Our beloved dog died this weekend. Can anyone tell me where or

[kikiek]

what happened to his gentle loving soul? I am wracked with grief and worry. I am worried about our surviving one also. She is acting strange. Every time I cry she runs and hides.

[TNOE]

1. So sorry for your loss

A good book to read is Journey of Souls -

I believe your little dog is happy, pain-free and at peace - and will greet you and yours upon your passing over. Just like with humans, try not to grieve, but be happy for the pain-free blissful experience that she?he? now has.

[kikiek]

2. Thanks for the reassurance about their souls. I know deep down he

had to go, but I worry about him. I will look up that book.

[Quakerfriend]

3. I must concur with TNOE.

Several years ago my mother's dog died at the age of 17. I was very worried, because Mom was so attached to her Nico, and she was getting up in years herself.

Well, the night after the dog died I had a wonderful dream. I dreamt that I went to Mom's house and there was Nico up on the kitchen counter. So, I gently tried to nudge him to get down and in the dream my arm passed right thru his body. I turned and looked around the kitchen and there were ALL of the dogs my mother had ever owned perched about the room. What was so funny was that they were all sitting almost like sphinx, and every one of them was as I remember them to look as puppies.

I felt better when I woke up because I knew in my heart that they were all there looking over Mom!

[FreedomAngel82]

28. I agree

And sometimes animals come back too. About two years or so ago I had the sense my little dog had come back and was calling for me to come get him at a local animal shelter. He was a cat though I believe. Only thing is I wasn't able to get him since my parents don't want anymore pets. We have been together many years before I sense as well and in the afterlife. :) I sense my little dog will come back as well. I don't sense anything strong now with your little dog. You can always call for them though to come and see you. Interesting on your other dog acting strange. Have you ever asked why the little dog is acting strange?

[kikiek]

41. I was kind of hoping she was seeing him around me. She sat in his

kennel today while I was at work. Now she has fled for the upstairs and sits under the bed. I guess she is noticing the loss too. He was very ill here at home before we went in. They said it was Pancreatits he was throwing up everywhere. Maybe our other companion is sensing the illness? We had to transfer him from the vets to a hospital after 1 day. I feel so guilty putting him through all we did. I am angry at the vets too for their lack of ability to care for sick pets "after hours" withough moving them all over. I should have brought him home then.

[Desertrose]

4. we lost our kitty Isis, last summer.....

we had to have her put down (kidney disease).
I held her in my arms as she just faded away...it was amazing.

She came back in my dreams to tell me thanks for taking such good care of her (I was feeling that it was somehow MY fault she was ill) and that she loves us very much & appreciated that we loved her.

Over the years I have lost too many of my fourlegged frineds and I have dreamt of them often. Animals are not like humans...they are simply pure love and I am convinced that when they leave thier bodies they are in a happy place....they do definitely come back to check in on us. I saw Isis so many times ...I know she is still around.

Your other dog is lonely but also concerned about you. I don't know if there is any way to just be in a place of accepting the love from the remaining pup and maybe you can grieve together...or better yet be in a space of accepting the love this one wants to give you. My advice...don't shut her out...often they try to comfort us if we let them.....

Send your sweet dog love and don't worry....she is ok now.

We have Isis' son, Yoda and he has been such an angel. He missed her too, I'm sure, but we just decided to fill up each other with the love we can give here & now and know that we (all) will at some point, meet up again.

(I still get dream messages from my beloved horse that I had to put down over 30 years ago, so I know some part of that being does continue on)


It's never easy but eventually it will get less painful....

:hug:
DR

[FreedomAngel82]

29. Just wondering something Desertrose

Can you sense anything with my little dog? We lost him when I was in fourth grade for some reason. We think he choked on something in the night. Do you sense if that's true and where he is now? He was a mixed breed and was half poodle and half greyhound and was called Shadow. :)

[Why Syzygy]

5. We lost one too ..

I agree with the comfort thoughts of the other posters, due to my own personal experience. We had to let our 14 year old pass. I wanted to stay with the vet for her departure, but had to run out of the room at the last minute. It was so painful. I'm so sorry for your hurt.

A few days later I had a dream. Mindy was there wagging her tail like crazy and told me that she was VERY happy. She could see and hear again to full capacity. She loved us but was happy to be released from her tired old body.

