Mira, 7yr old Husky - Cushings ruled out; liver cancer (Mira has passed)

God this hurts. I've been run over by a steam roller and lived. There are no pain killers for me. God says I have to keep on living. I can think of nothing more crewel. He won't even let me sleep.

I'll never get that sweet face out of my mind. That sweet young face. Good god. My Mirie-moo. Why did you have go so soon?

Janis,

I have not posted to you before.

I also have lost little ones way before their time.

It is not you and it is certainly not Mira. I think it is simply fate.

Be strong, I believe Mira was sent to you for a reason.

Godspeed Mira.

Scott

Janis,

I am so sorry to hear Mira lost the final battle. It was her time and nothing you could have done would have changed that. You loved and cared for her as long as you were allowed and that's all we can do.

Jenny

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gpgscott

Janis,

I have not posted to you before.

I also have lost little ones way before their time.

It is not you and it is certainly not Mira. I think it is simply fate.

Be strong, I believe Mira was sent to you for a reason.

Godspeed Mira.

Scott

---

My mothers first child's name was Scottie. He died when he was 1 1/2. I of course never knew him. He choked to death on the changing table strap. Imagine. Another death too soon. Thank you Scott my brother. It was fate for certain. And I will look for that reason.

Dear Janis
I can't stop crying for you.
After reading your post, all I can say is you loved Mira dearly and you did the best you could for your Mira, and she knew that. I wish I could give you a shoulder to cry on.
I will be praying for you
dear sweet Janis
Love Sonja and Apollo
August 25, 2010
that special place in our hearts
feels so empty...
But we realize, as times passes,
that animals have a way of teaching us about loving,
about loyalty, joy, and friendship...
And whatever we've shared in their presence
can never really be lost.

Thinking of You
At This Time
sharing in your grief

Janis,

I am so sorry to hear this news.
It's so unfair when they are so young.
Please know that you did all you could have done for Mira.
And that Mira was loved more in her short life than most dogs are in ten times as long. She was blessed to have your care and your love.

:(

She was a lucky dog. I hope she was.

I work with grieving families everyday... I often search for poems to comfort families during this most difficult time. I came across this poem/letter and it really touched me. I thought I would share it with you.....I have read it so many times and each time I cry....
Take care, Heidi

A Simple Message From Your Pet
by Ken D. Conover

To have loved and then said farewell is better than to have never loved at all.
For all of the times that you stooped and touched my head, fed me my favorite treat and returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you.
For the care that you gave to me so unselfishly.
For all of these things I am grateful and thankful.
I ask that you grieve not for the loss but rejoice in the fact that we lived, loved and touched each other's lives.
My life was fuller because you were there, not as owner, but as my friend.
Today, I am as I was in my youth.
The grass is always green, butterflies flit among the flowers and the sun shines gently down upon all of God's creatures.
I can run, jump and play and do all of the things that I did in my youth.
There is no sickness, no aching joints and no regrets and no aging.
We await the arrival of our lifelong companions and know that togetherness is forever.
You live in our hearts as we do in yours.
Companions such as you are very rare and unique.
Don't hold the love that you have within yourself.
Give it to another like me and then I will live forever. For love never really dies, and you are loved and missed as surely as we are.

Your pet in heaven.

I am so very sorry Mira has passed. My heart is with you. She knows you tried and in your heart you know this too. She is pain free now and will be watching over you and Kira.

(((hugs)))
Terry

Oh Janis,

I am so very sorry to hear of Mira's passing. I know there is nothing that can be said to ease your broken heart, just know that we are all here with you and for you. Thank you for sharing Mira with us.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Jane, Franklin and Bailey xxx

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by makita1996

I work with grieving families everyday... I often search for poems to comfort families during this most difficult time. I came across this poem/letter and it really touched me. I thought I would share it with you.....I have read it so many times and each time I cry....
Take care, Heidi

