hey everyone ...

due to the storm i stuck home today ... so that making it hard ... i
threw away his litter box and lifted up his food dishes today ... i
can't seem to find it in myself to fluff up th couch where he alway
laid and his body indented the couch on that area ... mischief was
really special he was mean to eveyone but special ... he use to beat
hte living crap outta my sister dog ... he would climb on to it cause
they were the same size ... now her dog is terrified of cats and
refuses to enter my apartment .... i think mischief had siamese in
him ...  i bought him from a pet store five years ago in march ... i
went back to that pet store yesterday to ask if they screen their
cats and there answer was no ... but i know no matter how angry i get
at them its not going bring him back .... he not going come back and
i relize this even through i wish he would ... i been crying again
today ... i go through lil times of it ... everyone keeps offering me
kittens ... they want me to be happy ...but i am not ready to have a
kitten yet ... i don't know if i will EVER be ready ... i miss him so
much and i am afaird of getting another one and him/her dying .... i
know all pets die but this one was a shock to my system...  he was
such a good boy but such a trouble maker ... i guess he lived alot of
life in five years ... this past christmas he ate the plastic
chrismtas tree .... i had to take it down cause he refused to stop
sucking on it ... i feel so guilty still ... i feel like i coulda
done more ... what if i hadda gone and check when i heard the
bang ... what then coudl i have saved him ?? sorry for writing so
much ... i am just feeling really down ...

Ash

--- In northpetloss@yahoogroups.com, "S. Lennox"
<bikini_bottom_7@...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi Ashley
>
> I wanted to let you know how sorry I am that you had to lose your
cat at 5 years of age. Losing a pet an any age is quite tough, but
losing one so young must makes it even harder.
> It sounds like his death was so sudden that there was absolutely
nothing you could have done to prevent it.
>
> I too just lost one of my cats (Toady) in September of 2007; she
was 12 years and had been diagnosed with liver failure.
> Every year in June I do the animal wellness testing for geriatric
pets. This is a special blood test that screens for certain
conditions that older cats are more susceptible to get. Everything
came back a-okay. But somewhere between the end of June and the
beginning of July, Toady started getting sick and losing weight.
(Toady was a big-boned kitty so for her to lose weight was bizarre).
Could I have done anything more to prevent her from getting liver
disease? I asked myself this question over and over again, but
finally came to the conclusion that there was nothing else
preventitive-wise that I could have done.
> As far as treatment of this condition, I know that I did as much as
I could to give her a better quality of life. There were other
treatments that we could have done to possibly extend her life, but
the vet could make no guarantees of any of them.
> It was just her time I guess, so to make the long story short, we
said our last goodbye to her on September 7th, 2007.
> I cried and cried all weekend long. I wrote a poem about her and
posted it on my facebook wall as well as included it in one of the
Northumberland Humane Society newsletters.  I found the poem really
let me get out my bottled-up feelings for her, and I felt somewhat
better for writing the poem. Losing her really hurt and still hurts a
lot to this day. The pain has subsided a bit, but is not entirely
gone and I am not sure that it will ever entirely disppear. She was a
special kitty who will always have a special place in my heart as I
know that your kitty will too.
>
> I found that talking about Toady really helped me understand her
passing, so please feel free to use this resource as often as needed.
>
> "If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane,
> I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again"
>     Sarah LennoxCommunity Awareness and Special Events
CoordinatorNorthumberland Humane Society371 Ward StreetPort Hope,
ONL1A 4A4north1@...
>
>
> To: northpetloss@...: rainow14@...: Thu, 31 Jan 2008 06:16:39
+0000Subject: [northpetloss] hello new member
>
>
>
>
> Hi...My name is Ashley and my cat mischief died today suddenly ...i
am not sure how he died but i heard a bang in the washroom i thought
he knocked some shampoo bottles in the tub so i didn't go look to see
what it was cause he was always doing stuff like that ... about 20
minutes later i went in to use the washroom ... and he was in the tub
just laying there and he was not moving so i called his name and he
wouldn't rsepond so i picked him up and he still was not responding
and he was cold so i ran next door to my nebours and they said he had
passed on ... i am taking this very hard and blaming myself wonderinf
if there was nayhting i coulda done to save him ... everyone telling
me there nothin i coulda done even teh vet .... but he was only 5
years old and he was a gray tabby ... has anyone else had issues like
this and how did u deal with your grief... i am finding it very hard
to sleep tonight and all i been doing is crying ... ashley
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _________________________________________________________________
>

"If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane,

I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again"

    

Sarah Lennox
Community Awareness and Special Events Coordinator
Northumberland Humane Society
371 Ward Street
Port Hope, ON
L1A 4A4
north1@...
905-885-4131

---

To: northpetloss@yahoogroups.com
From: rainow14@...
Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2008 06:16:39 +0000
Subject: [northpetloss] hello new member

Hi...

