Hello all.

Our "Baby" was born 27/11/97. She was a Patterdale Jack Russell.

She was dead at birth and left in the membrane by her mum who rejected her. I broke the membrane, she was lifeless. My husband tried to take her off me to bury her. I held onto her and told him to leave us alone. My husband went out in disgust saying "she's dead". I immediately started to vigorously massage here tiny body (about 5" long) and put her nose and mouth in mine, how long for I do not know. Suddenly there was a movement in one of her tiny paws. She then just sprang into life and squeeked. She was alive. I have never prayed so hard in my entire life.

I have always rescued animals, so perhaps my experience helped, my husband said that I must be a witch! She was so loved and spoilt. She was the boss. She was tiny but perfect, ginger haired and beautiful. I bottlefed her and I was her mummy.

It was her 13th birthday on the 27th November 2010. Her lovely ginger face was now white with age. I was so glad that she made it to 13. We bought her a new collar, lead and coat. She loved going out in the car and had lots of caravan holidays. Recently she just went out on little walks as she was doddery. From the 7th December she refused any of her favourite foods. On the 8th December her little legs began to give way and she just wanted to sleep. She was in the house on a quilt, comfy at the side of the radiator. She was telling us that the was ready to go to heaven. She went in her sleep peacefully, with my sons and I stroking and kissing her, holding her little paws. We are so grateful for 13 wonderful years and she will always be with us. She is buried outside my front door in her new coat, collar and lead.

My husband died five years ago aged just 53. He loved Baby so much, as we all did. I hope my husband is now looking after her as we have, our Baby was a miracle.

We are devastated yet happy for her.

Bless her, be happy our precious Baby, we love you so much.

It's the ones left behind who suffer. She really was our Baby from the day she took her first breath to the say she took her last. She was there for us and we were there for her. It could never have been long enough. ***

Hi, Kestle, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the loss of your beloved Baby. Losing a beloved companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we have been blessed with the privilege of their company. It doesn't matter if it's our first, our tenth, our fiftieth - - our earthly journey with our beloved companions is never long enough for we will always want just one more minute, one more hour, one more week, one more - - life time.

How wonderful that you were there to give Baby her "breath of life" so that she could have a lifetime of love and comfort with you and your husband. Unfortunately, like our bodies, our beloved companions' physical bodies are not designed for immortality on this side of eternity. But the love bond we share with them during their earthly journey is eternal - - it continues to live on in our hearts and memories for love is not confined to the physical laws of time and space.

Kestle, please be assured that your husband is indeed enjoying the company of your precious Baby in heaven's perfect garden. Clinical studies have shown that the physical loss of a beloved companion, particularly one that is shared with another human family member, is doubly hard, for it can feel as though you have lost your husband all over again since Baby has now gone to the angels. If you find you are feeling this way, please know this is normal.

Kestle, this grief journey is a one day at a time journey, sometimes a one minute at a time journey. It is filled with so many different emotions sometimes overwhelming us all at one time. It is unpredictable - - sometimes from one moment to the next - - from one day to the next. It is often described as a horror roller coaster ride. Please know this is a journey you will not be making alone, Kestle. Each of us are here for you for as long and as often as you need us. Perhaps at some point in time you will feel up to sharing a picture(s) of your precious Baby with us, and perhaps some of your memories.

Kestle, thank you so much for sharing your precious Baby with us. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how things are going.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear moon beam, I thank you so much for your lovely words of comfort. I am sobbing my heart out as I write this but it is so good to know that there are people out there who understand the devastation and heartache we feel.

Hi, Kestle, oh what a sweetie!! Look at her precious face!!! Thank you so o o much for sharing this picture with us, Kestle. How well I know what you are going through, Kestle. But it is good that you are crying for the tears you cry are healing tears - - literally - - for they help to not only soothe your breaking heart, but they also rid your body of the toxins that build up from the stress of grief. Some folks think that if they suppress their grief that the sorrow they are feeling will not hurt as bad. But clinical studies have proven over and over again that suppressed grief is harmful both physically and emotionally, and will eventually need to be reckoned with. So, although I am very saddened you are having to endure this grief journey, I am thankful you are providing yourself the opportunity to acknowledge your sorrow and to give your body and soul an opportunity to release your grief. I too know what it is like to type on a soggy keyboard.

Kestle, thank you again so much for sharing this precious picture of your Baby with us. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear Kestle

I am so sad for the loss of your precious 'Baby'. What a wonderful story you have shared with us of a miracle that you brought about when you fought so hard to bring your baby back to life. And what a life she shared with you. It is so clear how much she is loved and cherished. Her photo is beautiful.