A Simple Message From Your Pet
by Ken D. Conover

To have loved and then said farewell is better than to have never loved at all.
For all of the times that you stooped and touched my head, fed me my favorite treat and returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you.
For the care that you gave to me so unselfishly.
For all of these things I am grateful and thankful.
I ask that you grieve not for the loss but rejoice in the fact that we lived, loved and touched each other's lives.
My life was fuller because you were there, not as owner, but as my friend.
Today, I am as I was in my youth.
The grass is always green, butterflies flit among the flowers and the sun shines gently down upon all of God's creatures.
I can run, jump and play and do all of the things that I did in my youth.
There is no sickness, no aching joints and no regrets and no aging.
We await the arrival of our lifelong companions and know that togetherness is forever.
You live in our hearts as we do in yours.
Companions such as you are very rare and unique.
Don't hold the love that you have within yourself.
Give it to another like me and then I will live forever. For love never really dies, and you are loved and missed as surely as we are.

Your pet in heaven.

---

that's a wonderful poem Heidi...these are tough days right now, but I'd like to think that I'll see my all of my fur babies young and frolicking and healthy some day again. ;)

Jeff & Angel Mandy

So very sorry for your great loss. God Bless you both and rest in peace sweet Mira. Tight hugs. Jeanette and Princess

Hi Janis,

Just popping in to check on you today.

I have no doubt that Mira is watching you closely, hoping you will soon know what a wonderful thing you did for her. You saved her from a horrendous ending, excruciating pain that nothing would have touched. You filled her last days with peanut butter, walks, treats and much love, and for this, plus all the years you lavished her with your TLC, Mira is grateful.

You gave her a gift unmatched - you took her pain as your own so she could be free.

We are still with you.
Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

I cry for hours then I pass out from exhaustion. I Howl. I slept in the dogs pillows I can not bear not having my bed buddy. I felt ok for awhile when I first got up. I was able to clean up the kitchen of most all the things I had been doing for Mira. I didn't wash out an empty peanut butter jar. I put it on a shelf and hung her collar over it.
I took kira for an hour long walk at 5am. I didn't want to come home but Kira was slowing down. Mira never wanted to stop. It was really bad when we got home. The most tragic death in my life. Took me 9 months to get over our first one. I handled that one so wrong. I was determined to hold on to him. Determined to see him, to sence him. The only thing I held on to was a dark cloud that followed me everywhere. I didn't do that with the next cus I knew it was hopeless.

What we all wouldn't give to see a misty image frolic past... But we won't. I Tell myself not to look for it.

Grief is a process and it is a different process for each of us. Please keep talking about your feelings and your beloved Mira. Maybe it will help the process to talk it all out.

We are all here for you, willing to listen.

May the horrible pain ease somewhat in the coming days.

Love,
Addy

Dearest Janis,
My heart is breaking for you. I know how hard this time is for you. You should do whatever you need to do to help yourself. Mira was such a wonderful bed buddy and friend but you have not lost that. Grief will only hide it for awhile. You will then find the comfort from Mira again as you recall all the good times together. It is sad that dogs are not given the same life span as us and we tend to look at the length of their lives in human terms. You did not let her go too soon. She had a full life - full of your love and caring. You gave her the greatest gift you could give - a peaceful trip over the rainbow bridge. She is now running through sunny fields, free from pain with all her new friends and your furbabies that have gone before her. You may not see a misty image but you will find her in many places - look for a beautiful flower, a bright twinkling star or a butterfly that sits on your window. She is there. Just look with your heart. You are only separated for a while but your work here is not done. Please stay with us and let us help you through this time however we can. You are part of our family and when one hurts we all hurt.
Love & hugs,
Carrol & Chloe

I've been hiding behind other things today. Worried sick over Kira. I can't stop thinking I'm lossing her too. Something is very wrong with Kira. And I'm terrified to think of Mira. But you will surly know when i do. When the howling starts again. So many things I can't even begin to touch. She is slipping from me I can't take it. Memorials, poems I can't bare them not even close. Not even my words of wisdom. The things that used to sustain me. This is all just so differant. I want to brake things but I don't have the strength. And then I'd have to clean it up and that would just make it worse. The ultimate helplessness. Helpless to this pain. Helpless to this screaming and crying. My mother says I'm fragile cus I take things way too hard. I love my dogs so very much with everything that's in me. When they leave it all has to come out. But everytime in the past when asked, right away I have said yes I'll do it again. There will be more dogs. This is the first time that I can't get those words out of my mouth. I don't know if I can do this again. This time life just seem worth living. I've been distoryed. If I loss Kira too. If she never gets better my heart just might die with her.

