother lost his black lab, Homer, he only waited about 6 weeks before he started checking with the local animal shelters for another lab. He finally did adopt another lab from a shelter but this time he got a golden one, said he just couldn't get another black one. Everyone is different, if you feel like you're ready to welcome another furbaby into your home, I say do it. There are so many out there in shelters who need someone to love them, you can call the shelters and tell them what type dog you're looking for before going to visit. And one of the advantages of getting an oler dog, perhaps 1-5 years, is that they can "hold it" better so the house training is easier and they don't cry for their mama at night like puppies. Just a thought, you'll know what/when the time is right for you, follow your heart.

Beth

Beth I thank you for your kind and thoughtful words... I am surprised to hear how much you still ached even looking at furniture while having multiple other pets around. Perhaps I am wrong about having others helping the loss...I don't know. But I do think I understand your brother's feelings about getting another dog that is different. I guess I will just have to follow my heart.... I usually do, but just feel so completely disoriented and lost I don't even know my own feelings right now. I am praying that will change... He is my first and only baby. Was. I have not been through this before although I know I will go through it again... I can't help but think the first is the worst. But then again what do I know??? Thank you......

Dear Regis's mommy-

oops...sorry about that. Anyway, as I was saying, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Regis. He is a handsome fellow. I can tell how much you loved him by the picture of him ay his birthday party. I can tell you treated him like the truly special creature that he was. I lost my baby Lucy last Friday night to lymphoma. She would have been 6 in April. I miss her so much. Last weekend was one of the hardest of my life. I cried and cried, screamed, walked around looking for her. It was complete and utter devestation. A week later, and I still miss her terribly, but the sharp stabbing grief is not there. Instead, it is more of just a numbness and general sadness. I have also been very tired. Grieving is very hard on the body.

I have found myself looking at Lab Rescue sights and ads in the newspapers for dogs too. I think the reason I did that was because I so badly wanted Lucy back, I just wanted another dog presence in the house. I know I need to wait awhile before getting another dog. I would expect the new dog to behave like Lucy did, and I know that wouldn't be fair to either of us. I do think that everyone has their own time table, and some are ready sooner than others to get a new dog. I am still figuring out my timetable, as you will yours.

I will be thinking of you and your baby Regis. Hopefully, he met Lucy at the Rainbow Bridge and they are running around together...

Caroline

Hi Regis' Mom,
So very sorry to hear about the loss of you beloved Regis. It is such an incredibly painful time when our loved ones pass on, & like you say, the pain & emotions can make it difficult to even think straight. My heart really goes out to you - I can see that Regis was a big big part of your life. You were lucky to have found eachother
Regis sounds like a wonderful dog, & the photo of him is really lovely. Like Caroline say, I think every one has their own timetable, & the danger is that you may want a new dog to BE Regis. On the other had, you seem like a loving person who obviously would have alot to give to a new furry life. But only you can know when is the time is right.
Thinking of you at this very difficult time..
Elsie

I'm so sorry for your loss of Regis. How wonderful that you two had 14 years together. I know you must miss him terribly.

For me, getting a puppy right away was not an option. I was afraid I'd be looking for a Shiloh replacement and the poor puppy would never live up to my expectations. Trust you heart...you'll know when you're ready for a new puppy.

You're in my thoughts.
Kathleen

Hi Regismom,

I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could do something to make all pets live forever so no new people had to sign up on this board. I absolutely love your avatar picture, what a doll he was!!

I was alot like you with my first dog, it was me and him since almost the day I moved out of my parents house; and I was devastated when he passed away. I waited 3 years to get another dog, Jake who is my avatar now, he just passed away also at age 11, it's been 5+ months now. I miss Jake so much, he was such a sweet dog, I hate to even think it but sometimes I feel I loved him more than my first dog.. I don't know if that is because my first has been gone so long now or what.

We got a new puppy within a month of Jake passing, my hus and I both agreed we did not want to wait 3 years like I had before. I am very glad we have our new dog, Peety, because he is very cute and sweet and I love having a dog to share my life with -- the house was so deadly SILENT when we came home that first night after Jake passed, it was unbearable. It was something more than just "quiet", there was an awful heaviness.

I still grieve deeply for my Jakester, and I am glad my hus was a little less invested in him and has had more energy to put into training the puppy, they do have alot of energy :) and demand alot of attention. But I am very grateful to have the new dog here too, it has helped heal my heart - otherwise I think I would be crying every day still. In fact, little Peety always seems to come to me just when I am feeling most low about Jake, it's uncanny. A new pet, dog, will definately not be a replacement, but like you said, something to love and take care of like you did your Regis. I read about a woman who had like 5 or 6 dogs, she rescued them from shelters, and when she had to put one down she would get another that very day and she said she would not apologize for it. If and when you get another is entirely up to you, it's never too soon or too late, it's YOUR life. I do wish I had not waited 3 years the first time, life is short; but then I wouldn't have ended up with precious Jake either.