You and your sons were there for her to help her to pass peacefully on the next stage of her 'journey'. Her sweet spirit will always be with you. I truly believe that our 'Angels' are with us for all eternity.

I send my thoughts and prayers to you and your sons. Please let us know how you are and maybe when you feel able we could see some more photos of Baby.
Thinking of you.

Hugs
Jan and my Angels and Pixie xx

Dear Janika, thank you so much for taking the trouble to write the lovely things you have said. It is comforting to know that people out there care so much. It really does help when you are feeling so low and weak at times like this.

You would think at my age, 63, and with all the animals that I have had, from the age of 5, that I would be used to it and more able to cope. However, I think if anything it becomes harder with time to accept the loss and the grief. The times that I have said never again over the years and then before I know where I am an animal in need has come along and I could never turn my back. I think I will be like this to the day I die.

I know as I am going through this there are other people out there hurting just as much.

I know though that as low as we are feeling now that all the time we spend with our animals, and the pleasure they give has got to make it all worthwhile.

I will put some more pictures on of some of my animals including some of Baby from puppyhood to old age.

My love to all out there and those who have responded to me.

By the way my name is Gloria.

What an amazing story, I enjoyed reading it very much. What a little darling she was, such a beautiful face and she had 13 years and a fabulous life with people who adored her thanks to you. I'm very sad you lost your husband at such a young age. God bless you and your sons, you have my deepest sympathy for your loss, I know how incredibly sad you are and you are in my prayers. Believe your husband and your darling are together now, I believe these things, it's what keeps me going. Hugs xoxo


madi xx

Hi, Gloria, as we get older and experience losses of loved ones - - whatever the life form - - we better understand how fragile life is. We no longer have the "invincibile" mind set that is part of younger years. And - - as we get older we experience more losses because all the people we grew up with, went to school with, work with are becoming physically fragile as well. The physical loss of loved ones is a reminder to us of our individual mortality and our vulnerability, and this becomes more prominent as we get older.

Clinical professionals are now recognizing that the physical loss of a beloved companion is as traumatic, if not more so, as the physical loss of a human family member or friend. Why? Because our beloved companions bring to us their unconditional love and undivided attention, and we in turn surrender ourselves to them completely without reservation. This is very unique from our relationships with our human loved ones - - for with our human loved ones there are expectations, hopes, desires, dreams, etc. in our relationships with them. With our beloved companions, though, they just accept us for who we are - - regardless of what we have or don't have socially, financially, etc.. All they ask in return is that we love them and take care of them to the very best of our ability on whatever level that is.

So, Gloria, from one "golden" valued citizen to another (for we are both past our "golden anniversary of 50" by a few years), it really doesn't matter what our chronological age is, it doesn't matter if our loss is our first, tenth, or fiftieth - - the deep grief we feel when we lose a beloved companion never gets "easier" - - and should never be expected by others around us to "be easier." Unfortunately not everyone in our lives understands this, and sometimes this includes the ones who are the closest to us. This is one of the many reasons why this wonderful forum is here - - for each of us to come together to be among people who truly do understand what we are feeling and going through.

Gloria, we will look forward to seeing pictures of your beloved companions and to knowing how you're doing whenever possible. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear all,

I can't thank you enough for your fantastic words of comfort and support. It has really brought it into focus how much you care and understand.

Today has been really hard, possibly my worst day so far. I feel I must have bottomless wells behind my eyes. I can't sleep or eat and feel so weak physically. I am trying so hard to celebrate Baby's life, but perhaps selfishly I am wallowing in self pity and yearning.

My eldest son phoned today and said "Why are you still crying? After all the animals you have had and lost you should have an established coping mechanism". I can't answer that, I only know how broken I feel, I see her little face and ask out loud why, why, why do we have to lose such loyal true darlings? I suppose I must be much less strong these days as time goes by.

My baby was extra special because I was her mummy in every sense of the word, from the start the bond is as strong as between human mother and child. I have five sons so I know the bonding feelings.

This has been so traumatic can't begin to explain it to my lads because they will never be a mum. I couldn't protect her from age or death in the end.

Please god let her be young again in heaven for all who loved her and her canine buddies gone before.

