In Remembrance by Peggy Mott

In Remembrance

by Peggy Mott

Zach was a very special dog who lived just over 6 years. He died of kidney disease which can be a long, debilitating death. In all that time, he never let on how very ill he was, not until 4 days before he died. He lived for me because I had begged him not to go. I loved him that much. Today is the 8th anniversary of his death. This is a tribute to him and a thanksgiving for his life. The more I look back on his life, the more I realize the purpose he had in coming. After he developed his illness, I told him I couldn't imagine my life without him. He was the perfect example of unconditional love that the Creator gives all His creatures. For at least 2 years after his death, his spirit would visit me. I would hear the clinking of his tags following me around the house, feel the warmth of his body resting against my legs as I did dishes, or have a very strong sense of his presence in a room. Once our son saw him lying outside in the back yard watching the house as he always did. When I went to look he was gone, but I knew that he had been there. One day as I was leaving my work walking to my car, he suddenly appeared walking along with me. I didn't see him with my eyes but in my mind, a very vivid image that I can still see today. I was startled as I wasn't expecting that at all. What I remember from that time was how wonderful he looked. He was prancing along in that beautiful gait he had, with his eyes sparkling, tail waving, and looking up at me with a joyous smile on his face. I received a very strong message. He was saying: "Look at me. See how wonderful I look and feel. Don't grieve for me anymore." After that day, I stopped thinking of him so much, stopped the tears, and accepted what he wanted me to know. That last visit was a wonderful gift to me. He hasn't been back since and I know he's moved on, perhaps on another mission of love to someone else. I talked with my priest about all that and he confirmed what I already knew. That these wonderful animal companions are God's gift to us, especially when we need them. Because they are given to us with love, and as love never dies, neither do they. Their spirits live on and we will be with them again. After all, if heaven is meant to be perfect for us, all our loved ones will be there waiting, and that includes our animal companions. I write this in gratitude to God for the gift of Zach's life. I've had other dogs, but never one like him. For all who read this and who are grieving the loss of a beloved friend. I want to give you hope that you will be reunited again.

Comments would be appreciated by the author, Peggy Mot