A few years later I encountered a woman walking a dog down our street. She was IDENTICAL in markings (no easy feat given that Mindy was a mix breed through and through). I know that was Mindy. She was still happy.

Please don't worry. Grieve and cry. Yes. But please put your heart at rest.

[kikiek]

6. It is so helpful to hear what others know and feel. I can't thank you all

enough.

[LWolf]

7. I don't know, but

I choose to believe that their loving spirits continue in some way. During my lifetime I've been closer to my animals than most people. They have been more honest, and more trustworthy. Each has been a unique individual, with their own personality and unique characteristics. They have taught me the meaning, and the value, of unconditional love, of courage, of loyalty, and of BEING yourself; being who you are at all times.

I remember those who've passed, even decades later, with the same closeness and clarity, if not more, than those human family members and friends who have passed on.

Surely there is a place in the grand scheme of things for those who have given so much.

[vanboggie]

8. A theory

After many deaths in our family over a short period, I was musing one day about reincarnation, and if it exists, how do we see our loved ones who passed long before when we cross over- the timing would be off. It is my indigo daughter's theory that perhaps animals have shorter life spans because they carry the souls of our departed human loved ones. Who knows, but we do have many very "human" animals in our household.

[FreedomAngel82]

30. I don't know about that

I sensed my little dog was his own spirit. I also once remember one time I was coming home with my mother from being out shopping and we were pulling in the driveway and I saw this cat shadow spirit! She/he/it was looking at me with sad eyes. I sensed I knew this animal. I think it was my little dog in it's true form. :shrug:

[kikiek]

9. I think they are here to teach us. I hope to find him in my dreams

soon. Maybe with my dad. The unconditional love is what I'll miss.

[Why Syzygy]

18. I think you will

find him in your dreams.

Through the 'many' years I've trod the planet, I've known lots who passed over.

Had a crazy-kinda woman friend .. okay . her craziness was housecleaning and raising her kids.. but she did it with finesse. (could read OCD, but who's keeping count)

Her bravery and foritude through her 30-something death sentence was an inspiration.

She didn't make front page news. Or go to extreme heroic efforts. She was just the greatest friend one could ever hope for.

I know her soul dwells in peace and her prescence is always with me. .. I still feel her right by my side, sometimes, when I'm doing heavy house cleaning. And we are having fun.

Let us never forget the impression we leave in our world.

[DemExpat]

10. This is weird, LWolf....you made me realize that

I can remember my dead pets so much clearer than my parents who died in 1995 and 1997!
It has been bothering me some that I cannot bring their image up clearly either visually or feeling-wise, while my dead pets I can see, smell, feel, hear, and detect crystal clear.

That you mention this gives me a shock of recognition and an experience somewhat shared with another.

Thanks for the "hit".....:D

Animals are pure, precious, and absolute.

:hug:

DemEx

[Eloriel]

12. That's interesting -- Feng Shui teaches

that if you remove something (let's say a tree), when you can no longer visualize how it looked, the essence left behind, the mark it made, so to speak, has finally dissolved. I wonder if that's true for humans, as well, who must also move on once they die, rather than stay around Earth perpetually?

[FreedomAngel82]

32. Oh yes

I think so as well unless they leave a presence behind.

[LWolf]

24. They are all that.

It makes me wonder, sometimes. Our people, no matter how close we are and how much we love them, come with their own "job" to do in this life. Maybe we are our pets' "jobs."

You would certainly think so around here. My dog lays ON my feet as I type. My grandson was trying to get her to play with him the other day; she is young and playful, but wouldn't leave me to go play with him. He was watching her while I was cooking dinner, and asked, "Why does she follow you everywhere?" He meant everywhere. I can't walk over to pour a cup of tea without her going along. She takes her job seriously, lol.

I know what unconditional love and loyalty are because of the dogs in my life who have blessed me with them. I know how good partners can still be independent; when to go to someone and when to back off, because of the cats in my life. I've learned to about trust because of the incredible honor my horses have gifted me with. I could go on, but I think that's why they are still "here" long after they have gone.