Bless them all and all of you on lightning strike. xx

Dear Gloria

Cry as much as you need my friend. I cried nearly all day yesterday and it's been almost 5 years since my Tasha left me and 16 months for my Noushka. I cope most of the time and manage to enjoy life, especially since we rescued darling Pixie in February, but still my heart aches for my precious fur babies, even my Vikki, my corgi who left me when I was 12 years old. I will be 60 next year and I have been so lucky to have so many fur companions to share my life with. I feel so honoured and privileged.
I see you are UK based, the same as me. Maybe we can meet up on chat sometime. The chat room here is great and at last there's someone in my time-zone. Let me know if you feel like a 'chat'. I will probably check in about 11pm tonight and then around 7-8 am tomorrow. I understand if you don't feel like live chat, but I will be there if you need some company.
Hugs
Jan and my Angels and Pixie x

Hi, Gloria, please let me reassure you that what you are feeling is absolutely normal, - - traumatic and grievous, - - but still perfectly normal. As Jan has already so comfortingly encouraged you, so I wish to echo her words: Cry as often as you need to, Gloria, this is healthy, and perfectly normal. I do so know what you mean about the endless wells in your eyes. I'm still employed, and will be probably until I take my last breath (a long and not pleasant story), and there are still drives into work and home again where I find myself just sobbing. It isn't a lack of faith, and - - it is NEVER a case of self-pity. Grieving is a process of adjusting to a "new normal" that no longer includes the physical presence of our beloved companions. We live in a physical-based world: taste, touch, smell, hear, and sight. When we lose a beloved companion, we lose our physical bond with them. The adjustment to the loss of their physical presence is a very painful one - - both physically and emotionally. So, please Gloria, let yourself feel what you're feeling, when you're feeling it, or as soon as you feel comfortable feeling it. And if someone who may be with you at the time, or talking to you at the time, doesn't understand this and can't be compassionate to you even though they may not understand then they are the ones who are the confused ones - - not you.

Thank you so o o much for honoring us by sharing these wonderful pictures with us. Your precious fur kids look so happy - - and rightfully so - - for they know they are forever loved. Please believe me when I say that not even the dimming of our minds with age will ever diminish the warm glow that is in our hearts for our beloved companions. The love bond we share with our beloved companions is eternal, Gloria - - nothing can ever take this away from us.

Gloria, please know we are here for you and with you every step of this grief journey for as long and as often as you need us. I hope you and Jan are able to link up with one another in chat. I do not do well in live chat situations, so I truly am very grateful for these message forums. But even though we are separated by the "great Atlantic pond" (I live in Virginia), please know you are frequently in my thoughts and prayers, and do look forward to knowing how you're doing whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hello All I HAVE COME ON TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR OVERWHELMING KINDNESS CONCERN AND SUPPORT AT THE LOSS OF MY PRECIOUS BABY I HAVE HAD TO TAKE THE PICS OFF AS IT WAS BREAKING MY HEART BUT I WANTED YOU TO SEE HER AT THE DAYS OLD STAGE TO OLD AGE AT THE END I AM NOT REALLY AN INTERNET FAN AT ALL BUT YOU HAVE BEEN SO VERY GOOD ON HERE I KNOW NOW THAT I MUST TRY TO LIVE WITH THE SADNESS OF LOSING BABY AND CLING TO THE HAPPY YEARS WE SHARED TOGETHER I KNOW SHE WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART AND THOUGHTS FOREVER TILL THE DAY I DIE AND HOPEFULLY BE ABLE TO HOLD HER AGAIN I AM STILL TOO LOST AND BROKEN TO BE ABLE TO TALK ABOUT IT I AM HURTING TOO MUCH JUST NOW ONCE AGAIN ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE TAKEN THE TROUBLE TO TALK TO ME THANK YOU SO MUCH ***

LOVE GLORIA

Hello everyone Just felt the need to come on again today i have been reading some of the such tragic losses and it does bring it home that we are all suffering together even though we are so far apart in the world and allso how lucky we were to have our Baby for 13 yrs when i see some of the poor peoples stories on here it makes me think the worst thing is to be deprived of a full lifetime I read about little kittens not even grown up or really lived hardly i read about dogs suffering bad pain and then having to be put to sleep I can relate to that as i have lost so many dogs cats birds and wildlife reptiles over my years of rescuing animals and cried for each and every one perhaps my age is telling on me now and i am nowhere near as strong as i used to be mentally or physically because this has brought me to my knees literally Iwas thinking no one could feel so low as i do but i was wrong because i can feel the pain and loss through the words many are writing the grief comes through i have tried to cut myself off from reality this past few days since losing our Baby but all i was doing was isolating myself trying to cut off from the world itself i am now thinking if we share our grief we can perhaps draw strength from each other my thoughts are with you all out there wherever you are LOVE GLORIA ***

Hi, Gloria, it is so good to see you back. When I read your post yesterday I thought we would not hear from you again, and I was concerned. It is by sharing our grief that we can offer each other comfort, encouragement, support, and hope, for each of us are at different stages in our grief journey. When the deep grief passes, as it will, we do find ourselves being able to smile again when we think of our beloved companions, although there is always an empty place in our hearts because of the physical loss of our beloved companions who are with the angels.