Dear Janis,

Between Mira's death and Kira's illness, you have so much to grieve right now. It is no wonder that you are struggling so. This is different than anything you've had to face before. Losing your baby far too early at the very same time that you are scared to death about Kira. It is so much. No wonder it feels like too much.

Please take a look at this thread about Support and Counseling Resources: http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=171. We are always here for you and will remain here with you. But you may also want to find a counselor with whom you can talk directly about your pain and your loss. Janis, I do not believe that talking to a counselor is a sign of weakness, I think it is a sign of strength. It is a way to reclaim the strength you need in order to continue to care for Kira while also taking care of yourself. It is just a thought, but I really hope you will consider it.

In the meantime, we are still here with you, Janis. And we will not leave.

Many hugs,
Marianne

I'm a mess this morning from the moment I got up.*
We went for a walk around the block at 6am. *Kira did good. Great for her really.*She loves the cold.*She still speeded up and slowed down. *But She was very alert.. Intently watching people and dogs.

Mira was everywhere on these streets in her last days. And I let her do anything she wanted and she wanted to pee on everything. I think Kira smells her. Kira picks up odd things on walks since Mira's gone. Maybe they smell like Mira. I'm a sobing mess. It's been a very bad morning for me. Kira went into the bedroom earlier where Mira always slept with me. And she looks either way. No Mira. But she doesn't seem sad

Kira is a darn good catch. I never taught Mira to catch and she always looked so sad when Kira did. But I THOUGHT we'd have plenty of time to teach Mira!!!! After Kira was gone. This was Kira's thing right now.*I'm SO sorry Mira!!! I'm so sorry for so much!*I never thought id lose you so soon!* I'm running into pictures of Mira and it's killing me!

I ache so bad today. I'll go take a shower and walk Kira again I don't want to fail Kira too. Maybe I can stop thinking about her for awhile. I pray so deeply that Kira will follow me. She used to. Before Mira came and took that job.

Janis I have just returned and read your post about Mira - I am so very sorry. Someone said "we take their pain and make it ours" and those words ring so true.

We are all here to comfort you and help you to stay strong okay?

Love and many hugs,

I am very sorry to hear about Mira. My thoughts are with you.

Linda

I have been far to remiss at saying this. I appreciate all of you so very much. You put up with alot from me. You say all the right things. You cheer me up and let me know Im not alone. This is s place of angels. You saved me so many times in you own way. I can never thank you enough for that.

My heart goes out to you over the loss of Mira... I have no doubt whatsoever that you did the right thing and that you gave Mira the greatest gift of all - you freed her from suffering.

"When" is the hardest decision there is, ever. I found myself thinking a few days ago about that day with Chris, our diabetic dog. We, like you, had a couple of weeks to deal with his cancer diagnosis. The vet thought we should just let him go right away because he had been so fragile and nothing good was going to happen to him in the future. But he was present with us and eating and functioning and we did not feel like it was the right time. When he began to have some bleeding with the effects of the cancer, then we knew that it was time.

And still, before and after, for two years now sometimes, we continue to worry about whether that was the right time. But we followed our guts and our hearts and made the best decision we could for him with what we knew. That's all any of us can do.

In reality, looking back, whether Chris passed a week before that or a few days after... the end was coming and nothing we could do would change that we were going to lose him. We didn't let him go too soon and you didn't let Mira go too soon either. You did the kindest thing for her.

