pet grief

Frankie’s Message from Heaven

Posted by Barbara Techel

Heaven is not up or down, it is all around.

Remember the morning I left for heaven and the wind picked up?  Remember how you saw what looked like a jet’s stream swirl around the tree, then around your garden, through the open window where you were sitting, and dance around you?

You were right, mama- that was me!  It was me!

Heaven is earth.  Did you know that?

It is. Heaven and earth are connected. Just like you and me, mama.  We are one. We are always connected.

When I danced around you, I was free.  I no longer needed my wheels.  I came to show you.  And you saw.

While I was on earth you made it heaven for me, getting my wheelchair so I could be free to be a dog.

I saw you at Bookworm Gardens with grandma yesterday.  I saw you bend down to pet the statue likeness of me, then look at my picture in my little doghouse.

I was with you, mama.  I felt your heart rise up in sadness again, wanting to release the pain.  I’m here mama every time you feel sad, reminding you I’m still with you. I’ll never leave your heart.

When you feel sad it is me beside you letting you know you can release the pain- let it go- be free to love another little doggie. You must. That is what heaven is, mama. To love another- to love more- to expand your heart.  Heaven is on earth- if only people could see that.

I’m here to remind you that heaven is all around you. Never fear we are one.

When you want to hold me once again, sit in the silence of your heart and remember how it felt.  It is there. I promise. I’m right there, snuggled on your lap, gazing into your eyes and loving you like I did while on earth.

Heaven is all around, not up or down.

You and me, we are one, our hearts intertwined for eternity.

Never doubt it mama, I am here.

Something Magical Happened Over the Summer

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

This past weekend as I was sitting with John and Kylie enjoying our evenings on our deck in front of our cheminia, I realized something magical had happened over the summer.

My bond with Kylie became stronger and deeper.  Without Frankie with us now, I’ve been able to devote my full attention to Kylie. I feel like I can see a change in her because of this. She seems to want to be with us more, even though she is still quite the independent dog. But she does seem to relish in the extra attention.

I used to feel bad that Frankie got so much more attention because of the extra needs she required, but as I’ve moved through the summer without Frankie, and took more time with Kylie, I know now I was never a  bad dog mom.  Kylie is Kylie.  She loves her independence and I’ve always tried to respect that and admire her for that.  But I’ve also seen her come around to hanging out with John and I more– wanting to be near us, and wanting to be pet even more than before.

It’s a good feeling.  I’ve promised Kylie that when a new dachshund joins the household, which have no fear, one will, I promise to give her the undivided attention she needs too, and when it is right for her.

Gosh, I can imagine just like mom’s to children, of which I never had any, the same issues we face with our pets and mom’s with kids, trying to always give each of them what they need and when they need it.  But when the bond grows deeper, as it has this summer with my Kylie girl, I must say my heart has felt a deep joy in connecting with her in a new way.

She’s been here for me this summer as I grieved the loss of Frankie- in her own sweet, independent, loving way, and I can’t thank her enough for that. Love you, Kylie girl.

Frankie Visited Me in My Dreams Last Night

Posted by Barbara Techel

I’ve wanted to dream about Frankie since she’s been gone, but had not until last night.  I happen to believe that when your loved ones come to you in your dreams, that you truly are together– just in another realm that our awake minds can’t seem to comprehend.

I woke up incredibly happy today because Frankie and I were together in my dreams last night. I got to hold her once again.  I also held her in her pink sling, like I often did.  It felt so good to be with her again.  I told her all about National Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day, but I suspect she already knew about it.  But she listened intently as she always had when I talked to her when she was here.  I really think she was quite pleased with this day being created in her memory and that I am carrying on her message about how great all dogs in wheelchairs are.  I also think it is why she first visited me now… because she sees that I am strong enough on my own and is happy I am moving forward.

The road ahead for me still has more questions than answers and a friend recently asked me what my next plans are.  I said, “I”m not quite sure.  I will finish my book and release it early next year, but beyond that I’m not exactly sure.”

She said, “That’s okay.  You are marinating.”

I like that.  I am indeed marinating.  Some things have popped into my mind that I think I may like to do in regards to expanding the work Frankie and I did, but I’m not quite ready to share that yet.  I’ll continue to marinate and trust should this be the direction I am to take, I will know in due time.

With Frankie visiting me in my dream last night it brought me more comfort and just another affirmation that she is indeed with me all the time.

I know not everyone believes these things, but I can’t imagine not. It helps me to live in the here and now. It also helps strengthen my faith that we are all indeed together, no matter which side of the thin veil we are on.