My way of thinking/ Mourning the Loss of a Pet

My friend Scott and I met on Facebook a short time ago.  It wasn't long before we found that we had a lot in common, in particular a great love of animals.  Together we started a group called Robin's Hope: A Place for Animal Awareness.  It is a Facebook page where people can share pictures, videos, stories, rescue information, and basically anything to do with animals of all kinds.  The group was a hit from the start and it wasn't long before we realized we needed to do more for our members.  At the suggestion of one of our members, Rhonda Newport, we created a new page called Robin's Rainbow: A Place to Remember.  On this page members can share about beloved pets who have crossed over that rainbow to a place where they wait patiently to be reunited with the ones who loved them.


Robin's Rainbow quickly filled with remembrances and I was struck by the similarities in our grief.  We all shared a common bond and understanding of what it's like to lose a best friend of the four legged, furry kind.  People who have never had a pet find this deep love a little confusing.  But at Robin's Rainbow they can share without those looks that say, gee I'm sorry you're upset, but I don't really understand why.


I have written a number of stories about the dogs who passed over in the last few months.  I'm sure that many of you recognize the picture of Atticus.  Before him I wrote a piece about Maynard.  These were fiends of mine as well as their owners.  I grieved for them too.  Bonnie (also pictured here was one of my dogs) I will always miss her happy personality and the love we shared.  But I went on to have other dogs, and even a cat, in my life.  Atticus' mama has a new kid named Timmy Elijah.  Maynard's mom isn't quite sure yet but, whatever she eventually decides, she carries the love that Maynard gave her in her heart at all times.  Love never dies!


I believe that the more we love, the more we are able to love.  When a loved one goes away for any reason, we don't stop loving.  We can't stop sharing love because of the pain that comes when love changes direction.  This is true of all our relationships.  We can remember the hurt and pain and close ourselves off.  Or we can remember the joy that came with the love we felt.  It is a choice.  My hope is that we can continue to love in spite of the fear of loss.  Take that love that burns within your very soul and give it to another.


Okay.  Maybe a little preachy, but I want you all to enjoy the greatest gift we are given by a loving Universe.  That is the gift of love.  Without it we are sadly incomplete.


                                            Peace and Love,


                                                Austin/Bill


                 

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