Gratitude: Today, I'm grateful for...

I'm sorry about you losing your sweet dog! Itchy was so cute and looked like he would be a very loving dog. I believe Itchy is up in Heaven with God and Jesus and all the angels. The reason that I believe that is because I had a St. Bernard, Max. I loved him dearly but had to put him down when he became so ill. About a year after he died I saw a man who looked familiar with a St. Bernard that looked exactly like Max. I was walking to the store and I wanted to go pet the St. Bernard. I missed that! I walked up to the man to ask if I could pet his dog and they both disappeared right in front of me! I think it was my Max and I think he was with my Grandpa' who also was up in Heaven which is why the man looked somewhat familiar, About a week later my mom also saw Max. She was driving to work at night and was a little worried because she didn't work in the best area. She looked in the rear view mirror and there was Max in the back seat! She wasn't afraid anymore after she saw Max. I may sound crazy but I think Itchy and Max are up in Heaven having a wonderful time together!
I wish you the best in this sad time. I'll say a prayer for you also.
PML

Dear PML,
Thank you so very, very much for your message. Minutes before reading your note, I was searching the library for pet grief books as today was a particularly difficult day for me. I found "Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates," written by biblical scholar Gary Kurz who, as per the introduction, sets out to prove that there are indeed pets in Paradise. I have always believed that as well and one of the last things I whispered into Itchy's ears was "Please be sure to find me when I cross over." Your message is no coincidence and it came just at the right time. I have just ordered this audio book and know it will help soothe my saddened heart. Again, thank you! Blessing to you (and Max!).

Itchy is adorable!!! So sorry for your loss. What a blessing that Itchy lived 21 years and most of them with you. My favorite dog was a rescue that I adopted at 2 years old and she lived to be 16. She’s on my screensaver and in my heart. My son had a replica stuffed animal like her made by cuddleclones.com and it’s so realistic. I smile every time I look at it or think of her. Savor the memories and know you gave Itchy a wonderful life.

Thank you so very much, Zebra. Itchy was a rescue as well. They are tough dogs!! A friend of mine gave me a stuffed dog but he looks nothing like Itchy. Just being able to pet his fur helps. I am going to check out cuddleclones. I recently found a book that is helping me a lot. It is called "Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates" by Gary Kurz. You sound like you were a wonderful doggie mom!

@equanimous
I’ll have to check out that book! My son always says rescue dogs are so grateful when they find their forever home. I think that was true with my two rescues, both schnauzers. I had great dogs I raised from puppies too though, big poodles and German Shepherds. My last three dogs I had at once made it to 16, 16 and 18. Not quite your astounding 21, but way past their expected lifespan. My 18 year old poodle still easily walked 2 miles a day with me till the end but dementia got her. My stuffed replica of my little cuddly schnauzer is so real looking people have asked if it’s taxidermy. Of course not! I hope you get a chance to rescue another cuddle bug in the future. 💕🐾

I'm glad I could help a little. It is hard when you lose a pet! I even felt bad recently when the neighbor's cat moved! He spent a lot of time visiting me and was so loving and sweet. When my husband died in July of lung cancer, the cat seemed to know that something wasn't right. He came to visit me 6 days in a row! Loving me up and purring each time he came. He never came that many days in a row before!

I'm going to look up that book you mentioned. It sounds interesting.

Also thank you for the blessing to me and Max! That was special.
PML