My name is Ashley and my cat mischief died today suddenly ...i am not
sure how he died but i heard a bang in the washroom i thought he
knocked some shampoo bottles in the tub so i didn't go look to see what
it was cause he was always doing stuff like that ... about 20 minutes
later i went in to use the washroom ... and he was in the tub just
laying there and he was not moving so i called his name and he wouldn't
rsepond so i picked him up and he still was not responding and he was
cold so i ran next door to my nebours and they said he had passed
on ... i am taking this very hard and blaming myself wonderinf if there
was nayhting i coulda done to save him ... everyone telling me there
nothin i coulda done even teh vet .... but he was only 5 years old and
he was a gray tabby ... has anyone else had issues like this and how
did u deal with your grief... i am finding it very hard to sleep
tonight and all i been doing is crying ...

ashley

Hi Ashley-
Absolutely it's normal.  It's like trying to adjust to
the situation.  For me, when our cat Sonya died, I too
experienced those numb periods, almost as though I'd
stopped thinking about it, and then when I remembered
again it felt terrible.
It's normal to experience a range of emotions, from
crying, to restlessness, inability to concentrate to
actual physcial symptoms like nausea or body aches.
Are there some of your friends or family who are
understanding of how you feel and realize your grief
is valid and real?  These are good people to spend
time with right now.
In addtion, some people who have just experienced the
devastation of losing a pet find it helpful to express
their feelings by memorializing their pet in poems,
stories, or a photo collage.  A ceremony to honor the
pet's memory is often helpful too.
It's important during this time to take care of
yourself as well, by getting some fresh air and
exercise, and eating right, even though you may not
feel hungry.
I'm not sure where you are located; are you in
Ontario?  If so you can call the Ontario Veterinary
College's Pet Loss Support Hotline; there are people
there who are trained in grief councelling and they
can be very helpful.  I've recommended them before and
the feedback was positive.  You will find the number
to call in the links section of the Pet Memorial Site.
Of course, post here whenever you need to.  I will
check the site every couple of hours to see if you've
posted and how you're doing.  Remember - YOU ARE NOT
ALONE!  We know how you feel.
It will get easier for you, it will just take some
time.
If anyone else on the site has something they'd like
to share with Ashley, please do post.  I know you have
all experienced a similar loss,or losses, so please
share and help give Ashley support during this
difficult time.
Lynne


--- rainow14 <rainow14@...> wrote:

> Hey Lynne,
>
>  I found yesterday night very hard .... i came home
> from work and i
> relized i was coming home to am empty apartment and
> no one was coming
> here to greet me or give me kisses .... i relized
> that no one was
> going be here to love me or anything ... so i found
> that very
> hard ... i woke up this morning and now i am
> starting to feel a bit
> numb and i am not sure if thats ok or not .... i
> miss him so much ...
> and i miss having his meows in the morning .... its
> very hard ... i
> found going to work yesterday helped a bit until i
> relzied i was
> coming home to an empty house with nothin to snuggle
> up and kiss
> me ...  is it normal for me to go numb and then cry
> and then go numb
> again ??
>
> thank you so much for listerning
>
> ash
>
> --- In northpetloss@yahoogroups.com, Aisling Mere
> <myzen66@...> wrote:
> >
> > Hello Ashley
> > I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  I know what
> you
> > must be going through right now.
> > I would say that there was nothing you could have
> > done....but actually that is not true because you
> did
> > everything you could - that is, provide Mischief
> with
> > a loving home for 5 years, and that is huge!  The
> fact
> > that he died suddenly is something that you could
> have
> > done absolutely nothing about, sometimes these
> things
> > just happen.
> > There are only a few members here yet but I think
> they
> > will all tell you that they have had the same
> thoughts
> > about the passing of their loved animal; is there
> > something more I could have done?  Did I do
> enough?
> > Fact is, you will come to realize that you did
> > everything you could do and more, and that it
> wasn't
> > your fault.
> > If you would like to put a picture of Mischief in
> the
> > memorial album, please do so, and check out the
> links
> > section for some very helpful places to visit on
> the
> > web.  And of course, post here whenever you need
> to
> > get your thoughts out or to connect with someone
> who
> > understands your grief.  That is what we are here
> for!
> > Take care, my dear, and again, we all know how you
> > feel, allow me again to express my deepest
> sympathy in
> > your time of loss.
> > Lynne
> >
> >
> > --- rainow14 <rainow14@...> wrote:
> >
> > > Hi...
> > >
> > > My name is Ashley and my cat mischief died today
> > > suddenly ...i am not
> > > sure how he died but i heard a bang in the
> washroom
> > > i thought he
> > > knocked some shampoo bottles in the tub so i
> didn't
> > > go look to see what
> > > it was cause he was always doing stuff like that
> ...
> > > about 20 minutes
> > > later i went in to use the washroom ... and he
> was
> > > in the tub just
> > > laying there and he was not moving so i called
> his
> > > name and he wouldn't
> > > rsepond so i picked him up and he still was not
> > > responding and he was
> > > cold so i ran next door to my nebours and they
> said
> > > he had passed
> > > on ... i am taking this very hard and blaming
> myself
> > > wonderinf if there
> > > was nayhting i coulda done to save him ...
> everyone
> > > telling me there
> > > nothin i coulda done even teh vet .... but he
> was
> > > only 5 years old and
> > > he was a gray tabby ... has anyone else had
> issues
> > > like this and how
> > > did u deal with your grief... i am finding it
> very
> > > hard to sleep
> > > tonight and all i been doing is crying ...
> > >
> > > ashley
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > "Life's tough, but I'm tougher!"
> > -Marion Ryan
> >
> >
> >
>
______________________________________________________________________
> ______________
> > Looking for last minute shopping deals?
> > Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.
>
http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping
> >
>
>
>