[FreedomAngel82]

33. I think so too

Pets are our friends and I think sometimes they do have a job to do (like to heal us emotionally) but sometimes they're just here to just play and be our friends and a companion. My aunt has a little dog and he's so sweet and cute. One time my grandma had to have surgery on her leg and she was staying with my aunt and uncle and the little dog followed her everywhere and would lick her foot and it helped heal it. One time my grandma went to the restroom and the little dog would sit and wait outside the door. :D My aunt said that when my grandma got her own place the little dog was sad she left and missed her a good while.

[DemExpat]

11. I am so sorry for your loss, kikiek....

and know the depth of it as well.

last year I lost my 15 year old buddy Jack Russell and felt like I was going mad with grief and loss of love.

He sent me Bonnie - a young bitch Jack Russell 1 week later via the Internet from a dog adoption site, and the love connection has continued.

I am addicted to having a loving dog in my life now after having enjoyed 2 of them so far......better this than drugs/booze/tobacco, I would guess....

Hope that you and your household will be feeling some peace with this loss very soon, dear,

:hug:

DemEx

[kikiek]

13. Thank you very much.I am hoping I recognize when he sends me a new one.

I strongly believe he will.

[jumptheshadow]

14. I wonder the same thing

Last week we put our cat Seamus to sleep. We brought him home from the hospital, let him feel comfortable in his home again, then asked the vet to make a housecall. He was very sick but was in his favorite room, with his family, and on a soft blanket when he passed.

He had been abandoned and abused when he was young, and was a desperate, very fractious cat at first. But, over time, he grew into a gentle creature who emanated love from the very depths of his soul. He took his role as the man of the house very seriously, however, and once went toe to toe with a friend's pit bull who was at our apartment door. LOL. After he passed my partner and I held an Irish wake for him and toasted a life well lived.

When I was younger I was certain that there was life after death. But as I get older, I wonder...

However, the lessons of patience, endurance and love that he taught me will stay with me as long as I am on this planet.

[kikiek]

16. What a beautiful passing. I love the Irish wake. I am doubting right

now about going on, but I know it isn't a good time for me to overthink it either. I believe in a loving no such thing as angry judgement afterlife. And all creatures are part of our God/Goddess's plans no mistakes are made and all are equal in their love. I want to continue to do so.

[IChing]

15. Sorry, on your loss

Your other dog is worried about you and your grief,

all things will pass.

I grieved on the loss of my pets and love-ones,
bring another love one into your family, that will help.

[Lugnut]

17. I'm so sorry for your loss

Tomorrow is the first anniversary of the passing of my beautiful tabby, Rocky. I loved all the cats we've had but Rocky and I had a special connection from the moment I rescued him from the woods near where I worked at the time. I miss him so much.

Our other tabby, Peanut, behaved very oddly the first week or so following Rocky's passing. She and Rocky were very close and he was her protector. She has been a source of great comfort to me over the past year and I comforted her as well. I hope you and your remaining dog will do the same.

[kikiek]

23. It is nice to see how much our pets are loved. They deserve the best.

[FreedomAngel82]

34. Something I was thinking

is maybe the strange feeling is that the other cat feels lost without the other one and can still sense they are around but not sure about it since they can't see them. :shrug:

[Lugnut]

42. Or....

It creates a strange feeling for them until the scent of the other cat, or dog in this case, dissipates. I've always thought that cats and other animals are spiritual. It would be so nice if they could speak.

[Digit]

19. I am sorry for your loss...

It is not easy to lose a best friend.
Find solace in your other pet. She is feeling the loss also, and is probably upset that you are upset.
I hope things get easier for you soon.
Just so you know...I have a pet also who is terminally ill. I have never experienced the death of a beloved pet.
My thoughts are with you.....

[kikiek]

21. Oh and mine with you. I am so sorry.

[TankLV]

20. I was given this a couple years ago when our beloved Tank left us:

Just this side of Heaven, there's a special place.

It is a truly wonderous and almost magical place.

There is green grass and rolling hills as far as the eyes can see.

Beautiful cool streams and lakes to splash and play in. Plenty of delicious food.

The weather is perfect - neither too hot or too cold. Plenty of shady trees to lay beneath to nap.

And plenty of other dogs to run and play with.

When a dog dies, he goes here. If he was old, he is young again. If he was sick or infirm, he is whole again.