Gloria, sometimes we do need to separate ourselves from the "world" as we have known it for awhile in order to re-build a "new world" in the process of adjusting to the physical loss of our beloved companions. This is not an easy process, Gloria, and it is one you do not ever have to attempt alone. For it is in reading the stories of others that we can begin to get ideas as to how we can re-define our lives that will once again find purpose - - one day at a time, Gloria, one step at a time. An example that is frequently used in this healing grief journey is "baby steps". There will be times when we will lose our balance and fall - - crumble as though it is the first moment when we realize our beloved companions are no longer physically here to share our earthly journey together. But with the strength of each us, we can help you once again to your feet, hold onto you, steady you, and help you find the encouragement and strength to take another step forward, and then another step, and then another step - -. Gloria, you are never alone in this grief journey, although from the grief itself it can feel as though you are.

For many years I went through a very long recovery and rehabilitation, and went through a very dark journey of depression. While I was in physical therapy I saw others who were more traumatically injured than I, and I gained inspiration from them to progress and overcome many challenges that I still have and will always have while I am on this side of eternity. However, this does not diminish the trauma that I experienced and continue to live with every day. So, please know that each story here is unique and each person here is valued for the deep sorrow and trauma of loss that is being experienced. You, Gloria, are valued, and we each share in your loss.

Gloria, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please do let us know how you're doing whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear moon beam, thank you for coming back to me again. I am feeling uphill and down valleys all the time. I want to talk but cant, mixed emotions and feelings from one minute to the next.

One minute I am trying to make sense and reason and the next I am feeling despair, not stable at all.

Put some more pics on of tiny Baby, one of her a few days old and a much more recent one. I have got hundreds of photos of my dogs as I mentioned before but would gridlock the site.
Also added photo of my dear alsations, Rex and Yella, who I lost aged 12 and 13 in 2006. I also lost Bess, a whippet greyhound, aged 17 the same year. The black and white photo is me aged 5 with my first love Trix, who has been gone many years.


Baby, aged approx 3 weeks old


Baby, more recently





I have only one left now, Arnie, my black alsation who is 8 years old and showing signs of age.

I have got many other photos of my other dogs, literally hundreds. It never gets any easier, because as you know I have always rescued, although some I have not even mentioned yet.
too many to talk about on here but it always gets harder to cope with, not easier as time passes.

Many thanks to you all again.

Love Gloria

Gloria I'm so sorry for your loss of Baby. The baby picture of her is just too cute...I can see how you fell in love with her....and your others are just gorgeous. You would think with age we would be able to handle this right? Like you...the loss has physically, mentally, and emotionaly brought me to my knees. Before I used to be able to think ahead of what I need to do tomorrow, next week and even next month...now I'm lucky to just do what I need to do to get through the day. In time you will get better because Gloria, the world needs more people like you. To rescue...means you have a big heart.

Lots of Hugs,

Annette

Hi, Gloria, thank you so o o much for sharing your wonderful pictures with us. The deep grief is very paralyzing both physically and emotionally. Clinical professionals recommend not making any serious decisions - - unless absolutely necessary - - until the trauma of deep grief eases. This grief journey is a one day at a time process, Gloria, sometimes a one minute at a time process. I hope you will be spared having to make any urgent decisions until you feel you're able to do so, Gloria. But whatever circumstances arise for you on a day to day basis, just please find encouragement in knowing that you will do the best you can, and no one can ask anything more than that from you.

I know Arnie is doing his best to comfort you, Gloria. You need each other now more than ever. I know this because of my precious 7 year old kitty son, Noah - - my sole survivor in a home that used to have four furkids. Since December 2006 he has witnessed each of his fur family members go home to the angels. My heart breaks for him as much as it does for me sometimes.

Gloria, thank you for honoring us by sharing more pictures of your precious companions with us. It truly is good to hear from you. I do understand what you mean about not being able to talk. That's okay, Gloria. Only you can define how and when and under what circumstances you feel comfortable sharing what is in your heart. Just please know we are here for you to share whatever you feel comfortable sharing whenever you feel comfortable doing so. And please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Gloria, and look forward to knowing how you're doing whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dearest Moonbeam and Annette, many thanks for your lovely messages. i am glad you like the pics of my darlings and know you both understand exactly what it is like to be in this position.