"Life's tough, but I'm tougher!"
-Marion Ryan


      
________________________________________________________________________________\
____
Looking for last minute shopping deals?
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. 
http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

Hey Lynne,

  I found yesterday night very hard .... i came home from work and i
relized i was coming home to am empty apartment and no one was coming
here to greet me or give me kisses .... i relized that no one was
going be here to love me or anything ... so i found that very
hard ... i woke up this morning and now i am starting to feel a bit
numb and i am not sure if thats ok or not .... i miss him so much ...
and i miss having his meows in the morning .... its very hard ... i
found going to work yesterday helped a bit until i relzied i was
coming home to an empty house with nothin to snuggle up and kiss
me ...  is it normal for me to go numb and then cry and then go numb
again ??

thank you so much for listerning

ash

--- In northpetloss@yahoogroups.com, Aisling Mere <myzen66@...> wrote:
>
> Hello Ashley
> I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  I know what you
> must be going through right now.
> I would say that there was nothing you could have
> done....but actually that is not true because you did
> everything you could - that is, provide Mischief with
> a loving home for 5 years, and that is huge!  The fact
> that he died suddenly is something that you could have
> done absolutely nothing about, sometimes these things
> just happen.
> There are only a few members here yet but I think they
> will all tell you that they have had the same thoughts
> about the passing of their loved animal; is there
> something more I could have done?  Did I do enough?
> Fact is, you will come to realize that you did
> everything you could do and more, and that it wasn't
> your fault.
> If you would like to put a picture of Mischief in the
> memorial album, please do so, and check out the links
> section for some very helpful places to visit on the
> web.  And of course, post here whenever you need to
> get your thoughts out or to connect with someone who
> understands your grief.  That is what we are here for!
> Take care, my dear, and again, we all know how you
> feel, allow me again to express my deepest sympathy in
> your time of loss.
> Lynne
>
>
> --- rainow14 <rainow14@...> wrote:
>
> > Hi...
> >
> > My name is Ashley and my cat mischief died today
> > suddenly ...i am not
> > sure how he died but i heard a bang in the washroom
> > i thought he
> > knocked some shampoo bottles in the tub so i didn't
> > go look to see what
> > it was cause he was always doing stuff like that ...
> > about 20 minutes
> > later i went in to use the washroom ... and he was
> > in the tub just
> > laying there and he was not moving so i called his
> > name and he wouldn't
> > rsepond so i picked him up and he still was not
> > responding and he was
> > cold so i ran next door to my nebours and they said
> > he had passed
> > on ... i am taking this very hard and blaming myself
> > wonderinf if there
> > was nayhting i coulda done to save him ... everyone
> > telling me there
> > nothin i coulda done even teh vet .... but he was
> > only 5 years old and
> > he was a gray tabby ... has anyone else had issues
> > like this and how
> > did u deal with your grief... i am finding it very
> > hard to sleep
> > tonight and all i been doing is crying ...
> >
> > ashley
> >
> >
>
>
> "Life's tough, but I'm tougher!"
> -Marion Ryan
>
>
>
______________________________________________________________________
______________
> Looking for last minute shopping deals?
> Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.
http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping
>

Hello Ashley
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  I know what you
must be going through right now.
I would say that there was nothing you could have
done....but actually that is not true because you did
everything you could - that is, provide Mischief with
a loving home for 5 years, and that is huge!  The fact
that he died suddenly is something that you could have
done absolutely nothing about, sometimes these things
just happen.
There are only a few members here yet but I think they
will all tell you that they have had the same thoughts
about the passing of their loved animal; is there
something more I could have done?  Did I do enough?
Fact is, you will come to realize that you did
everything you could do and more, and that it wasn't
your fault.
If you would like to put a picture of Mischief in the
memorial album, please do so, and check out the links
section for some very helpful places to visit on the
web.  And of course, post here whenever you need to
get your thoughts out or to connect with someone who
understands your grief.  That is what we are here for!
Take care, my dear, and again, we all know how you
feel, allow me again to express my deepest sympathy in
your time of loss.
Lynne


--- rainow14 <rainow14@...> wrote:

> Hi...
>
> My name is Ashley and my cat mischief died today
> suddenly ...i am not
> sure how he died but i heard a bang in the washroom
> i thought he
> knocked some shampoo bottles in the tub so i didn't
> go look to see what
> it was cause he was always doing stuff like that ...
> about 20 minutes
> later i went in to use the washroom ... and he was
> in the tub just
> laying there and he was not moving so i called his
> name and he wouldn't
> rsepond so i picked him up and he still was not
> responding and he was
> cold so i ran next door to my nebours and they said
> he had passed
> on ... i am taking this very hard and blaming myself
> wonderinf if there
> was nayhting i coulda done to save him ... everyone
> telling me there
> nothin i coulda done even teh vet .... but he was
> only 5 years old and
> he was a gray tabby ... has anyone else had issues
> like this and how
> did u deal with your grief... i am finding it very
> hard to sleep
> tonight and all i been doing is crying ...
>
> ashley
>
>


"Life's tough, but I'm tougher!"
-Marion Ryan


      
________________________________________________________________________________\
____
Looking for last minute shopping deals?
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. 
http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

Hi...

My name is Ashley and my cat mischief died today suddenly ...i am not
sure how he died but i heard a bang in the washroom i thought he
knocked some shampoo bottles in the tub so i didn't go look to see what
it was cause he was always doing stuff like that ... about 20 minutes
later i went in to use the washroom ... and he was in the tub just
laying there and he was not moving so i called his name and he wouldn't
rsepond so i picked him up and he still was not responding and he was
cold so i ran next door to my nebours and they said he had passed
on ... i am taking this very hard and blaming myself wonderinf if there
was nayhting i coulda done to save him ... everyone telling me there
nothin i coulda done even teh vet .... but he was only 5 years old and
he was a gray tabby ... has anyone else had issues like this and how
did u deal with your grief... i am finding it very hard to sleep
tonight and all i been doing is crying ...

ashley

Hi and welcome!
Feel free to post a picture of Allie-boo in the
memorial album, or a special poem in the files
section.
Incidentally, speaking of messages, the Book Animals
and the Afterlife is full of interesting stories like
that as well.
Lynne


--- Ann <cabright@...> wrote:

> Hi, and thanks for the invite, Lynne. I have been an
> animal lover all
> my life and have had many pets down through the
> years. Losing them can
> be extremely heart-wrenching -- we think when we
> first start out with
> them as puppies and kittens that 10 or 15 years is a
> long time, but it
> sure passes fast! I can't believe our two cats,
> Renny and Robin, are
> now ten years old, and that it's also been nearly
> ten years since my
> dog, Alice, died in early January of 1998. I will
> always remember it as
> it was the same day as the big ice storm in Quebec.
>
> Incidentally, I am Managing Editor of Animal
> Wellness Magazine, and in
> each issue we include a tribute article from someone
> about an animal
> that has passed on. It's often hard to edit these
> stories without
> crying, but it's also inspiring how these people
> deal with their losses
> and grow from the experience. Some pretty amazing
> things occasionally
> happen, too. Some people get messages from their
> animals after they
> have gone (see the Nov-Dec issue for a really cool
> story about that!),
> while others find that their loss opens the path for
> a wonderful new
> animal or other gift to come into their lives. This
> isn't meant to be
> an ad for the magazine, but many people may find it
> comforting to read
> about other people's experiences and how they coped.
>
>
> BTW, I wouldn't worry about the group being so
> quiet. Most Yahoo groups
> are, I've found. I've belonged to a few that were
> completely inactive
> from one month to the next, so it's nothing unusual!
>
>
>
>
>
>


"Life's tough, but I'm tougher!"
-Marion Ryan


      
________________________________________________________________________________\
____
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Hi, and thanks for the invite, Lynne. I have been an animal lover all
my life and have had many pets down through the years. Losing them can
be extremely heart-wrenching -- we think when we first start out with
them as puppies and kittens that 10 or 15 years is a long time, but it
sure passes fast! I can't believe our two cats, Renny and Robin, are
now ten years old, and that it's also been nearly ten years since my
dog, Alice, died in early January of 1998. I will always remember it as
it was the same day as the big ice storm in Quebec.

Incidentally, I am Managing Editor of Animal Wellness Magazine, and in
each issue we include a tribute article from someone about an animal
that has passed on. It's often hard to edit these stories without
crying, but it's also inspiring how these people deal with their losses
and grow from the experience. Some pretty amazing things occasionally
happen, too. Some people get messages from their animals after they
have gone (see the Nov-Dec issue for a really cool story about that!),
while others find that their loss opens the path for a wonderful new
animal or other gift to come into their lives. This isn't meant to be
an ad for the magazine, but many people may find it comforting to read
about other people's experiences and how they coped.

BTW, I wouldn't worry about the group being so quiet. Most Yahoo groups
are, I've found. I've belonged to a few that were completely inactive
from one month to the next, so it's nothing unusual!