You don't have to get a crazy puppy who needs to be housebroken and taught everything, although they are awfully cute and entertaining; - you can either adopt an older dog who is already civilized :) or foster a dog or series of dogs until you feel ready. It's all up to you.

Best of luck!

Dear Regis's Mommy,

I am so sorry for your loss! What an adorbale picture of him!

Like j4lorn, I got a new puppy too. When I lost a beautiful yellow lab 12 years ago, I went out in a matter of days and got another puppy. That turned out to be my precious Rachael. She was the VERY best decision I had ever made, even though it was done with a broken heart in a matter of days. Then after we lost Rachael in October, we got a new puppy within one month (although brought her home after 2 months because of travel plans). She is not a replacement for Rachael, and we understood that. However, she is a joy in our lives! Since she is a puppy, we have been busy training her. She keeps us very active! I still grieve and miss my Rachael alot, but Brandy keeps us busy, gives us tons of love and fills our hearts with joy.

The timeline is up to you, but I always recommend getting another furbaby as soon as you feel ready. People like us with such caring and loving hearts, should not be left without a furbaby to enjoy that!

Cheri

Hi Regis' Mom,
I am so sad for your loss. I know your pain as I lost my beloved best friend 6 weeks ago.
Indy was 10 years old and suffered from several chronic illnesses for 2 years prior to my losing him.
I could also not get another pet, before his death, for fear that it would cause him too much stress.
Though I long for the love of a new furbaby, after 6 weeks I am not ready.
I need more ttime to grieve my loss before bringing someone new in. I'm sure my heart, though missing a piece,
will be able to love again.
I think every individual has thier own time line for the "right" time for a new pet. It is whatever you are comfortable with.
Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Fran

Thank you all so much for your words, opinions and experiences. I am praying for you all as well, and hope all our babies are getting together waiting for us. I am still lost and don't know what to do except take one day at a time. I will just have to trust that I will know when the right time will be. Right now I do agree I don't think I have the energy for a new dog yet. I am physically ill.

Has anyone else experienced this? Not only am I tired, I am weak, shaky, and nauseous. I can't eat, I can't sleep well, and I can't think straight. All accompanied by spontaneous bouts of crying. I thought I was getting a little better, but the physical response is flooring me. When will it end? Is this normal?

I am so sorry that you lost you precious Regis. I know how bad the pain is from the heartbreak and feeling as though you have lost your very heart and soul.

I became very ill after losing my 2 girls so close together. One was my son's chihuahua and the other was my miniature schnauzer Snookie. I kept thinking that I was feeling ill because of the pain from missing my girls so much.

It started out when I lost my voice and then my throat, ears, eyes, back, stomach and everything hurt. I became very dizzy and felt like I would pass out even my vision was blurred, my lungs hurt all the time too. I just continued to get sick with other things.

I could not keep my mind on anything for very long. I could hardly eat and lost 30 pounds in a few weeks time. Sleep was hard to come by and I never got more than a few hours at a time. Pain and guilt were eating away at me and I felt I really didn't care if I died or not at least I would be with my girls.

My 8 year old grand daughter Sara asked me if I was going to die like Snookie and Chili Bean did. That's when I knew I had to go to the doctor, for the sake of her and my other sweet grand babies I could not let myself die.

I had blood test and other tests done and infection was throughout my body. I had to have bed rest and I hated that I never was one to stay in bed for very long. The doctor gave me nerve pills and I hated the emotions they brought out in me but I kept taking them and I feel so much better now.

So please go to your doctor and get some help before it is to late. Life is worth the living and the pain will get better. When the time is right and when you are ready you will be there to embrace and love a new baby. Although it doesn't feel like it to you right now someday joy and laughter will once again fill your heart and your life. Regis would want that for you since all our babies ever wanted was what was best for us and what made us happy.
Ann

Hi Regismom,

Yes, all you are feeling physically is perfectly normal and it will fade with time. There was an article on MSN's website just a day or so ago about how a broken heart really does cause changes in your real heart and vessels.. and other parts of your body too I am sure, parts they just have not studied yet.

