I don't think I'll ever 'get over' Soshi, and I don't really want to. She taught me how to love, truly love, another being without thinking of myself first.
I dreamt about her last night, and in my dream, I knew she had died, so I was fully aware that it was a wonderful thing that she was there. I have this type of dream often now, and I suspect it's Soshi's way of telling me she's now well. You see, she died a very sick kitty with lymphoma in her brain. She was also diabetic and dependent on insulin for the last 5 years of her life. So, in my dreams she's completely well. She lets me know this, and lets me pick her up and hold her. I miss this so much, that when I wake up from my dream I am just grateful I've gotten to hold her again.
I also know my Soshi was grateful to me the whole time she was here - she was a rescue, and I was able to give her a good life in her later years.
So, when she died I greived as I never have before. She was my best friend. I could tell her anything, and she never judged me! Though almost unbearably painful at first, the greif became easier, more gentle, I guess, with time. I was smiling more when I though of her instead of simply crying and then crying more.
Then I go into a pet store, don't ask me why, as I have no other pets, and there's George and Ringo.
I bring them home, wondering a little if Soshi will be jealous, but as soon as they get settled, I know she would like them. They are each like her in some ways, and not in many others. They are sweet, funny, and loving. I am blessed to be able to give them a home.
I've told them about their sis, Soshi, and shown them the box where she now sleeps. They have knocked down or gotten into everything sitting out, so I continue to be amazed that they respectfully walk around that box when they hop up on the dresser to look out the window or play or nap....do they know? Who can tell, but I can believe they do. She's still here, watching over us, keeping us in her heart, too.

Good Lucky with your two new FurBabies, George and Ringo! It is an honor to the joy Soshi brought into your life that made you search out, not replacements, but addisions to your family. I am sure she is by your side surrounding you, and her two new brothers with her love. She may even help you to keep them in line a little. I am sure they can see and sense her, because I know at times my other FurBabies are aware of my Simpie Girl. If big sister kitties that have passed are anything like they are when they are here, I am sure the boys will at times feel a soft wisp of a paw if they get too out of hand, because after all, "Boys will be Boys"!
I wish you peace and joy, both of which I am sure the new kids will help bring.
Cindi

Don't you just absolutely love those kind of dreams ?!?! I,too, have those same kind of dreams where I know it is a visit from her...it is just different from other dreams. There are times I have dreams and she is there, but it isn't like she has ever died and I don't know I'm dreaming until I wake..just a dream. Then there are the dreams where she comes to visit me. I know these dreams are 'visits' because I know I am dreaming, and I know the reality is that she is actually passed on, so I try to hug and squueze her as much as I can because I know I'm going to wake up! She always seems so excited to see me like she always did, and it feels so good to see her happy and to hear her beautiful voice talking to me as she always did! It is the most comforting thing in the world! I get so mad when I wake up, though ! I actually had these same type of dreams about my grandma when she first passed, and as crazy as I may sound for saying this, she even told me things I couldn't otherwise know, so I know her visits are real! My parents even had to admit that there was something to these dreams when I answered a question about some legal stuff that they were confused about after she died which she answered to me in one of these dreams! She has been with Sasha on one occasion in one of these 'visitation' dreams, so that is extra comforting to know my grandma is looking after her for me.....they loved each other a lot ! I hope that everyone can find themselves open enough to experience these type of things. Some people get sad because they think their babies don't send them signs, or visit them, but I just think that some people aren't as receptive to it, or they don't validate the signs they do get. It takes a lot of energy for our babies to communicate with us from the other side, so even if it is something small that could be coincidence, validate it for them anyway...you never know !!
your friend in grief,
Kim

It's been a while since I visited this site. I was thinking a lot about Soshi today, and thought I'd log on and say hi.
I still greive over my Soshi - but now I have my two new friends to keep me company. They keep me very busy - my two sweet boys! I'd forgotten what a handful young ones can be. They will be one year old next month.I am so lucky to be able to give them a good home.
I know Soshi would approve as she was a rescue, too.
If anyone is wondering if they should get another pet, I know it helped me heal some. Even though they are nothing like my Soshi, I still am reminded how sweet and loving she was because they are too.
They are still their own selves, though. It is fun getting to know them.
Thanks for all the support.
love,
brandy

Bless you for taking in the new guys. I know that Soshi would approve. It's a wonderful gift to give a new home to an animal who has no one to turn to. We've taken in three cats since Daddy Cat left us. Here is a picture of our newest adoption, Luvey. We got her from Goliath and Bebe's World, a pet rescue group my wife and I volunteer for. I strongly urge anyone who has a hole in their heart from a loss to make the world a little better by adopting a pet in need. The reward is the love and appreciation of an animal who may have never known love before.

Give head pats to the guys there for me.

Just a little something to encourage those who want another furbaby to open their hearts to another in need, it isn't disrespecting your lost furbabies, it's honoring them !

Not only is there always another good animal
in need of a good home,
but we must remember to be thankful
for the time and love our animals give us
while they are here.
Take time to enjoy them and learn from them.
As painful as it is to lose them,
they teach us to love unselfishly,
they teach us to live each day to the fullest,
they teach us to grow old gracefully,
and they teach us to die with dignity.
We do them disrespect
to focus only on the sorrow of their death
when they have given us so much joy through their life.
If we wish to honor them,
take what they have given us,
all that love,
and give it back to another animal
in need of help.

-- Kent C. Greenough

I pray for all those homeless and suffering furbabies tonight~I hope they will all someday know peace and love.........

Go George and Ringo go!!!