Hey Mackenzie-
Good to see you here!
I remember Nikki - she was an awesome dog, I remember
her being so full of curiosity in life, she was
beautiful too.
Thanks so much for sharing here, and for posting Nikki
in the memorial album.
Lynne

--- Aurora <nahmeahschild@...> wrote:

> I should introduce myself eh?
>
> My name is Mackenzie, and I used to work with Lynne
> at the Shelter. I
> too witnessed many animal deaths there, and it is
> ultimately why I had
> to leave. I started having nightmares about the pets
> in the shelter
> that I felt I could do nothing for..
>
> Two summers ago, we lost our dog Nikki... she was a
> beloved friend and
> sister to me. She came to us from the Humane Society
> as a baby, and
> lived for 8 years as a member of our family. She was
> diagnosed with
> bone cancer, and was given two months to live. Nikki
> being the
> stubborn Rotti that she was, lived for 13 months
> after that, until one
> day a warm summer breeze took her from us. She died,
> peacefully in our
> back yard, surrounded by her family. To this day, I
> have a hard time
> interacting with rotties, cause the memory is still
> too new and
> painful. for those who are would like to see, I have
> posted a picture
> of Nikki in the photos section.
>
> Mackenzie
>
>


"Life's tough, but I'm tougher!"
-Marion Ryan


      
________________________________________________________________________________\
____
Be a better pen pal.
Text or chat with friends inside Yahoo! Mail. See how. 
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I should introduce myself eh?

My name is Mackenzie, and I used to work with Lynne at the Shelter. I
too witnessed many animal deaths there, and it is ultimately why I had
to leave. I started having nightmares about the pets in the shelter
that I felt I could do nothing for..

Two summers ago, we lost our dog Nikki... she was a beloved friend and
sister to me. She came to us from the Humane Society as a baby, and
lived for 8 years as a member of our family. She was diagnosed with
bone cancer, and was given two months to live. Nikki being the
stubborn Rotti that she was, lived for 13 months after that, until one
day a warm summer breeze took her from us. She died, peacefully in our
back yard, surrounded by her family. To this day, I have a hard time
interacting with rotties, cause the memory is still too new and
painful. for those who are would like to see, I have posted a picture
of Nikki in the photos section.

Mackenzie

Hi Everyone-
I have changed the description of the group around a bit.  It is now
functioning as an on-line memorial for people to place pictures and
literature of and about their pets who have passed on.  I have changed
the name of the group to the Pet Memorial Garden.
Please feel free anyone to post pictures in the memorial album and/or
literature.  I would love to have one of those on-line light a candle
features - does anyone know how I might put that up here?
Terry thanks so much for your encouraging words!
Lynne

Hi Lynne
Don't give up!  It takes time for people to find pet loss groups and
the services they offer!  Eventually people will find out about the
group - please feel free to post on our message board at
http://www.members4.boardhost.com/PETLOSS/
if you want to bring your group out into the public a bit more.  As
you can see from our message board, things are slow for us too!
Keep the faith!  There IS a need and you will be needed to help those
who are grieving!
Sending a hug
Terry

----- Original Message -----

From: Saffronmane

To: northpetloss@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Thursday, October 11, 2007 10:56 AM

Subject: [northpetloss] An Update

Boy this is such an active cyberplace to spend time....
It appears that Pet Loss Support is not a needed resource in this
area. However I plan to leave this list in existance at least for
awhile, perhaps eventually there will be someone out there who could
use it.
Lynne

Boy this is such an active cyberplace to spend time....
It appears that Pet Loss Support is not a needed resource in this
area.  However I plan to leave this list in existance at least for
awhile, perhaps eventually there will be someone out there who could
use it.
Lynne

Hello-
A quick post to let everyone know that we are changing the format of
the Pet Loss Meetings.  We have been meeting since March and to date
have only had 2 people come out at different times, so it would appear
that the group venue is not what is needed here at this time.  Instead
we are now offering individual support as needed.  Anyone needing
support over the loss of an animal companion can make arrangements with
one of the facilitators to meet somewhere and talk.  Literature and
resource list is still available to anyone.
Thanks-
Lynne

Note: forwarded message attached.


Watching the moon
at dawn,
solitary, mid-sky,
I knew myself completely,
no part left out.

-Izumi Shikibu

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

--- In paganpets@yahoogroups.com, "Dawn" <elegant_voodoo@...> wrote:

Found this on the net today and figured you guys might enjoy it.



Do Animals Have Souls?
by Stacy Mantle



I was talking with a coworker the other day and he informed me that
animals do not have emotions. This is just after he told me (the day
that I put my dog of 17 yrs. down) that animals do not have souls
and therefore will never enjoy the concept of heaven. Animals do
have emotions and they also have souls, and I'll tell you how I know
that.

