My 4 lb Maltese, Beau was killed Jan 2, 07. A few months ago, I submitted a sad story about this tragic day to the Rainbow Bridge explaining how I slammed the door on him, breaking his neck. I am still suffering daily with grief and loss. Nonetheless I want to share an amazing positive experience.

I am sitting by my computer late tonight, waiting for an email from a friend and looking down, I see Beau's little bed that I can't seem to put away and I am in tears. I thought about the Rainbow Bridge and clicked on your stories. I want to thank you so much for them. I wonder if I could ever want to attempt getting another dog, knowing how much pain exists when they go.

Well a few weeks ago I had a very powerful dream; the only dream that has helped me dramatically and I wanted to share it with you. I dreamt about God. My 15-year-old daughter said, "Mom when you dream about God, that's revelation!"

I dreamt that I was with God and I felt a bright light to my right. He was showing me his plans for this world and delegating some tasks to me. I looked down and saw a cute little dog, maybe a Chihuahua and it was on its back so I saw its belly and little legs as I petted her gently. There were other dogs around very quietly walking. God said, "These are the dogs, and dogs are to comfort the people." He then said, "But they don't live very long." After awhile my dream was over.

The next morning these words rang in my ear. Dogs are perfect and so they are to "comfort the people"--BUT "they don't live very long." This thought caused me, for the first time, to consider that it may be ok to get a different dog. I still can't say "another" dog, but I can say the "next" dog or a "different" dog. We get to have many dogs bless our lives because they are to comfort us but not for long.

I wish I would have consciously realized this when I was holding little Beau up to my chest when he would lay his little head on my shoulder like a newborn baby. I forgot to realize that this was a temporary experience. Damn that I had to be blasted so abruptly with shock on Jan 2, that he was actually temporary. Mostly I miss the relationship of give and take; a perfect give and take...

Your stories help me to realize what I already know, that I will have him again. I am glad I have my husband and kids, who do live a lifetime long and I appreciate that they are healthy and a part of my life. Nonetheless, I don't know when I will stop filling Beau's water dish or when, if ever, I will put his bed away, but I am grateful for a powerful dream, from God; personal revelation from the Almighty that knows me and loves me.

Darlene Braden
Best Selling Author

For my Free eBook on the Loss of a Beloved Pet called, "Oh Where Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone." Go to: http://www.whatstopsyou.com/doggone-1.html