I know the pain that follows and how her death is far too soon for you. I hope eventually that you can concentrate most on the life you gave her for every moment of those years and remember that that's what really matters.

Natalie

Kira and I went out to check on our little possum hunter. But of course she wasn't there. It was one month from the time I first took her in, for what I thought was allergies, they said she had Cushings, seven days later I'm told she has stage 4 cancer in her liver and lungs, twenty two days later she gone. I'm taking a whole new look on life. Kiras prosects don't look any better. I'd like to go out with her. If this is how life is going to treat me then I have no wish to be here. I know I'm not the first one to go threw this. But this is what I'm feeling right now. I cut off half my hair. Next time I wash it I'll cut more. I've had long hair all my life. I'm 56. I just read corkies thread. I certainly dont have that sort of forditude. I will do my best for Kira but it won't be enough. I'd never live through all that without dying myself. If life is going to take my Kira and Mira away from me like this then I don't want to be here either. Something good better happen soon. I want to go to the batting cages somewhere and hit baseballs. I used to be leery good at it. At the moment I think I would pretty damn good again. My god I can't even look at the pictures of Mira without being ripped apart. And my bright eyed Kira walks like she's aged a hundred years. I can't believe this happened.I should post this I know. I'm just hoping the angels will listen

Janis,

I know your heart is broken, and you feel that you can't go on. Please, Kira needs you, Bud needs you, and you don't know what the future holds. We love you Janis, and we're right here with you.

Take a breath, please, and don't do anything that can't be undone.

Jane

Janis, Jane is right. I know it is hard. When my dog Haley passed in May my Annie fell ill and I fought like hell for over 9 mos to figure out what was wrong. There were times I felt like a caged animal fighting all the time... I was strong at times and weak at others... but I knew that Annie was depending upon me to be her mouth and to fight for her life. So I can relate to your position. Please please please stay strong for Kira. Mira would have wanted you to. Hugs, Kim

I think hitting some balls might be a good idea. Have Bud stay with Kira and hit away, get it all out, swing that bat for an hour i f you have to BUT GET IT ALL OUT and then come home and be strong for a pup that desperately needs you.

None of us know what the future will bring, live is not always fair, but look into the eyes of your dog, just her eyes and find your strength to fight for her. Doesn't she deserve that?

Never quit, Janis, no matter how hard it gets, never quit, if you have to be Scarlett Ohara and shake your fist at the heavens, never quit. No one and nothing can beat you.

NEVER QUIT

Love,
Addy

Mommies lost her fan club. No matter where I went a few minutes later in would wonder little Mira. I always knew where she was cus o only had to look behind me. Is it wrong to want another?it's another heart broken morning. I hugged bud goodbye as she slips from me. This hurts so damn much. Kira doesn't follow me. She is dying too. I don't think I can save her.

Janis -

Kira could just be missing Mira.....

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/do-dogs-mourn/page1.aspx

My labrador was mopey and depressed for about two weeks when his beagle buddy went to the Rainbow Bridge.

Go on! Hit those baseballs! And make a hair appointment!

Hugs,

Gretchen

I swear my dogs or at least all our Siberian huskies make things clear as mud!! She has been moping around since the two of them started getting sick. Both of them at the same time. She doesn't look around for her much. They weren't really big on playing together. Mira was quite a brat for many years. I don't know. Ive lived and breathed Siberian huskies for 32 years they are always with me and I still don't know.

I'm a hermit pretty much I rarely go out. But I sure hope I get the courage to go hit those baseballs. I think it would help a lot. Would be better then doing something at at home. I have stopped myself many times. It would upset Kira a lot too. I have one picture out of Mira of the hundred or so I took since knowing. It just kills me to look at it!!!! You can't tell anything is wrong at all. She doesn't LOOK sick or old at all!!!