I have lost count of the amount of times i have said never again am i going to have anymore of this heartache by taking in to my life more darlings, but they come to me and i cant ever turn my back on them EACH and everyone bringing with so very much with them people say it is a good thing to rescue but you know they give so much more than they take always I will tell you a little story now. In 2006 3 months after my husband died i was rushed into hospital with a collapsed lung. i had to have major surgery and was in hospital for 5 weeks i was in much pain and on morphine. at the time i had six dogs in old age who needed me. i had photos in my room and just cried all the time praying that they wouldnt leave me and me not be there. my youngest son was taking care of them but i knew they needed their mum. I honestly believe that gave me the will to live for them and because of them when i came out they were so pleased.
Bess who was blind was snuggling her little head into my hands. her kidneys were going and she was 17 years old. i had adopted her aged about 8. I had to have her put to sleep. even then just as my sons were taking her she came to me and put her little old head in my hands wagged her tail and made everything worthwhile she could read my heart and soul.

i will put a pic of Bess on for you and some of my other treasures. I now have Arnie my 8 yr old alsation , our cat Suzie, who adopted us: followed my son home 13 rs ago and a rescued African grey parrot, who initially was scared to death of people but now loves them he talks like mad and shouts the dogs names and imitates their voices. he keeps shouting come on Bab and then does the kissing sounds.

I think i have rambled on enough for now but i want you all to know rescuing is so very rewarding and there are so many babies out there who need us so much and have never known a loving life and home. They give a thousand times more back. see you later and many many thanks to you all.

Love Gloria

Arnie:


Bess:


Suzie:


Wendy and Baby:

Hi, Gloria, thank you so much for sharing your wonderful pictures of your precious companions. Arnie is a handsome fellow indeed. And your precious Suzie. Your feathered friend sounds like a real source of entertainment for sure. Thank you so much for sharing with us your wonderful memories.

I can relate so very well to your odyssey of health concerns and how your beloved companions were a major part of your recovery. I firmly believe I "survived" my recovery because of the two fur people who were in my life at the time. My Samson, a mixed Lab / Border Collie, literally became my therapy partner. With the exception of my Oslo, all of my furbabies throughout my life have been rescues in some form or fashion.

Gloria, I so enjoy sharing your memories. I look at this forum as a place where we can come to give our beloved companions an "eternal flame" of remembrance, and to have the opportunity to share our hearts and memories with other people who truly understand.

Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Gloria, and please know I look forward to hearing from you whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Those are wonderful pictures Gloria. You know I did tell myself "never again do I want to feel this pain"....but just reading your stories and looking at those pictures of your perfect family through the years makes me think....maybe I'll let a rescue sneak into my heart someday. Thank you so much for sharing that with us.

Lots of Hugs,

Annette

Dear Mummy,

I am happy now, no more aches and pains. I am having such a lovely time playing with our Bess, Yella, Rex, Wendy, Prince and loads more of our family from our house.

My daddy was so pleased to see me and he says now we will live here forever and that there are loads of us here in heaven and that we tell each other stories of our earthly lives and remember all the good times we had with our mummies and daddies and families.

But Mummy, I have met some new friends who tell us that they had no kisses and cuddles on earth, no loving mummy or daddy, just bad people. They were cold and hungry, chained up and beaten if they cried. Some were just left so long without food the angels came to rescue them and bring them here. Some were murdered or sometimes their mummies and daddies just came to heaven and they were left behind, very sad and lonely because no-one loved them any more until they came here.

Please mummy, tell all those lovely people who are crying for us all and missing us so much, we know how you feel but please try to help our friends down there. We won't be jealous and we know you will still love us forever, but some of our new friends here are so sad because they were never loved and looked after like us. They think humans are cruel and have no lovely memories at all. They say we are the lucky ones to have had you to love and take good care of us.

Mummy, I know you always brought loads of step-brothers and sisters to our house but I always knew I was extra special and that they weren't taking my love at all and that you had plenty for all of us. You keep thinking you would like to kiss and cuddle me again, take me for a walk and feed me. Mummy, help another furry brother or sister that are suffering right now and nobody cares about so they can know what it is like to be loved so much like we were and still are.

Please tell your new friends on 'Lightening Strike' we have our own group here called 'Loved and Remembered' and we have friends 'Lost and Lonely'. Please tell your human friends to help them on earth if they can before it is too late.

All the love in the world, Baby ***

Dearest Annette,

I am so very pleased you are considering a rescue it has really made me feel happy to know that you may offer some of your love to another little darling. It is NOT taking away any of your feelings but creating its own love in your heart and soul.
Good people are so precious and scarce in the world today, where there is so much cruelty and needy furbabies.