There are endless hours spent in play and happiness. But one day, he looks up and notices something is missing. Then he stares at a bridge in the distance and sees something familiar. He runs and runs toward the object of his curiosity and soon he knows what it is.

It is you, who has also recently passed on.

And he runs accross that bridge - a beautifull colored rainbow bridge into your waiting and welcoming arms - never to be separated again!

And together you both go off into paradise - forever.

And dogs who never had a chance to know the wonderful friedship of a loving human or who have been abused or otherwise suffered, find that special human friend waiting for them, too - one who has also never known the love and devotion of a special animal friend.

And there is a similar place for cats, too - and sometimes they are open to each other where they all can play.

This is what happens to your pets when they die.

- liberally taken from "The Rainbow Bridge" poem.

Our minister and priest said that since God created all creatures, that he surely loves them all, and would never want them to be without his most beloved creation of all - man - who truely love them.

I am weeping as I write this - I feel greatly for your loss - it reminds me of our own two dear companions who passed away a year apart.

I hope you find comfort and peace. It DOES get better with time.

[kikiek]

22. That is beautiful thank you so much. I look forward to that day.

[FreedomAngel82]

35. What a beautiful poem

and a nice thing to think about.

[Pathwalker]

25. Here's a link to a poem that might offer you some comfort.

It's called the Rainbow bridge poem.
http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm

When my dear, sweet Lightning was hit by a car and died, I had a dream a few nights later. In the dream, Lightning nudged me awake and told me that he couldn't find his body, and didn't know what happened. In the dream, I was sitting up, and hugged him, told him he had died, and that he was no longer IN his body. He trembled for a little bit, and asked what should he do now. I told him to go to the light, find his brother Thunder, and wait for Hubby and I there.
In a flash of pure white light, he disappeared, and I awoke - sitting up. I could still feel him. That was years ago now, but I still miss them both terribly, but from time to time I can "feel" them; Thunder sometimes still climbs on my feet to sleep, and Lightning will still lean up against me, like he did that morning. Someday, I may even stop crying when I think about them. They came into our lives together, and died within weeks of each other, and even found a replacement cat(Stormy) for us before they died.
You lost a beloved family member, but their souls will be with you whenever you need them to be. This I believe. I sincerely hope this comforts you. :hug:

[LWolf]

26. I can see why you still cry.

I cried reading Lightning's story.

I'm sending a cat on today. Not my cat; she was abandoned by the seller of my new place. She hung out on the porch, and meowed at us occasionally, but would never let us near. I kept food and water out for her, and her owner kept promising to come back and get her.

Yesterday evening, we heard her crying. She was laying on the back porch, in obvious distress. We took out water, and tried to get a look at her, but she got up and got into a tight spot under the porch we couldn't reach. I kept checking on her, and could tell it was the end. This morning I collected her, and we selected a spot; the digging is in process right now. I haven't called her owner; I figured that if she cared, she would have been here sooner.

May Millie find comfort in that light.

[Pathwalker]

31. Oh, that's so sad, LWolf. They deserted the cat?

Thank you for taking care of her, even after she'd died - what a kind spirit you have! O8)

Our kitties are buried out back on our property, where they can see the house, and where we can still see their headstones. My husband & I have come to the conclusion that they will ALWAYS be a part of us, and that they will be there waiting for us when we pass on, and that is a great comfort to us.

Lightning was such a special cat - even the neighbor who'd always hated cats cried when he died. Lightning kept his garden free of mice for him, and never disturbed the garden itself. He never ate the mice - just left them at his back door. That cat helped end the fued we'd had with them, just by being his wonderful self!

[FreedomAngel82]

36. Aww

What a sweet soul the cat had.

[Desertrose]

37. Oh dang LWolf....that is sad

I'm such a schmuck for animals nyway...but when they are in distress...just breaks my heart. Think maybe thats what the kitty died from....too bad she couldn't give you guys a chance.....you have plenty of love to share :hug:

:cry:Sorry...but she is better off now...out of pain and not so lost...

