Dad of Lulu - sweet Lulu has crossed The Bridge

I was saddened for your deep loss of Lulu. She sounded like a beautiful and sweet girl and will always remain in your hear and soul.

Tight hugs to you and your loved ones.

Jeanette and Princess

I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. You were great parents to Lulu and it is very touching to read how attentively you and your wife cared for her during her last days. You are in my thoughts.

Just picturing Bo and Lulu finishing their orientation and now romping through the endless fields.
I looked to the stars tonight and know they are making their pawprints on the Heavens.
Continued peace and strength to you and your family.

I am just getting caugt up on the site. I am very sorry to hear of Lulu's passing. May God suround you, your wife and other puppy, with comfort peace and mercy.
Lord, when sorrow grips our hearts as we think about
the death of one close to us, remind us of the joy You are
experiencing as our loved one enjoys the pleasures of
heaven. Please allow that to give us hope and comfort.
A sunset in one land is a sunrise in another.

With Peace and Love,

Sharon and Norman <3 and (((hugs)))

Thanks Sharon and Belinda, and I know Lulu & Bo will be running around and playing and looking down at us. I wouldn't be surprised if we see a sign from our loved ones at times! I have noticed things that happen at times that seem to show that we are being looked after!

I gave Lulu's dog biscuits to our local bank. They all loved vocal Lulu, and I wanted to 'pay it forward' . They gave lots of treats to her. They were sad, two of them when I brought in the big box. I also printed up the picture of Lulu with her Christmas wreath on, the one lady Sharon was appreciative of this.

Today I went to the humane society 10 miles toward Port Huron. I stopped to see, only what dogs they had and if they allowed people to walk the dogs. They only allow you to volunteer and walk on their property. I told them I would once I got that job I've been trying to get. The three they had were a cute but overweight 6 year old girl, who was as friendly as could be, a couple year old cattle dog, but it needs 24/7 activity, too much and a very cute one year old getting neutered shortly, a pug beagle mix, and very cute. It did not look anything like a beagle, but had some wrinkles like a pug and weighed about 50 lb at most.

So on the job in Port Huron, I am almost done applying. I have a tentative cover letter, but I want to proof it all tomorrow and then call in to make sure they have everything they need. This has been one of my best shots, and though I may be a bit lacking on the managerial part, I will go to school and do whatever it takes to make this work. I know I can do this, and I know it's going to be tough.

And I know it's going to take a new family member to help. It's going to be a new chapter, but I will never forget Lulu.

P.S. I have been reading and doing some exercises in my grieving book, if others are interested I will post some exercises that may help. There are tons of them in the book, probably too many, but I think that perhaps a few of them are good to do, and it is all about doing and relaxing the brain a bit. My brain has been intertwined for 12 years of Lulu memories, and I would never have it any other way. But new memories will be made with new members, so that when my fateful day comes, and my wife's does too, those neurons will be added to the neurons of others that have passed before us, in a life that is more connected then our 'connected social world is today'.

Absolutely, please tell us about the grieving exercises you've found to be helpful!! This seems like an especially hard time for our family with a lot of losses, and we welcome any and all suggestions that can help with the healing. :o

I am hoping so much you will get this job! If I had any say at all, you'd be at the top of my list! Nobody could ask for a more conscientious and dedicated worker, that's for sure. We saw that in every detail of your kind and loving care for Lulu. Those doggies at the shelter will be SOOO lucky when you are able to brighten their days with visits and walks.

Sending my warmest thoughts your way,
Marianne

Im praying so hard you get this job. I think you are amazing:):):)
I would love to read the exercises to see if they can also help anticipatory grief which I think we all suffer to some degree.

We all support you 150%:):):):)

Thanks Addy and Marianne,

I have finished the application and turned in and called. They immediately indicated that I am all set, maybe that's a good sign, plus the fact the school system has looked at my website.

Now on the grieving book, I will give the website again, too. www.petlossguide.com and you can also for the same price get the book on Amazon.com just put in the title. But it is a hard copy only there.

Robin Jean Brown, author uses the acrostic R.O.A.R. meaning.
R = Respect your loss and grief
O = Own your reality
A = Affirm yourself
R = Reclaim your life

The first exercise asks you who you are. Then there is a spot for a drawing or photo of yourself, your pet or anything that makes you smile.

Then the next exercise asks how your life has been made better by animals?

Then the last exercise I will mention for now is: to compile a list of all the pets you've ever had a relationship with, include pix and age you were.

One more exercise to do and then calling it a night. Though first, a neighbor whose sister works for a large vet clinic said she said Lulu sounded like she may have had pericardial effusion. Not being familiar with this I have been checking this out. Not sure, but it is possible. And if so, not sure if the prognosis would have been good in Lulu's case based on her age. Anyway, let me try one more exercise to add to what I posted earlier.

Based on your pet timeline, how does it define your life and how does it make you feel? I used to have a vet, who retired, though he is younger than me, that said when he lost a dog of his, it added age to him. He thought that an era was older. I mean if you assume that a dog lives 10 years or more then you are a decade older, and that much closer to your own demise or in my vet's case an early retirement. So you see, he has defined it already he is ready to end his career and his outlook I tell you is different than mine. BECAUSE I am hoping to get this new job for me, and I'm not about to retire, and not because I can't, which is true, but because this new position would have much meaning to me.

Now to the point my old vet told me, Lulu is gone, physically from my wife's life and mine. So by all rights, I am a decade older, actually 12 years older and now I have entered a new era, one that is leading me closer to my own end. Okay that is true, we are finite. But this is where I differ. I will have another dog, maybe two, but I will continue to be me. When I turn 50 or 60 I am not an older person, because I have entered a new decade, but rather I am a continually growing person who is getting wiser and more knowledgeable in life. I will reach a point where I will no longer be able to function by myself, and thus require assistance be it nursing care, assisted care, family care, or maybe I will just go on to the next adventure in life, reunited with Lulu, Joey, Barry, Susie, Spike, Lenny, Snappy & Browsie. (I have just named all my dogs I have had starting with Browsie when I was in the 7th grade.

And finally discuss your best times and then discuss your most challenging moments with your pet(s).

Wow, that's enough to keep you busy a while, me too. These exercises are keeping me busy, and maybe that's what is important.

See you later. AND did anyone see Natilie Morales' rescue dog she got a year and a half ago, Zara? She is adorable. Go to http://allday.today.com/_news/2013/0...-adoption?lite