I hope in your own time you will just go and look around the rescue centres etc and you may see one and give it a chance of a kiss a cuddle and a loving happy life with you just as your precious Daisy had and always will forever.

It is NOT letting go but extending your caring nature. It is not always easy but i promise you it is worth it to try; after all what is there to lose? but maybe so VERY much to gain for both of you.

Here is a song which I think is very relevant.

The Keeper

Lots of love, Gloria

Dearest Moonbeam,

Thankyou for your lovely comments again. You seem to be there for everyone in spite of your own sad losses. I have very much appreciated you being there these last days since we lost our Baby. I have just been reading your own personal sad loss this year, it sounds as though your world fell apart too earlier in the year and yet you are always there to comfort others in their grief.
I am not very good at words of comfort as i never know what to say and it always comes out wrong. I cant cope with illness and death, i cant stand the feeling of helplessness when all hope is gone and nothing can be done. It makes me angry, as old as i am i have never learned how
to accept stuff. I dont think i am capable, especially with animals they are so sweet and innocent.
I understand you have been unwell yourself and your darlings gave you the will to live as well.

Bless you Moonbeam i hope you can stay strong. You do such a marvelous job on here, take care and many thanks again.

Love Gloria

Hi, Gloria, just being able to get caught up on your post. Thank you so much for shairng your most loving letter from your precious Baby. It truly brought tears to my eyes. Such perfect love is always overwhelming, and humbling.

Gloria, I don't think we can ever truly "accept" the physical loss of our loved ones - - whatever the life form. I think the more accurate word is "adjust". Our lives change for the better when our beloved companions come into our lives, and they change once again when they precede us to the angels. The latter adjustment is very difficult and painful - - both physically and emotionally - - but this time we are blessed with the glow of their love in our hearts and memories to cherish until it is our appropriate time to join them in eternal joy. And what a glorious reunion that will be!!

Gloria, I am honored if I am able to help offer comfort to another whose heart is breaking. It is said that in helping others in their time of need that we also help ourselves. It is always easier to offer comfort and advice to others than it is to take "ownership" of it for ourselves. By reaching out to others it enables us to be open to the comfort that is reaching out to us. Just by your presence with us, Gloria, you share your heart with us, and that is comforting. Thank you, Gloria, for being here with us.

I do hope and pray that the coming days will be peaceful for you, Gloria. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you for your kind and honest words, they really help others who have lost fur balls and are unsure if they can ever love another one again. You are right, people like all of us are fewer in number than the number of pets who need a loving home. While the pain from losing our beloved pets is difficult, it can never surpass what they bring into our lives.

Your story is an amazing one and I can see why you would feel such pain from the loss of your Baby. Thanks for sharing your letters and stories, as it helps us as much as it helps you.

Dearest Aaron and family, so sorry its taken me so long to respond to your lovely words of comfort. Many thanks for reading about my little Baby and others. I read about your beloved little Reggie and was so pleased you let him join your loving family. I bet he is really glad he knocked on your door and you let him in forever. It sounds as though he had a brilliant lifetime with you and gave you so much in return. I truly understand your deep sorrow and tears; i must have cried rivers and seas over the years too, but its so hard to let go isnt it? However much we hope for heaven its not so easy to be sure (well it isnt for me). I know some people on here seem to have certainty but i find it hard sometimes. Still though Aaron one thing we CAN know for sure is they live forever in our hearts and souls. I have lost so many over my lifetime of rescueing etc but each and every one is still safely tucked away in my heart and your lovely Reggie will be with you too.

Much love to you and yours

Gloria

Laddie: I rescued this treasure when he was 7 years old. He was due for euthenasia the day after as no none really wanted an older dog. He just came to the kennel bars and looked at me and wagged his tail and then just went and laid down as if to say i know my time is up. As i walked up and down the rescue centre all the other dogs were jumping up ( if i could i would have had each and every one) but i decided on Laddie. The kennel girls cried tears of happiness laddie came to me and immediately gave me his paw. I had laddie for 7 wonderful years he had to be put to sleep aged 14 because of cancer. I still treasure him and its 37 years since i recued him. RIP our Laddie, loved always, mummy.


Prince:
Ex racing greyhound. Came to me after been kicked and punched by his owner for not winning a race. He was 5 years old. He was so scared he just hid and trembled under the table i finally coaxed him out and made him a comfy bed in one of my warm sheds. His eyes showed so much fear i went to him and laid down with him and stroked his shaking body. I kissed him and told him he would never again be afraid. It took a few days but he started to wag his tail and do the happy doggy things. I had him for nearly 7 years he never knew anything but love. He was put to sleep at home with my husband cradling his old head, bless you Prince RIP in our garden. Loved always, mummy.


