I just want to say thank you

[JMCKUSICK]

To each and every one of you for being here with me through this incredibly painful time.

I can't adequately express how much you've helped me during this time of unstopping grief.

Like so many other times in my recent life, you've been there for me as only you could, and so far beyond what I could ask for.

Thank you for every kind word, for every shared feeling, and for stepping up so willingly, to hold my hand during this excruciating time.

Thank you,
Love, John

[SheltieLover]

1. That's what friends are for, John.

I hope you & Toby, & kitty are feeling better today & beginning to heal.

[JMCKUSICK]

3. Honestly SheltieLover, not yet.

I'm just starting to miss him in my quiet moments.

[SheltieLover]

5. I'm so sorry, John.

I'm sure the shock & denial are just beginning to wear off.

[JMCKUSICK]

6. Unfortunately I got cheated out of the denial stage,

It was heartbreaking to have to share the updates with Toby, none of them ever offering even a hint of promise.

Toby is at his mom's tonight so it's really the first true quiet time I've had in an evening this week, and the ending of the day and the quiet it brings have magnified every emotion. The news I just read about Tiger, broke the dam.

Thank you for this conversation that's gone on for these last few days SheltieLover, your wisdom and love are such amazing gifts.
Thank you.

[SheltieLover]

8. What you are going through is beyond difficult, John

Please be gentle with yourself. Please remember to breathe deeply, eat & sleep. Grieving is hard work physically as well as emotionally & mentally.

We are here for you if you want to chat.

[UpInArms]

2. We love you, john

You are ours … you are us

We are you

[JMCKUSICK]

4. Thank you UpInArms

[SuzyandPuffpuff]

7. We've been there....

Done that and needed friends too. You're NOT alone

[JMCKUSICK]

9. Thank you SuzyandPuffpuff,

[LetMyPeopleVote]

10. Loss of a family member is tough

About two years ago, I spend the afternoon at the Vets with my oldest as he said goodbye to his bearded collie. The vet office had a nice room for this. It was tough

Hang in there. Things will get better.

[JMCKUSICK]

11. This is gonna sound crazy LetMyPeopleVote,

But for fifty seven years I walked this earth feeling truly alone. I had no one that I truly knew to be with me all the time, until I lost Snuggles.

For the first time in my life, I didn't walk away from death and dying. For the first time I embraced that her spirit would actually live and so I've kept her near ever since.

Rory is the second time this has happened, and in losing my best friend, I gained his spirit, and talk to him when the desire hits me. And now Cuddles.

I will never wake up alone again, I will never be alone again, and that realization, that awareness, is such a soothing place to be when I've wandered alone for so very long.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

12. We have had dogs (mainly bearded collies) for a while

About 12 years ago, I had to say goodbye to my 15-year-old beardie. My middle child was in law school in Iowa, and I flew her down to say goodbye. We drove her from the airport to the vets office (our vet dated my sister when they were in vet school). We held my beardie's head for a while and then they gave him the first shot. His last view was my middle child and I holding his head. My other two children were in town and had said goodbye earlier that day. It is tough saying goodbye to a family member.

Here is my post on saying goodbye
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10024620547

I waited about six years to get another puppy. My family has four beardies right now, I have a beardie and rescue Australian Shepherd/Husky mix. They are very loving and help a great deal.

Saying goodbye is hard. My oldest got another beardie about six months after he said goodbye to the beardie that went through law school and the first several years of practice.

[JMCKUSICK]

13. What a lovely post that was, thank you for sharing it with me.