grief

Honoring Our Pets that Have Passed On

Posted by Barbara Techel

Losing a pet can be a very difficult thing to go through.  The grief is real and painful, as I have talked about many times on different blog posts. Here is a wonderful idea I came across from an article from Guideposts about creating a shrine to keep the memory of your dear pet alive.  I realized that without realizing it I too had created a few different areas of shrines for my dear sweet, Cassie Jo, who will be gone 5 years this July.  I can’t believe she has been gone that long!  So I share the article from Guideposts with you, as well as pictures of the various areas of memory I have in my home of Cassie Jo.

This is a beautiful painting of Cassie Jo done by a painter my mom hired so she could gift this to me in memory of Cassie Jo.  It hangs in my living room.  When I need to feel Cassie Jo with me, I gaze at this picture and every time I do, I feel Cassie Jo with me.

This is an area I have in my family room with a picture that was professionally taken of Cassie Jo when she was about two years old, some chocolate lab statues and an angel holding a puppy.

This is a small table in MySpace.calm (a.k.a. writing studio) of some pictures of Cassie Jo, one with her leash draped across the top. The block that says Billie Jo was a sign from Cassie Jo when my writing studio was being built.  I have maple hardwood flooring in my room.  It is often stamped by the person who inspected it.  We had many nicknames for Cassie Jo, and one was Billie Jo (don’t ask me why, but we just did)… at any rate, we discovered Billy Jo stamped on one of the hardwood pieces.  If you have followed me for some time, you know that Cassie Jo is the reason I began writing… I couldn’t help but believe this was a sign from her that she approved of my new writing studio.

So it is never too late to create a shrine in honor and memory of pets that have passed on.  It is amazing how healing this is, as well as how it can help you in the future at those times you find yourself missing them.

Grieving the Loss of a Loved Animal Companion

Posted by Barbara Techel

I came across this excellent article (link below) on what animals mean to so many of us, and how real the pain and grief is for many when they pass on.  I truly hope as a society we can understand what those of us go through who love animals deeply… or at least respect our feelings.  Sadly, there is still a stigma and people feel "embarrassed" or "weird" to openly share their grief at the loss of an animal.

It is my belief that animals are living, breathing beings.  They are different from us in that they are God's creatures, but they still bring to our lives purpose, compassion, kindness, love and understanding.  Why wouldn't we feel pain and loss when they pass on?  It is real and it hurts deeply… but the JOY they bring to our lives cannot be said in words… it can only be felt with the heart… and that is why our hearts break when they die.

So here is the link to the article.  Do share it with others and your vet office.  I belong to a pet support group and have shared this with the facilitator to have as a hand out.  I think it will greatly offer comfort to those missing there sweet furry friends.

Wheely Willy, the Tiny Parapeligic Celebrity Dog, Passes Away December 22nd

Posted by Barbara Techel


Frankie and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to Deborah Turner and the passing of her celebrity dog, Wheely Willy, the tiny parapeligic dog that brought immense hope and joy to the world. My heart aches greatly for Deborah, but I know Willy is safely in God’s arms and an angel like no other. God Bless Willy and Deborah for all their amazing work.  Rest in peace little one.

This portion below is from Wheely Willy’s website.  Please visit his website to read more about all the beautiful work he and his Mom, Deborah did.

Wheely Willy, the tiny paraplegic dog passed away in his sleep this morning, December 22, 2009.   Best known for his inspirational story of hope and courage, this 22 year old miracle lived one of the most amazing lives of any companion animal.  Many years ago Willy was abandoned in a cardboard box having sustained serious back and neck injuries.  His story was chronicled on many television shows including Animal Planet.  Today, the facts surrounding Willy’s birth, prior life, and injuries, still remain a mystery.  Following his adoption by Deborah, and acclimation to his new family of rescued animals, Willy found ways of conquering his challenges, becoming a symbol for many, of strength and willpower.  He became enabled by a K-9 Cart, which changed his life, allowing him to get around on his own by propelling himself with his front legs.  His humanitarian endeavors of comforting patients of every age in hospitals, and giving people hope for their own lives gave him notoriety.  The small dog’s many visits to convalescent homes, civic groups and schools turned him into a teaching tool for children and adults that our actions are very important, because our lives are what we make of it.