Yola:
Rescued aged 7. Had a wonderful life with us. Sadly we lost her aged 10 with cancer, had to be put to sleep after 3 wonderful, precious years. RIP in our garden.
Loved always, mummy.


Rex:
Rescued aged 2. Was locked in a tiny farm building 3 yards long by 1 yard wide. Was loved by the 82 year old woman on the farm but hated by her son and grandson. They were going to shoot him just because he barked because he was hungry. Was lying in his own faeces. Luckily a farmer friend of mine phoned me and told me about him. I immediately went and got him and had him for 10 wonderful years. He lived happily with his best mate Yella, shown on a previous photograph. RIP in our garden, loved always, mummy.

Our precious miracle baby, who I lost just two weeks ago is still breaking my heart. God only knows when i will feel any better.


Thanks for reading,
Love Gloria

Hi, Gloria, thank you so much for sharing these wonderful pictures of your precious companions. Thank you for being there for all these precious fur people who desperately needed to know love in their lives.

Each life has a story, doesn't it? I know your precious furkids are sharing with all of the angels and their new friends in heaven's garden how much they know they are loved by you, and I can just hear the "oooh's" and "aw w w's", and see everyone nodding their heads in agreement.

I hope these days are being kind to you, Gloria. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Gloria, and I will look forward to knowing how you're doing when possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Kestle,

I have just read your post and while is sit her sobbing I am somewhat comforted by the knowledge that there are many many other people all over the world who would do and have done anything for their 'special friends'. (I refuse to call them pets, as they mean more to me than some human beings I know). Baby was a true miracle and for you to have not given up on her is wonderful and shows your true soul, how precious to have been able to give her life, you and Baby were meant to be.

I think some of us are in tune with our special friends, more so than others. when I looked deep into my Sassy’s eyes I could see her, her beauty, her honesty and most of all her love, her love of me, of our family (husband and two other Hounds of Love) and her love of life, she just kept going until the very end.

The memories of our friends are wonderful things, I mentioned that I was scared I would forget all the little special things that I loved about Sassy, so I have decided to start a blog. you mentioned that you too have had many years and holidays with Baby, maybe you could do the same? (100 things we didn't know about Baby, I would love to help you).

I have found that by writing about her and celebrating her, and while I am desperately sad she isn’t my constant companion, my intention is let as many people I can share in how wonderful she was and what a difference she made to so many peoples’ lives.

Take care of yourself, sleep when you can and I drink lots of tea.

I'm thinking of you and Baby and I can't wait to tell your story of life to my doggie pals, it's inspirational!

Hii, Gloria, as I was doing chores this monring I was thinking of you and wondering how you're doing. Just stopping by to say "hello" and to let you know you're in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dearest Moonbeam, many thanks for your latest post, hope you are feeling ok.

It has been a very sad Christmas and new year at our house without our little Baby. Loads of tears and headaches, sore eyes etc. It will never be the same again.
My husband died on 2nd December 2005 and now our Baby. On top of everything else my 25 year old sons best mate, who he went to college with, died on the 19th December (just over a week after our Baby) aged just 23. He died from a seizure in the shower.

We are struggling day by day. I know our Baby had a long happy life but like everyone on here we miss her little physical body.

She was only tiny but left such a crater. We have still got our Arnie bless him and he has really fretted for his big little sister. He was only 5 weeks old when i rescued him and our baby looked big compared to him. They used to tug a sock and she dragged him around until one day a few weeks later he tugged back and pulled her over. She was so shocked and told him off, she remained the boss even though he is an alsation.

What a little character she has.

I have put on a pic of them together, Baby aged 5 and Arnie 6 weeks. I love this one and one of our Arnie this Christmas aged 8.

Lots of love to you Gloria

Hi, Gloria, I am so sorry about your son's best friend in addition to the deep sorrow you are already feeling with the physical loss of your beloved Baby. Thank you so o much for sharing these wonderful pictures with us. Your memory of Baby and Arnie reminds me a lot of my Samson (mixed Border Collie / Lab) and Holly (cat) during their earthly journey with me. What a handsome lad your Arnie is. May you have many more healthy, happy years together.

Thank you so much for letting us know how the holidays were for you, Gloria. I hope this year as it unfolds for you each day will bring comfort and peace to your heart. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Gloria, and will look forward to knowing how you're doing whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Here we are, 6 weeks after my little one I am still yearning with all my heart for her.
I try to think that she was here for her breed life expectancy, but like everyone else on here i was never going to be emotionally prepared for the day.