In over twenty years of working with animals,
I have never seen a kitten duct-tape a live human baby to a freeway.
I also have never seen a cat find enjoyment from setting a human on
fire.
I've never gone hiking in the desert to find a child that dogs have
left tied to a stake, without food and water, subjecting it to a
painful death in the desert heat.
I have never seen a chicken force two unwilling humans to fight in a
ring with razor blades attached to     their feet while the chickens
place bets on who will be the first to die.
I haven't seen a puppy place eight children in a gunnysack and drown
them in a river.
Neither have I seen an eagle aim a shotgun at an unarmed human
I have yet to see a bear kill a human simply to place a head on the
wall of their cave.
And to this day, I have not seen a pigeon drive a car down the road
and aim for humans who were walking around the park.

Let me tell you what I have seen.
I have seen my own cats sleep next to me so they may keep me a
little warmer while I was ill.
I've seen my dogs play games with me just to force a smile to my
face.
I have seen a cat rush into a burning home not once, not twice, but
six times to save her kittens, nearly losing her own life in the
process.
I have seen a ferret pull a frightened kitten out of a deep hole in
the ground.
I have seen a coyote fetch another dog so that it may get the proper
medical care that it needs.
I've seen a dog, who loves to jump on people, avoid jumping on me
when I injured my back.
I've seen elephants cry.
I've seen monkeys scream in empathy when one of their own were
injured.
I've seen puppies whine all night long when they were separated from
their mothers.
I've seen a dog pull a child away from a fire.

These are only a few of the things that I've seen. To list them all
would take a lifetime, and I think you get my point. As for the soul
thing? Well, it is my humble opinion that if you have emotions, any
kind of emotions, then you have a soul. Ironically, the (old) Pope
of the Roman Catholic Church recently stated that he feels the same
way. Now, I can't prove that animals have souls. But then, I can't
prove that you or I have one either. And for all those people who
firmly believe that animals don't have souls - well, I suppose if
there really is a heaven, you'll probably have the job of cleaning
out all the litter boxes.

--- End forwarded message ---

Hello-
Just a reminder that the pet loss support group is meeting tonight at
322 Division Street in Cobourg, so if you'd like to come out or know of
anyone who might benefit from it, please pass the message along.
Thanks-
Lynne

I replyed to this post, but for some reason my reply vanished.....my
e-mail has been doing some odd things lately.  I'll try again....
Thankyou Terry for sharing these resources, I'll keep my eye out for
them.  I like Gary Kowalski very much, he has some interesting things
to say.
I just finished Kim Sheridan's Animals and the Afterlife, check out
more about this book on the Compassion Circle website, in the links
section!
Lynne

--- In northpetloss@yahoogroups.com, "Saffronmane" <myzen66@...>
wrote:
>
> --- In northpetloss@yahoogroups.com, "Terry H" <petlossgroup@>
> wrote:
> >
> > I recently picked up a couple of books that I thought might be of
> > interest to others:
> >
> > How to Roar:  Pet Loss Grief Recover; A Definitive Step by Step
> > Guide to Dealing With the Death of a Pet by Robin Jean Brown.  It
> is
> > a workbook type book that asks questions that will help you
address
> > many aspects of pet loss and the wonderfully unique relationship
> > that you had with your beloved pet.  Its available at
www.amazon.ca
> > and www.chapters.ca and costs around $24.00 Cdn.
> >
> > Goodbye, friend:  Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who has ever lost a
pet
> > by Gary Kowalski.  An easy-to-read book that is both a personal
> > account of the author's relationship with his own pets and his
> views
> > on how their loss has such a huge impact on our own lives.  Also
> > available at www.amazon.ca and www.chapters.ca for about $18.00
Cdn.
> >
> > At a recent support group meeting, one of the participants
brought
> a
> > wonderful memory set entitled "Rainbows and Bridges" which is
> > described as "an animal companion memory kit".  It includes a
> > journal to write in, as well as inspirational words, a place to
put
> > a picture of your pet.  You can find the book at
> > http://www.amazon.ca and it is currently on sale for only $22.41
> > Cdn.  For more information about the book visit
www.angelanimals.com
> >
>

--- In northpetloss@yahoogroups.com, "Terry H" <petlossgroup@...>
wrote:
>
> I recently picked up a couple of books that I thought might be of
> interest to others:
>
> How to Roar:  Pet Loss Grief Recover; A Definitive Step by Step
> Guide to Dealing With the Death of a Pet by Robin Jean Brown.  It
is
> a workbook type book that asks questions that will help you address
> many aspects of pet loss and the wonderfully unique relationship
> that you had with your beloved pet.  Its available at www.amazon.ca
> and www.chapters.ca and costs around $24.00 Cdn.
>
> Goodbye, friend:  Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who has ever lost a pet
> by Gary Kowalski.  An easy-to-read book that is both a personal
> account of the author's relationship with his own pets and his
views
> on how their loss has such a huge impact on our own lives.  Also
> available at www.amazon.ca and www.chapters.ca for about $18.00 Cdn.
>
> At a recent support group meeting, one of the participants brought
a
> wonderful memory set entitled "Rainbows and Bridges" which is
> described as "an animal companion memory kit".  It includes a
> journal to write in, as well as inspirational words, a place to put
> a picture of your pet.  You can find the book at
> http://www.amazon.ca and it is currently on sale for only $22.41
> Cdn.  For more information about the book visit www.angelanimals.com
>

