Last night after all the hustle and bustle of Christmas was over,
and my husband and I were alone, we went outside into the quiet night
in our back yard.

We took a small white candle and set it on the snow under the
pine tree. We lit the light to remember our sled dog, Tico,
who we lost to old age a few months ago

We talked quietly about his last days and his part in our lives.
Then we brought the candle to the porch and just let in shine for
him until it went out by itself. I had a strong sense of
his spirit and whenever I looked out the window for the rest of
the night, I felt warmed.

May the season's peace wrap you in its arms with comfort,
may the joy you had with your fur baby dance in your heart and
may you (and we) all heal soon.

Tonight, I will light another candle in the snow for Tico,
for all the fur babies in shelters hoping for a home,
and to honor your beautiful one who is no longer with you.

Love to you
Cathi

That was so beautiful...I had a candle going all day today in honour of my lost furry loved ones. I kept thinking back to last Christmas and how fortunate I was to have them with me.
I too hope to heal a little because it still hurts so much.
I went to the SPCA and brought blankets, food and toys, I visited all the animals and petted them all, there were a couple that I felt something for but I also realized that I am still grieving too much and am just not ready yet.
Peace to you...

Hi Samhaincat, Yes, I am so surprised by how much it still hurts too. How kind of you to go visiting. I want to do that too, but am not even ready for that yet. I usually collect blankets in the summer at garage sales and then wash them but no garage sales now. However, I could go to thrift stores and get some. Thanks for the great idea. So sorry for your loss too. I didn't think it would hurt as much as when a person dies (or more).

Warm thoughts to you and your furbabies who have gone to a place where they won't hurt either.....

Cathi

Cathi,
Wow, that was a nice read. I light a candle by my bedside....not every night anymore but still with great regularity. My son calls it Parkers light, I know that Parker's light is with me always, even when it isn't lit. I recently adopted a new baby from the shelter and wish I could have all of them. I know I am not ready, but from the intense relationship I had with Parker, I would never be ready. So, I plunged in to fill a void....thank god I did. "Norman" is so sweet and provides a whole new little personality to get to know and love. Their will never be another Parker and I cry every single day....several times a day still, but it is nice to bury my head in Norman when I cry at the end of a long day. So, if anyone is considering it but doesn't think they are ready......go see, take a leap and maybe your baby upstairs will nudge you in one way or another. I feel like Parker sent Norman to me, to help me muddle through.

Parker's Mom,
Kerry

Hi Kerry, I'm so sorry about Parker. I'll bet he feels your love by your ritual of lighting that candle. I just have to believe I will see my fur babies again including a sheltie and my sweet cat, Jellico. Congrats on your new baby, Norman.
What is he/she? Hope you will feel better soon.

peace
Cathi