:hug::loveya:
DR

[LWolf]

43. You said it for me.

I would have invited her in and made her welcome, if she'd felt able to. Meanwhile, half the feral adults have been to the vet and re-released, all but 2 of the kittens have homes, and those 2 have taken over the house, and everyone's heart except for my cat's. She's mightily offended, and sneaking into the house to eat and cuddle in the wee hours; stalking outside in outrage at the first appearance of a kitten nose. The dog, of course, is "mothering" the babies, who play with her like she's not 25X their size/weight. After years of dealing with my current cat, who was also "left behind" by her owner when I moved into my last house, I "swore" I'd never have a long-haired cat again; short-haired cats don't leave hairballs everywhere they go. <sigh> These cuties have long-hair, and have moved in and taken over. They've already decided who their people are, and where their house is. I should know better by now than to say "never."

It's been decades since I've had kittens; all my cats have come as dumped cats or stray cats. I'd forgotten how much fun they are. If my camera wasn't broken, I'd take some pics and post them.

:hi:

[kikiek]

44. You are a saint in my eyes. It is heartwarming to know that there are

people who care. I would have a houseful of pets if I could. I fight for what I have unfortunately.

[kikiek]

39. That is wonderful to hear. I am sure Max went to the light. He sure

chased it on this side. The reassurances are helpful beyond words.

[TankLV]

47. That's the one! Thanks for posting it.

I had it once, but had to reformat my hard drive and forgot to save a lot of things.

[alterfurz]

27. you might want to ask for someone you know on the other side...

...someone who also loved animals and has not been gone too long themselves, to come care for your little friend now during their transition. It has been my personal experience that intensely heartfelt feeling will always summon such a guardian! All my best to you during this trying time...

[Desertrose]

38. That's a great suggestion alterfurz

:hug: kikiek hang in......:hug:

DR

[kikiek]

40. Thank you. I would love to hear from dad too. Maybe this will help

the contact.

[peacebuzzard]

45. Kikiek, you are not alone in your grief...

I have lost so many of my beloved companions. This whole thread has me teary eyed and sad because of my departed companions. The most recent one was a collie I rescued by the name of Pal. Pal came to my home absolutely terrified of everyone. Where he lived before he was taunted and abused. It took him 6 months to trust me. I had him only two years and this past December, after a relocation I had attempted out of the country somethings went very bad. I had to return to the US to work and placed all my beloved pets (5) in a kennel. Pal died of gross negligence. I was so wracked with anger and remorse. After that, I abandoned my relocation plans and brought all my other dogs back to my home in Tennessee. I can't tell you how often I think of those details and shake my head. But I feel certain Pal, and Jake before him and all my other critters are over the Bridge they speak of here in this thread. I feel my dogs presence alot here in this home, I can assure you they do watch over you. Take care of yourself, I know it is sad and you miss your companion, but please do take comfort in so many here who feel certain, that your pet is fine and not far from you.

[kikiek]

46. I am sorry for your loss & pain. I can't imagine harming an animal.

I would really have to contain myself from doing something rash in that case. I am sure Max is here at times. I am just not as aware as others. I have to work on that. I plan on keeping my eyes open for his return. I am sure he will. I have no doubt our 1st one came back and is our surviving dog. When she came into our lives it was obvious she was home again. She acted like she owned the joint from day one. I feel confident I will recognize him.

[peacebuzzard]

48. The abusers were just really ignorant idiots who had no business

running a kennel. They basically let this poor collie, who had a winter coat still, run in the blazing South American summer heat and they underfed him and my other animals and more than likely had sparse watering habits. That was what I gathered from what little information I could extract. Also, the feeding instructions were not followed. After the poor sweet collie collapsed and was taken to a clinic they didn't even call me. ( I made a routine call, and they , oh by the way, informed me.)
Dear friend, when I finally got there, from the states....if you can imagine what a horrible horrible trip I had to get there, I discovered my other dogs had lost alot of weight and were badly treated. It was a nightmare. This has been, what, 8 months. Only now I am able to evaluate the situation and circumstances. I was so shocked at what people will do. And this was not a cheap kennel.
May he rest in peace. I still see him and hear him everywhere here at home. I still get so distraught. I am sure your Max is with you just like Pal is here. Take care.

[MissWaverly]

49. He's around somewhere

After my dog died, I was in bed on Saturday, without my 4 legged alarm
clock, I like to sleep in Saturdays, and I distinctly heard him bark, the I can't believe that you are still sleeping, it's nice outside bark.
So they go on, we humans always think that we have a monopoly on everything even the afterlife.