I recently picked up a couple of books that I thought might be of
interest to others:

How to Roar:  Pet Loss Grief Recover; A Definitive Step by Step
Guide to Dealing With the Death of a Pet by Robin Jean Brown.  It is
a workbook type book that asks questions that will help you address
many aspects of pet loss and the wonderfully unique relationship
that you had with your beloved pet.  Its available at www.amazon.ca
and www.chapters.ca and costs around $24.00 Cdn.

Goodbye, friend:  Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who has ever lost a pet
by Gary Kowalski.  An easy-to-read book that is both a personal
account of the author's relationship with his own pets and his views
on how their loss has such a huge impact on our own lives.  Also
available at www.amazon.ca and www.chapters.ca for about $18.00 Cdn.

At a recent support group meeting, one of the participants brought a
wonderful memory set entitled "Rainbows and Bridges" which is
described as "an animal companion memory kit".  It includes a
journal to write in, as well as inspirational words, a place to put
a picture of your pet.  You can find the book at
http://www.amazon.ca and it is currently on sale for only $22.41
Cdn.  For more information about the book visit www.angelanimals.com

Note: forwarded message attached.


Watching the moon
at dawn,
solitary, mid-sky,
I knew myself completely,
no part left out.

-Izumi Shikibu

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Hi Lynne!
I think I told you that our group is a member of Bereavement Ontario
Network and they recently sent the following notice around.  I
immediately thought of you and didn't know if you were aware of this
service in your area.  While not pet loss related, it may be helpful
for someone you know or maybe a contact person for you to network
about grieving issues in general!
I hope all is well and that the information I sent was useful.
Best regards,
Terry Hickey

Hello from Hospice Northumberland Lakeshore.

If you could either post the following notice, or, if you are aware of
someone who is grieving and might find our session useful, please have
them contact us.

There is no charge.

Thanks.

Pete Marrocco
__________________________

NEWS RELEASE



Contact: Pete Marrocco, Volunteer co-ordinator
For immediate release

905-373-8875



Announcement from Hospice

for those who are recently bereaved



A loved one has died. How do you deal with the jumble of thoughts and
feelings? You are not alone. We are here to help.



Support.Empathy.Friendship



That's what Hospice Northumberland's bereavement support groups are
all about. Beginning in the third week of September, Hospice is
offering a weekly support group in Port Hope for those who are
recently bereaved. People come to such groups for a variety of reasons
- to share their stories, to feel less isolated, and to learn more
about the process of grief and how to cope. The eight-week evening
program, for a small group in a strictly confidential environment, is
co-facilitated by trained Hospice volunteers.



If you are interested in attending, please contact Pete Marrocco or
Libby Bailey at the Hospice office, 905-373-8875. Space is limited.



Hospice Northumberland Lakeshore helps people facing a
life-threatening illness maintain their dignity, choice and quality of
life, and gives respite and comfort to their caregivers. Hospice also
offers support to families and friends, including children, following
the death of a loved one (whether or not a Hospice client.) Hospice is
a Northumberland United Way member agency.

The next Pet Loss support meeting will take place on Wednesday
September 13th.  Spread the word!
Lynne

Just a reminder that the next Pet Loss Support meeting will take
place on Wednesday July 12 at 322 Division street in Cobourg.

Lynne

Hi-
I emailed you off-list, forgetting that I get group posts in my
in-box!  So I'll respond here too!
YOu and Bill are of course both very welcome at the first meeting, and
your input will be very valuable and much appreciated!
Lynne

--- In northpetloss@yahoogroups.com, <louisa.ielo@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Lynne, I was just on the phone with Bill (he's off today, working
around the house) and reading your email at the same time. I am
definately going to come to the first PLSG meeting, so count me in,
and Bill is interested too but will not know until he can check his
work schedule. It should be interesting, especially the facilitator
that you mentioned that is an animal communicator (did I get that
right?). with Bill's work at the shelter plus the vet clinic, he may
be able to contribute interesting thoughts about death and so on. (How
do I say that in a tactful way!!!).
>
> Louisa
>
> >
> > From: "Saffronmane" <myzen66@...>
> > Date: 2006/04/19 Wed PM 12:59:22 EST
> > To: northpetloss@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [northpetloss] Pet Loss Support Group, first meeting
> >
> > Hello
> > Our first meeting will occur on Wednesday, May 10 at 7pm.  The
> > location will be 322 Division Street in Cobourg.  There will be
> > parking around the back, and you will see a door on which there will
> > be a sign saying Pet Loss Support Group.  If you can, please bring a
> > folding chair, as our meeting room does not have chairs yet!  This
> > space belongs to one of our facilitators and she is generously
> > donating it for our meetings, so there is no charge to attend the Pet
> > Loss Support meetings; however a free will donation towards the
> > Northumberland Humane Society would be greatly appreciated.
> > There will be some coffee and tea available.  If you would like to
> > come you are more than welcome to just show up or give me a call at
> > 905-885-4131.
> > Thankyou-
> > Lynne
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