I am still having really bad weepy days and accept that i will always have a gaping hole in my life, that nothing and no one can fill. I am very thankful though that all the people on here helped me and still do.

Thanks to you all. Just when i thought i had faded into the background along came dear Moonbeam to let me know she is still here, bless her.

My precious little Baby ( yes Baby is her real name ) would be so pleased to know i have made such good friends because of her i talk to her every day and feel she is still close by us.

Lots of love Gloria

Hi, Gloria, were your ears burning today? You have been in my thoughts all day. It is so good logging on and seeing your post. Thank you so much for sharing with us how things are going for you.

Unfortunately nothing can ever prepare us for the time when we are physically separated from our beloved companions. Your precious Baby, though, is looking at you from the Bridge and is so proud of how you are trying to continue your earthly journey honoring her with your courage. For it does take courage to continue on through the challenge of our sorrow when all our hearts really want is to be with our beloved companions. Hopefully someday we come to recognize that our hearts ARE with our beloved companions - - for they are always a part of us wherever we go and whatever we do - - they are always a heartbeat within us, and nothing can ever take this away from us.

But it takes time for the dense fog of grief to lift from our hearts. I hope your precious Arnie is doing well, and that each day is a shared blessing and comfort for you both together.

Thank you again so much for sharing with us how things are going. Please know you and Arnie are in my thoughts and prayers, Gloria, and I look forward to knowing how you're doing whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

My little angel BABY, I AM MISSING YOU MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY.

It is over 3 months since that day, 8/12/10. The pain is still as intense, I still yearn for you, for our cuddles and kisses.

My heart aches so much please be happy my little one untill our mam joins you ******X

hi kestle

words sometimes don't feel enough when these feelings are just too big and too intense to be captured with words. i find myself in that place alot.

your baby really was a sweetie.

take gentle care
rb

Hi, Kestle, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. The anniversaries are so difficult because they are intense reminders of how much we are missing the physical presence of our beloved companions. We must hold them close in our hearts and memories, for in so doing their sweet Livng Spirits are forever a heartbeat close to us.

Kestle, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Today is a special day, the 27th November.

It is the day my little Baby came to life in my hand, having been born dead. She took her first little breath and made her first little squeak. I will never ever forget the feeling I had when I knew she was alive. I had 13 wonderful years with this little darling. I treasured every precious moment with this tiny character who made us laugh so much.
All those years of course we wanted it to go on forever the way we all do. But inevitably, a year ago on December 8th 2010, the angels came and took our precious little baby. I have not been on here for a long long time, but today i feel the need to remember you all and how this place helped me through the darkest days.

I have never stopped crying and missing my little one and (my other furry family members down the years ). I just continue to talk to her as i always did and talk for her as i always did, and today my precious BABY, Happy Birthday WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU SO XX MUMMY ******X

My love to everybody.

Hi, kestle, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing, and your beloved Baby's angel-versary birthday. Re-reading your posts brings tears to my eyes in sharing your and your beloved Baby's love journey - - how very blessed you both are to have each other's eternal love.

I hope life is treating you kindly, kestle. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and always look forward to knowing how you're doing whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear kestle

I have never posted on your thread before. But in reading it I noticed that your Baby went to the Rainbow Bridge the very same day my Sir Thomas did. My heart felt condolences on your loss. I always thought Tom was alone when he passed, but maybe he really wasn't. Thank you for sharing, and God bless.

TTT

It is one year ago today since my little Baby had to go where the good doggies go. All the memories come flooding back along with the tears.

I know it will never go, the loss will always be with me as will the good memories of my precious little Baby. Anybody reading this please say a little prayer for her, all the other animals and the mummies and the daddies.

They say there is strength in numbers, this site proves it is true when you read other peoples stories and they feel the same way that you do.

My love to everyone that has responded to me before, especially Moonbeam who is always there for everyone.

Loving and remembering our Baby, December 8th 2010. Still miss and love you so much. You took part of us with you and left so many wonderful memories behind with us.

Hi, Gloria, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing, and your and your beloved Baby's angel-versaries. It doesn't matter how much time passes as we continue with our earthly journey - - our beloved companions are always with us in our hearts and memories. Nothing in heaven or on earth, no amount of the passage of time, can ever change this. I hope and pray that you will continue to feel your beloved Baby's sweet Living Spirit forever with you, Gloria -- for she is always and forever a heartbeat close to you.

I hope life is treating you kindly, Gloria. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and always look forward to knowing how you're doing and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Baby whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam