Hi Susie! It took me a while to read this, as I knew that I would cry, which of course I am. I know exactly what you’re saying, as I’ve been there four times now, most recently in July, when we lost our fourth Golden Rosie. I still feel her and miss her so much. I give my last Golden Lucy so much love and attention. I’m so very sorry, and my heart goes out to you. Memories are so special!
I absolutely love and touch my two indoor cats and my indoor/outdoor dog every chance I get, Susie, because I know - finally - how fleeting their lives are even if they live 17 years, like my last 2 cats and dogs did. I miss every cat and dog I've ever had from birth onward - I was always the one in the eight-person household growing up - that all pets and siblings gravitated to. That you phantom-see your beloved is a gift in my book. Yes. Talk to him every moment because he's your heart and your soul. The only way to bear the loss is to carry them inside. Trust that.
Seven years ago, my little buddy, Mister Lincoln crossed the rainbow bridge. They never really leave us. file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/ee/14/DA704137-B1CF-4267-BF80-9B7D205EC51A/IMG_6370.JPG
JB I had two labs long ago - a black one and a yellow one. I sometimes think the black one reincarnated in Farmer, who was a rescue mix with less Lab in him than we at first thought, but certainly the wonderful demeanor. Labs are very very special. I am so glad you have one always by your side. I love thinking of your current one laying at your feet. Sigh. Thank you.
Absolutely okay. Without a doubt. Also, I see a little bit of every one of our five previous Alaskan Malamute rescues in Velma, Mal rescue #6. And with every crossing of the rainbow bridge, the time until the next Mal finds us gets shorter and shorter. This family and this house cannot bear the silence of no dog toenails on the hardwood floors.
Lost our Lillie after 12 years this past July. Held a 9-week-old lab puppy last night at a family gathering. Did not want to let go! Sent a picture to our kids. Using other people's dogs to walk and hunt birds to fill the void. Enjoying travel opportunities and more island time. Next addition will know when to show itself, probably next year.
Oh Jim, I so sorry about your Lillie. And holding that puppy - ooh that sounds so good. I know the right time will present itself for you and eventually for me! In the meantime, borrowing other people’s dogs is smart!
So, so beautiful. Made me cry — and my Maggie has been gone 4 years. I still expect her to come monitor my progress as I carve up a rotisserie chicken. ❤️ Thank you for sharing these lovely memories.
Thank you! This peek into your time with Farmer after the rainbow bridge is happening to me with my dear RoseBud too. She has been gone since Sept and some days it feels like we wept over her just yesterday. Having her here, out of the corner of my eye, brings me life companions delight and sorrow. Wishing you the best of time with your sweet Farmer💕🐾
I'm the one whose black lab died the same day. Thank you for putting my feelings into words. I thought I'd gotten "over the hump" only to be punched in the gut by Spring - a whole new season of "first time withouts" Of course we talk to them - the hole they left would be fearsomely large otherwise.
Hi Lauren - I remember! Isn't it odd about the spring thing? It's just like all of a sudden I'm seeing him everywhere. For years when I was a farmer, he would go inside the fenced gardens with me and just lie between the rows of vegetables. He just loved it. My constant companion. Oy. My very best to you for this process we're both experiencing. 🩷
Oh, such is the price of loving, especially our beautiful animals ~ but we have their memory shadows all over our hearts and the remainder of our earthly lives ~ blessings galore!
Hi Susie! It took me a while to read this, as I knew that I would cry, which of course I am. I know exactly what you’re saying, as I’ve been there four times now, most recently in July, when we lost our fourth Golden Rosie. I still feel her and miss her so much. I give my last Golden Lucy so much love and attention. I’m so very sorry, and my heart goes out to you. Memories are so special!
Hi Ethel! I’m so glad you have your Lucy! Heaps of attention for her. And yes, lots of good memories. ❤️
I absolutely love and touch my two indoor cats and my indoor/outdoor dog every chance I get, Susie, because I know - finally - how fleeting their lives are even if they live 17 years, like my last 2 cats and dogs did. I miss every cat and dog I've ever had from birth onward - I was always the one in the eight-person household growing up - that all pets and siblings gravitated to. That you phantom-see your beloved is a gift in my book. Yes. Talk to him every moment because he's your heart and your soul. The only way to bear the loss is to carry them inside. Trust that.
Seven years ago, my little buddy, Mister Lincoln crossed the rainbow bridge. They never really leave us. file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/ee/14/DA704137-B1CF-4267-BF80-9B7D205EC51A/IMG_6370.JPG
Joseph, I'm so sorry about your Mister Lincoln. You're absolutely right - they never do leave us.
It never gets easier. I'm on my fourth Black Lab.
I still talk to the ones that aren't here anymore. I have mourned my soul dog for longer than I had her now. Two more angels after that.
All Black Labs.
I have yet another laying at my feet as I write this.
Can't live without one.
Sending you, your husband and Farmer love.
JB I had two labs long ago - a black one and a yellow one. I sometimes think the black one reincarnated in Farmer, who was a rescue mix with less Lab in him than we at first thought, but certainly the wonderful demeanor. Labs are very very special. I am so glad you have one always by your side. I love thinking of your current one laying at your feet. Sigh. Thank you.
Absolutely okay. Without a doubt. Also, I see a little bit of every one of our five previous Alaskan Malamute rescues in Velma, Mal rescue #6. And with every crossing of the rainbow bridge, the time until the next Mal finds us gets shorter and shorter. This family and this house cannot bear the silence of no dog toenails on the hardwood floors.
Aw that is so wonderful. You have a piece of all of them in each one. And I love that you keep rescuing!
Lost our Lillie after 12 years this past July. Held a 9-week-old lab puppy last night at a family gathering. Did not want to let go! Sent a picture to our kids. Using other people's dogs to walk and hunt birds to fill the void. Enjoying travel opportunities and more island time. Next addition will know when to show itself, probably next year.
Oh Jim, I so sorry about your Lillie. And holding that puppy - ooh that sounds so good. I know the right time will present itself for you and eventually for me! In the meantime, borrowing other people’s dogs is smart!
So, so beautiful. Made me cry — and my Maggie has been gone 4 years. I still expect her to come monitor my progress as I carve up a rotisserie chicken. ❤️ Thank you for sharing these lovely memories.
Oh Maggie! Sorry for your loss, Rachel. Whatever we were carving up was farmer’s favorite!
Thank you! This peek into your time with Farmer after the rainbow bridge is happening to me with my dear RoseBud too. She has been gone since Sept and some days it feels like we wept over her just yesterday. Having her here, out of the corner of my eye, brings me life companions delight and sorrow. Wishing you the best of time with your sweet Farmer💕🐾
CathyAnn we are moving along as best we can, right? And you nailed it with “the corner of your eye” - that explains how I see him! All best to you.
I'm the one whose black lab died the same day. Thank you for putting my feelings into words. I thought I'd gotten "over the hump" only to be punched in the gut by Spring - a whole new season of "first time withouts" Of course we talk to them - the hole they left would be fearsomely large otherwise.
Hi Lauren - I remember! Isn't it odd about the spring thing? It's just like all of a sudden I'm seeing him everywhere. For years when I was a farmer, he would go inside the fenced gardens with me and just lie between the rows of vegetables. He just loved it. My constant companion. Oy. My very best to you for this process we're both experiencing. 🩷
Wow, what a beautiful piece. I guess it’s OK to talk to your dog’s ghost. I greet every bright red cardinal I see with, “Hi Daddy!”
Ah, I'd forgotten that about cardinals...so cool. Good for you! And yes, it's OK.
Animals are better than people. But they sure know how to break our hearts.
You're right on both accounts, Leslie!
❤️
Ok you made me cry and go and hug my dog. Sending hugs your way too xx
Oh, Becky, hug your dog for me, too!
She’s a whippet and hates hugs but I’ll force her hah 🤍🤍
Too funny!
❤️
Oh, such is the price of loving, especially our beautiful animals ~ but we have their memory shadows all over our hearts and the remainder of our earthly lives ~ blessings galore!
So many blessings, Helen.
Lovely, and now I am crying a bit in the predawn darkness. May good memories comfort you (and Dee and everyone else who reads, and knows.)
Oh, gosh, I'm sorry about the tears!
please don’t be. It is good to cry tender tears.