Hi Lynne, I was just on the phone with Bill (he's off today, working around the
house) and reading your email at the same time. I am definately going to come to
the first PLSG meeting, so count me in, and Bill is interested too but will not
know until he can check his work schedule. It should be interesting, especially
the facilitator that you mentioned that is an animal communicator (did I get
that right?). with Bill's work at the shelter plus the vet clinic, he may be
able to contribute interesting thoughts about death and so on. (How do I say
that in a tactful way!!!).

Louisa

>
> From: "Saffronmane" <myzen66@...>
> Date: 2006/04/19 Wed PM 12:59:22 EST
> To: northpetloss@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [northpetloss] Pet Loss Support Group, first meeting
>
> Hello
> Our first meeting will occur on Wednesday, May 10 at 7pm.  The
> location will be 322 Division Street in Cobourg.  There will be
> parking around the back, and you will see a door on which there will
> be a sign saying Pet Loss Support Group.  If you can, please bring a
> folding chair, as our meeting room does not have chairs yet!  This
> space belongs to one of our facilitators and she is generously
> donating it for our meetings, so there is no charge to attend the Pet
> Loss Support meetings; however a free will donation towards the
> Northumberland Humane Society would be greatly appreciated.
> There will be some coffee and tea available.  If you would like to
> come you are more than welcome to just show up or give me a call at
> 905-885-4131.
> Thankyou-
> Lynne
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>

Hello
Our first meeting will occur on Wednesday, May 10 at 7pm.  The
location will be 322 Division Street in Cobourg.  There will be
parking around the back, and you will see a door on which there will
be a sign saying Pet Loss Support Group.  If you can, please bring a
folding chair, as our meeting room does not have chairs yet!  This
space belongs to one of our facilitators and she is generously
donating it for our meetings, so there is no charge to attend the Pet
Loss Support meetings; however a free will donation towards the
Northumberland Humane Society would be greatly appreciated.
There will be some coffee and tea available.  If you would like to
come you are more than welcome to just show up or give me a call at
905-885-4131.
Thankyou-
Lynne

Yesterday saw the release of Chance, a cat we've been taking car of
at the Northumberland Humane Society.  Chance had a growth in his ear
which was seriously impeding his balance.  We had a vet remove this,
however his balance never really came back and there was a good
chance that the growth would come back.  This week, Chance took a
turn for the worse, and at the end was unable to stand upright, use
his litter box or feed himself.  The decision was made that it was
time to end this suffering.
After 10 years of doing this job, you'd think I'd get used to seeing
animals pass on.  But no.  When an animal dies, as with a human
being, it MEANS something, or at least, it should.  The vet let me be
there, to gently stroke Chances face as she gave him the injection.
It's a comfort to me in one way to know that as he slipped away he
knew that someone cared enough to be there.
When an animal is passing away and I'm there, I always try and turn
it's face towards a window, so it can see the sky.  I did this with
Chance too, and as he relaxed into death I got an odd inner vision,
of Chance dashing up a tree, with all use of his limbs, lashing his
tail from side to side, his eyes all full of glee!  I'll hold on to
this, as a sign from Chance that he made it safely to the other side.

Lynne

Hello, and welcome to Northumberland Pet Loss Support.  We are very
glad you found your way here.

This group is for those who feel the need to share their experiences
with losing a pet.  The group was created because we feel there is not
much support in today's society for those who have lost a loved animal
companion, and we would like to begin to change that.  So please feel
free to talk and share, if you need to.

Personally, I have loved and lost quite a few pets over the years; my
first dog to pass on was Chimo, a siberian husky with sky blue eyes.
Since then I've had to part company with Sylvia, also a siberian,
Catherine, a hymalayan cross, Sonya, a siamese cross cat, and Igworth,
an iguana.

As supervisor of a Humane Society, I have also had to witness animal
death many times in the course of my work.  This was very difficult
for me.  I came to realize however that life in all it's forms is
precious and if all you can do is give some comfort and a quick
blessing to an animal that is passing away, then that is better then
nothing at all.

So it's my hope that those who are struggling with the loss of an
animal will find some comfort, both here and in the physical group.
In time you will find a list of resources, and there will be more
details on the where and when of the group as they become available.
All we ask is that you treat others on this list with the same
understanding and respect as you would wish for yourself.  ALSO I will
have to insist that if you choose to bring a spiritual component to
the group you are welcome to, but we are tolerant of ALL belief
systems here and ask that you respect the religious beliefs of other
members, even if they are not what you believe or practice.

Thankyou.

Lynne