by Marcia Banchero
It has been one year this month we said "Good by" to our dear fur babies. Garfield (24 year old cat) and Dear Maggie (14 year old Sheltie.) We cried buckets of tears and felt we had lost our best friends (both within 5 days.) We were at such loose ends. My husband (71yrs) and I (66yrs) had to deal with our loss, each in our own way and it took a long time. We swore we would NEVER love that hard again! Then one day this late summer, during a "Cat" nap, I had a dream. There was our dear Maggie, the sun shining, gentle wind waving her beautifull coat, ears up. That special stance she always took when she was happy or serious and that dear little face. She looked so happy. I heard her say, "It's OK Mom, I am happy and well, it's time for you to let go now." I woke up with such peice and tranquility saying I have permission to go forward.
It took my husband longer to come to his own terms. But that's OK, as we each have to do this in our own way.
One day in late August, my husband went to the pet shop to get gold fish for our new pond he had just built. He came back kind of quiet like and said I just saw the sweetest dog! She's a 5 month old, little English Cocker. All the others were barking, there sat this little one, real quiet like, just looking up at him with those big brown eyes. A week passed and she was still there. He took me down , dragging my feet(I dont' do well in pet shops)I saw the instant bond with my husband and knew Wow, this sure feels right and good. Let's call her Annie! She lives with us now, just like she has always been here.
We have had the joy of watching her grow,and learn about her world. She had been caged for two and a half months. So everything was so new for her, steps, leaves, grass , snow all that we take for granted.
In late September Annie came near death from kidney failure caused by a disease spread from urin in sick raccons. We thought "Oh NO!" She can not leave us - not yet - she is just a baby! Thank GOD for wonderful Vets, good medicine, her LOVING spirit, and will to live she recovered.
Annie is well, adjusted, kind, loving, gets along with other fur babies, kids ,and us Seniors. We are so blessed!
I want to say thank you all for your love and support during our greiving time. It is TRUE - out there - somewhere IS a new Fur Baby to love. When the time is right for you, you will know it in a heart beat! Don't be afraide to love again!
Written with much love,
Granny M