Pet Loss Comfort

It’s been about a year since I added the Pet Loss Comfort section to my website. Since then, many people have gotten in touch to tell me how visiting those pages brought them a little comfort as they coped with the heartbreaking loss of one of their critters.

Any animal lover understands those feeling of loss. They are deep, and they are real. And although time may soften the edges of the pain, and warm memories may begin to take the place of the tears that come from saying goodbye, it's still easy to find yourself back in that moment when your world fell apart as a beloved animal friend left your life.

It’s been almost 3 ½ years since I lost Jake. Not a day goes by without my thinking of him, wishing I could hold that beautiful head in my hands and “nuzzle the muzzle.”

When I read the Pet Loss Comfort section I feel Jake leaping out from the pages. Going through all the photos, and recalling all our adventures together, brings me a deep sense of peace.

In the next few blogs I’d like to share some of my thoughts from those pet loss pages, with the hope that they may provide comfort...or at least a soft and safe place to rest...for anyone who is struggling with the pain of losing an animal.

Next: Losing my forever dog

Chris

How I spent my summer vacation

If someone had asked me last June how I’d be spending my summer, I don’t think I could have ever imagined I’d be visiting bead stores and attending gem shows.

But that’s exactly what happened!

It all began when I decided to create something new for the animal lovers who purchase my gift books. So many of them have lost beloved critters, and for many of them the story of The Rainbow Bridge has brought comfort during a painful time.

According to this lovely legend, when our animals leave this life they go to a place called Rainbow Bridge. There they are restored to health and vigor, where they run and play in sunny meadows. They live in happiness and peace, waiting for the day when they will be reunited with their earthly companions.

On the day of that joyous reunion, “you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.”

Together…forever.

I’m delighted to introduce The Rainbow Bridge Forever Bracelet. This timeless piece of jewelry is designed with a rainbow of natural stones, whimsical swirls and sterling silver message beads that say “Forever” and “Love.” Each bracelet comes with a paw print dog or cat charm. For those of you who share your life with dogs and cats there is an option to order both charms.

Whether your forever critter waits for you at The Rainbow Bridge, or is happily still by your side, wear this beautiful bracelet in celebration of the timeless love you will always share.

To learn more about the Rainbow Bridge Forever Bracelet and our books for animal lovers please visit the Lighthearted Press website http://www.lightheartedpress.com.

Cheers,
Chris

My new neighbor

This summer a lovely new family moved into the home next door. The household included two wonderful Standard Poodles, but last week the four-leggeds grew by one.

Meet this sweet little toy poodle puppy. Is he cute or what? The little guy is waiting for a name. I told this fluff ball he is welcome to crawl under my fence any time.

Whether I return him is another story.

I sure do miss having a dog in my life, but thankfully there are enough pups in the neighborhood to help me get a regular doggie fix.

Perhaps my angel dog, Jake, had a hand…I mean paw…in arranging this.

Chris

Relax like a cat

I share my heart and home with four cats.

I have no business EVER being tense in the presence of these feline yoga masters. They pour themselves down the stairs like Slinkies -remember those?

If there is even one square inch of sunlight in the house they will find it and sprawl out as if they're on a beach in Hawaii. They can spit and pounce and ambush with the best of them, and then it’s gone and they’re quickly back in relaxation mode.
My living room has two large windows in front. When I’m having one of THOSE days I stretch out on the rug under the windows and bask in the daylight. Even if it's a wet day here in Oregon there is STILL light behind those raindrops.

I may start out alone, but within seconds cats start coming to me from wherever they are in our home. It’s as if they sense I’m ready to give myself up to the universe, and let all that wonderful healing energy pour down over me like syrup on a pancake.

One by one they come, brushing against my leg or sitting on my chest, purring their soothing love into my heart.

Like I said…yoga masters.

Om….

Chris

A picture is worth 1000 words...and a few tears

So there I was, visiting some online sites that cater to animal lovers. I stopped at retail places, rescue sites, social groups – anything that promised to bring a smile to a critter lover’s face.

And then I came to a screeching halt.

There he was – my beloved angel dog, Jake, sitting proudly next to a man I didn’t recognize. The picture took my breath away. Even though I was with Jake when he left this earthly life, for a fraction of a second I thought this WAS Jake!

It was more than a resemblance – this dog looked like a Jake clone! All the memories of our years together, and the pain of his leaving, came rushing back. It was overwhelming.

I closed down the computer, but it took awhile before I felt grounded. The next day I tried to re-create my steps and find that photograph again, but wasn’t able to.

Maybe I was meant to find that picture...in that moment…and for ONLY that moment. Perhaps that was a message from my dear boy, letting me know he’s happy and loved wherever he is, for I know that is true.

To read more about Jake visit http://www.lightheartedpress.com/jake.htm.

CHRIS
www.lightheartedpress.com

Take time to enjoy the view

Wishing all you animal lovers a peaceful and relaxing Labor Day weekend. Don't forget to take some time to enjoy the view...just like these doggies!

(Picture courtesy of my friend Muffet Arroll, who lives in Georgia.)

Cheers,
Chris
http://www.lightheartedpress.com/

Painting the Bones

The other day I was in a store, chatting with a man about his wife’s beloved cat. She had found the cat when it was a kitten, and the two had been constant companions for about 15 years.

The cat followed her “mom” everywhere including, on one fateful day, out to her car. Mom didn’t realize the cat was there until it was too late and she had run over and killed her feline friend.

The man said his wife’s grief was very great, and she had no way of handling her loss. A kind neighbor took the cat’s body and buried it in his yard. The woman did not go to the cat’s gravesite, nor did she speak of its passing.

Three years went by before the woman felt she was able to deal with her loss. The neighbor dug up the box and the woman brought her kitty home. Her husband told me she meticulously cleaned off all the bones, and then painted each of them in a color coordinated pattern so she would know how they all went together.

The painted bones went back into the box, and the box went onto a shelf in the closet.

We all grieve in our own way. It took several years, but this woman was finally able to find peace with her loss. In my heart I think all those painted bones magically found their way to her cat, and somewhere up in the heavens one very colorful angel kitty flies contentedly through the starry skies.

Here’s to painting the bones!

Chris
http://www.lightheartedpress.com/