Hey Janis,

I am so raw myself today words are hard to find that might help you. There have been a few howls coming from my mouth the last few days, sounds I don't recognize as coming from me at first, sounds I can't stop. An invisible fist slams into my gut out of the blue, doubling me over with pain, taking my ability to breath away, stilling my feet, bringing me to my knees in agony. Every time I beg, "Let me go, please, just let me go." And every time the answer is the same, "Not yet, your job isn't finished." So I climb back to my feet, blinded by tears and guilt, and stumble forward, one of the many Walking Wounded.

You may remember me telling you that Squirt literally saved my life. For the year prior to her diagnosis, I simply drifted through my days til I finally couldn't take it any more. I began making plans; I gave away things that were important to me to people that were important to me, I tied up all loose financial ends, I made amends to folks I had harmed, I got rid of truck-loads of stuff that I had held onto for years - just hauled it to the dump, I wrote letters for those who might care, I talked to an attorney and got a will set up for my meager possessions, and made provisions for Squirt. There was no urgency or panic or fear during all of this which took several weeks. It simply fell into place like a jigsaw puzzle and once everything was set, a calm came over me. For the first time in 14 months, I didn't feel as if the Sphinx was sitting on my chest.

Since Squirt was going to a new home, I wanted to have her checked out first so her new mom would have the latest info on her. The vet said she needed a dental so that was scheduled and the pre-surgery blood work was drawn that day. This is one vet visit when I didn't feel connected to what was going on; I was removed, almost as if I were watching someone else.

Two days later the vet called with the results of the blood work. For the first time, I heard the phrase, "her cortisol is high," and then the word, "Cushing's." I was told she needed further testing. Something happened then, Janis. I don't know how to explain it but that moment in time is vivid in my memories. Squirt was sitting on the floor at my feet while I was talking to Dr. C. I remember looking down at her and finding her looking up at me. All of a sudden, it was like everything was magnified and high-lighted; I could see every speck of dirt on the floor, every item on the counter behind Squirt, the notes and pics and magnets on the fridge behind her, a fingerprint in jelly on a cabinet door, my bare feet with freshly painted bright pink toenails. But the thing that caught and absorbed my attention was Squirt's eyes. We held each others eyes long enough that Dr. C finally broke through when I heard her yelling, "Ms. Richards! Hello! Ms. Richards!" When I replied that I was ok, I really was okay. During the time Dr. C first called to the time I said I was ok, something in me woke up.

What I saw in Squirt's eyes that day was this - she needed me, Janis. She needed me for more than providing food, water and a good replacement. She needed all of me and completely trusted that I would give it to her. A pure, simple trust born of a pure, simple love. That trust broke through the unbearable pain that damn near destroyed me and I began to fight for Squirt's sake.

I continue to fight every single day, some days more than others. I fight to be worthy of the trust that still shines in Squirt's eyes and the love of those who care for me and depend on me. I fight to be worthy when that day finally does come when the answer is, "You can go now. Well done."

Why you have been asked to carry such pain and grief, I can't say. But I do believe we are never given more than we can handle. Even when we think it is simply too much to bear, that we cannot take another step, we find a way to go on.

I see a correlation between us and hope you will soon see it, too. What Squirt gave to me, Kira can give to you - a purpose, a reason to get back up from our knees when we fall, a chance to learn, a chance to love, a chance to heal. Grab it, Janis, grab it and hold on with all you have. Fight to learn how to help Kira, fight to rise above the grief, fight to be.

With empathy for your pain,
Leslie

Janis,

I understand your pain; it all happened way too fast and Mira was relatively young. It is never easy, regardless of their age and condition....we are never ready to let them go. It's completely normal to feel the way you do, I've been going through that as well. Just so many reminders, reminding you that your friend has moved on to a better place, despite any/all efforts you may have made.

But, be strong for Kira, she needs you. And you should not punish yourself (I know, it's easy to say, but I've also been thru that guilt phase as well..with all 3 of my Aussies...it is really hard and it will take some time for you to realize you did the very best you could under the circumstances).

Try to get out of the house and keep yourself occupied with other activities, if you can. It can get very morose just sitting around and looking for your pet, waiting for the bark that no longer is there. I've been out visiting the young ones and spending time w/my friends and their pets. It does help a bit.

