Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Can we love again?

Like so many other animal lovers, I’ve spent my entire life in the company of critters. A home without fur would not be home to me - something essential would be missing.

So we people of the fur tribe invite animals into our lives, knowing that eventually the time will come when we have to say goodbye to them. Critters can live a long time…just not long enough.

Over the years I’ve spoken with many grieving people who’ve called to order my pet loss books. We've shared stories, precious memories, and more than a few tears as we talked about the animals we’ve loved and lost.

Some people have told me they were so devastated by the loss of a beloved companion they would never be able to bring another animal home. Others have said they would continue bringing home furballs until they drew their last breath.
When I lost my dog, Martha, in 1995, I knew there would be more doggies one day, but I couldn’t imagine loving one like I had loved her. Then I found Jake…and I fell in love all over again. We connected in a way that I didn’t even know was possible.

Jake is gone now, and with him went a very large part of my heart. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever will be lucky enough to meet another Jake, or Martha. But then I remember that even though I may not be able to imagine loving that deeply again, the universe…as it always does…knows better.

It’s just a matter of time…

WOOF!

Chris

3 comments:

Cool Kat said...

Why should I write a book about 'My children wore fur" when you say it so beautifully. For every fuzzy child that comes into our lives and after we have lost one or more, adding a furry in need of a home and family is the best tribute and way of honoring how much our lost fuzzies meant to us. We aren't replacing them. We are giving another pet a chance for happiness in their memory.

Anonymous said...

i just lost my precious, precious boy of almost 13 years yesterday, and no matter how it happens, it's always a surprise. thank you for your sites, for being so open, and for this specific thought today.

i don't know if my time to open my home again to another would be soon, but i do know i never thought i would love again like the one before... and then along came my boy.

so i guess even while i'm grieving, ill carve a tiny place in my broken heart for the future, because limiting love is something he didn't teach me, only ever to love the most as often as possible.

thank you, my little man for each and every lesson. in life AND death, you humble me.

blessings to all.

Anonymous said...

I'm very sorry about the loss of your sweet boy. You're so right - our animals wouldn't want us to limit our love or keep our hearts closed, because that isn't how they see the world. Perhaps that's why they are such good teachers!

I'm sure your precious boy is watching over you during this difficult time.

Chris