When I heard the song the other night, it struck a chord in my heart and tears filled my eyes. I’ve heard this song often as I have the album downloaded to my ipad(do they still say album?!) 😉 But before this, I’d not heard it like I did that night. I just knew then that this song represents what Gidget has brought to my life….especially this last year.

2018 is a happy ending, even though it almost wasn’t. Holding onto an old story and pain from long ago, I almost missed the opportunity to be celebrating the New Year with Gidget at my side. I had convinced myself earlier this year that due to her chronic issues, she was suffering and I almost made the fatal mistake of putting her to sleep. I really believed at the time it was the right thing to do. It has taken me until today to be okay with sharing this as the guilt and shame was overwhelming.

But with time, support, and lot of inner personal work, I’m in a better place today. Should judgement come my way from sharing this, I’m strong enough now to know that no judgement from other’s could hurt me as much as the verbal and emotional pain I inflicted upon myself through such a trying time earlier this year.

As I’ve mentioned a few times now here on my blog, I’m working on a new book to share more about this journey with Gidget. The working title of my book, which I hope to publish sometime in 2019 is, I’m Fine Just the Way I Am.

I’ve learned so much over the last twelve months and also discovered that what I experienced, I wasn’t alone. One resource I was able to find through all this was this website, Pet Caregiver Burden. Pet caregiver burden research continues with the initial discovery that those caring for sick animals or animals with chronic issues can suffer with similar feelings and emotions as one experiences taking care of a person with Dementia. The site has many helpful articles.

Also, my friend, Joe Dwyer, who was on my support team this last year, began Noble Strength Sanctuary which is all about being of support for people and animals, after he saw more and more the compassion fatigue that those in rescue often suffer from. You can become a member at no cost and receive a copy of his ebook about his dog, Shelby who graces his life in some pretty special ways.

And so I share this song as a tribute to dear Gidget who helped me see life in a new way! Lyrics are below the video with my favorite verse as: 

You showed what a little bit of love can do
You opened my eyes and a light came through
Took me to a place that I never knew
Goodbye to my little bit of something blue

SOMETHING BLUE

XO,

Barb