That is why I said I was glad my hus was here to do most of the care-taking of our new puppy while I was going through that early grief. I still cry occassionally, esp if I listen to Barry Manilow's "Can't Smile Without You" (it just seems tailor made for me and my Jake and makes me cry in about 10 seconds - I KNOW IT"S CHEESY!!) but the rest of the physical stuff has gone away. I had a couple of near panic attacks too, I'd be out driving to the grocery or something and be thinking about how life is without my loverbug from now on, and I'd start feeling so sad and utterly lonely and anxious... but time heals most of it away, leaves you with a scar on your heart but it does get better.

Puppies are alot of work at any rate, with housebreaking and chewing and all they need to be taught, I had forgotten how much work they are!! So if you want a puppy, wait until you are feeling better and have the time. You can always adopt an older dog too that won't be quite as much work, at first I really missed the maturity of my 11 year old, he was really smart and knew alot of words and all my habits.

Well, don't make this process too hard or over-thought; you will know you are ready when your feeling of wanting a new dog outweighs your grief for your Regis. The first time I waited until the grief was completely gone before I got another dog, that took over 2 years for me. But I saw afterward that it wasn't neccessary, for me, to wait that long. Once you get past the initial intense grieving, and you will get past it just with the passage of time, then I think a new pet would help alot. Not as a replacement, you will stll grieve for your lost one, but a new pet will bring some joy back into your life.

I am so sorry for your loss Regis' Mom.Thank you for posting that beautiful pic of him.He sure was a handsome little guy.
I lost my Bijou Jan.13 of this year.I ,like the other's on here understand and know the heartbreak you are going through.I know how it is to walk around with this choking,about to cry feeling in your throat all day.
Myself, I need some time before I get another dog because I am afraid that I may compare every other dog I get to Bijou, but I think that if you feel ready to get another puppy - then do so.
Your messages seem as if you need to have another puppy to fill the void.I find nothing wrong with that at all. If I felt as sure as you did I would get another dog now. Everyone deals in thier own way and I think that if a puppy can help you that is great because another doggy will benefit from your wonderful care and love. Just wanted to add my opinion and again I am so sorry about the passing of Regis.

Oh my gosh Caroline! The part you mentioned about looking at rescue sites was exactly like me. I have been doing that too! Looking at dogs that look like my Bijou! And what you mentioned about expecting the new dog to behave like your Lucy is exactly how I feel. I think that I would expect that too from a new dog right now which is why I opted to take it slow before adopting a new dog.

I just wish Bijou could come back. Crazy but that is what I I ask while crying sometimes.

So much of what you all say describes exactly what I have been feeling too. I don't think I could handle getting another shih tzu because there will NEVER be another Regis. He was The Best! He was so smart and cute and sweet. How many dogs do you know that would let you take their picture while sitting on a stool in front of a cake while wearing a paper hat? Regis did - each and every year. And yes, I have a picture of him on the same stool, with the same table and the exact same hat for each of his 14 years. I know many people think I am nuts, but I don't care. He was the love and light of my life.

Thanks for showing that pic!I love them - they are adorable pictures!They made me smile.

Noone here thinks you are nuts..They all seem to understand the love of a pet and how deep this love is.

I know you think people think you are "nuts" because some unlucky people have never felt this joy and total love that our pets give us.They'll never know that special comforting unconditional love of a pet.

Pets never do anything bad to us - they just love us - warts and all! They are totally dedicated to making us feel good.
Don't worry you are not crazy.Keep sharing with us the uniqueness of your handsome and intelligent Regis.

Dear Regis' Mom,
I think that's so adorable that Regis had his photo taken, every year, with a hat & a cake! And no, it not nuts at all! He sounded like a really lovely dog, & he must certainly have been aware of how very special he was to you. Have you thought of getting all those 14 yearly photos & putting them all together in a big frame (or maybe they already are). I think that would make a lovely montage.
Hugs,
Elsie

Actually, I had just finished getting all 14 photos (digital) in one folder so I could burn them on a CD and do whatever... I was even thinking of sending them to Regis Philbin. I was hoping to get Regis on national television.... now I don't know... It all started with this one....

AAWWWW!!! That is just the cutest picture ever!!!!! That really really is so adorable!! Thanks for sharing that with us Regis' Mom!!
Love from Elsie

Dear Regis Mom,

Those pictures are the cutest ever. No - you are not nuts. I celebrated both my dogs birthdays with them and always made them a special cheeseburger and other goodies. They loved it although Sasha was not wild about wearing birthday hats. They knew how special they were.

I think people that tell you that you are crazy just don't have the same connection with animals that we all do. Too bad they never get to experience the joy you had with Regis and I had with Sasha and my other dog Skipper (she is still here with me thank God). They will never know what they missed.