And, I do think the other pets notice when their pals pass on....my Pom acted very strangely for several days; I'm sure she was wondering where her friendly "tormentor" (Mandy) had disappeared to. One day, they will all be together again, but young and healthy and spry.:)

Jeff & Angel Mandy

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Squirt's Mom

Hey Janis,

I am so raw myself today words are hard to find that might help you. There have been a few howls coming from my mouth the last few days, sounds I don't recognize as coming from me at first, sounds I can't stop. An invisible fist slams into my gut out of the blue, doubling me over with pain, taking my ability to breath away, stilling my feet, bringing me to my knees in agony. Every time I beg, "Let me go, please, just let me go." And every time the answer is the same, "Not yet, your job isn't finished." So I climb back to my feet, blinded by tears and guilt, and stumble forward, one of the many Walking Wounded.

You may remember me telling you that Squirt literally saved my life. For the year prior to her diagnosis, I simply drifted through my days til I finally couldn't take it any more. I began making plans; I gave away things that were important to me to people that were important to me, I tied up all loose financial ends, I made amends to folks I had harmed, I got rid of truck-loads of stuff that I had held onto for years - just hauled it to the dump, I wrote letters for those who might care, I talked to an attorney and got a will set up for my meager possessions, and made provisions for Squirt. There was no urgency or panic or fear during all of this which took several weeks. It simply fell into place like a jigsaw puzzle and once everything was set, a calm came over me. For the first time in 14 months, I didn't feel as if the Sphinx was sitting on my chest.

Since Squirt was going to a new home, I wanted to have her checked out first so her new mom would have the latest info on her. The vet said she needed a dental so that was scheduled and the pre-surgery blood work was drawn that day. This is one vet visit when I didn't feel connected to what was going on; I was removed, almost as if I were watching someone else.

Two days later the vet called with the results of the blood work. For the first time, I heard the phrase, "her cortisol is high," and then the word, "Cushing's." I was told she needed further testing. Something happened then, Janis. I don't know how to explain it but that moment in time is vivid in my memories. Squirt was sitting on the floor at my feet while I was talking to Dr. C. I remember looking down at her and finding her looking up at me. All of a sudden, it was like everything was magnified and high-lighted; I could see every speck of dirt on the floor, every item on the counter behind Squirt, the notes and pics and magnets on the fridge behind her, a fingerprint in jelly on a cabinet door, my bare feet with freshly painted bright pink toenails. But the thing that caught and absorbed my attention was Squirt's eyes. We held each others eyes long enough that Dr. C finally broke through when I heard her yelling, "Ms. Richards! Hello! Ms. Richards!" When I replied that I was ok, I really was okay. During the time Dr. C first called to the time I said I was ok, something in me woke up.

What I saw in Squirt's eyes that day was this - she needed me, Janis. She needed me for more than providing food, water and a good replacement. She needed all of me and completely trusted that I would give it to her. A pure, simple trust born of a pure, simple love. That trust broke through the unbearable pain that damn near destroyed me and I began to fight for Squirt's sake.

I continue to fight every single day, some days more than others. I fight to be worthy of the trust that still shines in Squirt's eyes and the love of those who care for me and depend on me. I fight to be worthy when that day finally does come when the answer is, "You can go now. Well done."

Why you have been asked to carry such pain and grief, I can't say. But I do believe we are never given more than we can handle. Even when we think it is simply too much to bear, that we cannot take another step, we find a way to go on.

I see a correlation between us and hope you will soon see it, too. What Squirt gave to me, Kira can give to you - a purpose, a reason to get back up from our knees when we fall, a chance to learn, a chance to love, a chance to heal. Grab it, Janis, grab it and hold on with all you have. Fight to learn how to help Kira, fight to rise above the grief, fight to be.

With empathy for your pain,
Leslie

---

Yup if that moment does flutter by, rest assured I won't miss it. It is what I'm looking for. And yes I would grab it knowing it's where I was ment to go and I would let it consume me. It is how siberians came into my life in the first place afterall. It was a sign as clear as day and I've never felt otherwise when that happens. We are a fancyfull lot aren't we? Believers in fate. Nothing we could ever dream up could effect us the same way. It was the same way with my first love. The instant I saw him I knew I was doomed. I also knew I was helpless to stop it. Fate. This thing with Mira though. I never knew fate could be this crewl. You however my friend got tagged by it even worse then me. Not much but never the less it was just wrong.

It is irritating when people don't let you vent. Your upsetting the dog just get over it. Your husband needs you to be strong. Well I'm not strong. Let them live with that. I'll get over it in my own way, in my own time. So much so that I won't even recognize the dog in the picture. They won't even look familur to me. But that certainly won't be happening tomorrow or the next day or even a month from now. It will probably happen when I let my love shift to another dog. And I'll scream and cry for letting go. Then it will be gone. And that's when I can see the good things. That's when I can remember without pain. You know getting over a death the next day seems pretty heartless to me. Never really loved them in the first place. Watch out anger is taking over!

Kira is scaring the hell out of left and right too. I really need help with that.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Altira

It is irritating when people don't let you vent. Your upsetting the dog just get over it. Your husband needs you to be strong. Well I'm not strong. Let them live with that. I'll get over it in my own way, in my own time. So much so that I won't even recognize the dog in the picture. They won't even look familur to me. But that certainly won't be happening tomorrow or the next day or even a month from now. It will probably happen when I let my love shift to another dog. And I'll scream and cry for letting go. Then it will be gone. And that's when I can see the good things. That's when I can remember without pain. You know getting over a death the next day seems pretty heartless to me. Never really loved them in the first place. Watch out anger is taking over!

Kira is scaring the hell out of left and right too. I really need help with that.

---

I hear you and share your thoughts; I don't get the "one day and it's done" mentality of grief related to pet loss. It takes a long time to work through. I'm now approaching one month since my Mandy's passing and a day does not go by w/out thinking about her. The sadness is lifting yes, and being replaced by happier thoughts. But, you just don't "get over" the loss of a beloved pet in a day or two.

Just don't worry about what others think....you feel the way you feel and that's it...but do try to give Kira all the love and attention she wants and needs from you.

Jeff & Angel Mandy

Just the right words at the right time. It nice to here from someone who is there too. Thank you. I figure I'm in it for three months at least. Before I can truly let go and another ^^ furry face will make our family whole again. And mysweet Kira will never..o.. have to be alone...

Its been almost a year since Maggie died and I still cry sometimes. The tears are more nostalgic now and not so heart rending.
Those people that don't understand that our dogs aren't "just dogs" are missing out on so much in life.
Please allow yourself time to grieve. Know that this is a safe place to write what you can't say aloud to anyone.

Janis, I lost my Harley at the beginning of October. It will be a long time before I'm over it. I know most of my family & friends well enough to know that some are of the "it's just a dog" viewpoint, & some do understand my grief & sadness. I quit discussing anything to do with my dogs with the first group of people a long time ago, & I think that I have finally got the point across to them to leave me alone, & not badmouth me in any way about what I do for my dogs or how I feel about them. If this group of people still choose to give me "attitude", I cut them off, no matter how rude I might be, & they can all go "jump in a lake". The 2nd group of people truly do understand my grief, & these are the folks I, now, rely upon for support & understanding. My K9cushings family leads the way in the group of folks I rely upon.

Debbie

Janis,

Debbie pretty much nailed it. Well put Debbie.

You need to feel your pain because you have suffered a tremendous loss, and to heck with anyone trying to convince you that your baby was not worthy of your great pain merely because he was a dog. This is a no brainer really--write those insensitive people off if they don't respect what is important for you, and surround yourself with the beauty of understanding and empathetic friends who share in your pain.

Thinking and praying for you to find the comfort you need at this moment, and from one fur baby lover to another, God Bless you and your precious Mira. Tight hugs. Xo Jeanette and Princess