Nancy (Sasha's Mom)

Thanks! I agree. Regis was absolutely the BEST thing that ever happened to me. He was soooooo sweet... and fiesty too! I can't help it , I am in the mood to share pictures because I miss him so much I want the world to see his unique beauty.....

keep sharing pictures, they are so cute! i can see why you love him so much. he had to be a good boy to pose for you like he does. i'm sorry that you lost him - neither he nor you deserve this. as for getting new pets - my best friend is getting rid of a beautiful black persian and wants me to have it. she is so sweet and doesn't get the attention she deserves at home due to the presence of so many other animals. i would love to take her but i feel that it would be disloyal to kitty. i know that i definitely need more time - it's only been 3 days - but i am so lonely. i know what you mean by wanting another furry presence. i feel the same way. i do have two ferrets that are so funny to watch but they are not affectionate and i need something to cuddle. i do not want to replace my kitty - that would be impossible, as would be for regis. i feel that i cannot make any rational decisions in my stage of grief so i will wait.

Amber,

You and I have been grieving for the same amount of time for pets we had for the same amount of time. I agree you need to know when you are ready for a new pet, but the more I have been thinking about it, the more I think I need to get one soon. Regis could NEVER EVER be replaced, but I still need someone to love and be loved by. And I think you might too. Wait some more, but ask your friend not to give away her kitty just yet. You may change your mind with some more time. If not that's okay too, but it would be nice to know that you have the option of getting a new outlet for your loving soul that you already know and have affection for.

Lisa

I just love your photos of Regis!!!! Thanks so much for sharing them.
We also celebrated Indy's birthday every year.
His was on the 4th of July so he always had special barbecued burgers or steak
for his dinner. We all sang to him and he opened gifts.
And why shouldn't we celebrate our beloved pets special day???? After all, they are members of our families.
Regis has such a sweet little face. I can see he was a very special little dog.
Love,
Fran

I've already posted Regis' first birthday pic and my avatar is from his 10th, so here is his 14th...taken just 2 weeks ago (we had the party late).

Dear Lisa,

So sorry about the the loss of your beloved Regis. What an adorable dog, and how special he was to pose for his yearly birthday picture. LS is the best place to be. Everyone here knows just how you feel and will help you along the way.

Thinking of you,

Lynn

Just go right on posting those pictures of Regis. I for one love to see them and I am sure many more members love to see them too. What a doll!!! My husband and I always had birthday parties for our furbaby and our fur grandbabies too. We wanted to celebrate the day our sweet furbaby angels came to live on this earth and show them how much we loved them.
Ann

Dear Lisa:

I am very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Regis!!!

Thank you for sharing your beautiful & precious pictures of Regis ........
Such a cute fellow, and I just love that he posed for his birthday..........

I am soooooooooo very happy that you have those photos!!!! (and, the same hat.....wow!!!)

We are the lucky ones---having furkids in our lives to love, and take care of............and, in return........gosh, don't we just receive soooooooooo much
more from our little furkids????? They love us soooooooooo unconditionally!!!!!

I know that we all feel blessed!!!!!

God Bless!!!

Love, Denise

p.s. With regard to "adopting another furbaby"..............After our sweet Ernestine was put
to sleep on February 7, 2004.........I swore that I WOULD NEVER, EVER, EVER....ETC....., GET
ANOTHER FURKITTY!!!!!
But, after about 2 & 1/2 weeks, the silence in this house was deafening.......and, I started
looking at PetFinder, Shelter websites, and I saw all these little souls that desperately needed
a home.......(
Well, exactly one month after Ernestine went to the Bridge, Ben and I went to a shelter and
came home with not one, but two furkids......(Ms. Lucy was 7 and Mr. Yoster was 8)......

I felt that Ernestine would lead us to "our new family", and I have no doubt that she did.....

Some of my very early posts talk about "the struggle" with "should we or shouldn't we??".......
After having Ernestine since I was 23.......and, she was put to sleep when I was 43.......We had
close to 20 beautiful, precious years together.........
I just knew that she'd want her mommy and daddy to share all the love that we had to give.....

Thank you all for your support. I hope you like the pictures. I love them. But part of it really hurts to look at them and know I can never hug and kiss that beautiful little angel again.... I hope he guides me to a new little furbaby too.

Regis'Mom,

Those pics are so adorable!Thank you so much for sharing them.I know it hurts right now to look at them .First a smile appears on your face, then the tears start to flow because of your heartache.

I feel the same way when I look at my Bijou's pictures but I hope - no - I know, that in time I will look at them and smile,giggle at her "Bijouness" and feel good about the memories of her.I'm so glad that I have them.