Anne, thank you for your kind words. It is so nice to know that you appreciate “animal” therapy, too! My house would feel so empty if I didn’t have my dogs demanding my constant attention, my cats that want to be petted, and my birds that sing and chatter (and sometimes squawk!). As much as I miss my husband, I never feel alone. Since we can’t turn back time, I try to look ahead and do what I know my husband would want me to do. And that is for me to take the very best care of our furry and feathered family that I possibly can. I know he would do that for me if I had been the one to pass on.
Two weeks after my husband died, I started attending weekly grief therapy meetings sponsored by a local church. I have met wonderful people with whom I can share my sorrow. In that setting, none of us feel that we need to hide our emotions. But I have noticed something very interesting. All the others attending the sessions have children and grandchildren who live near them and they all spend a good deal of time with their families. And yet they are all extremely lonely. I am the only one in the group with a house full of animal friends and, thus, I am the only one who goes to bed at night surrounded by pure love and devotion. I miss my husband terribly and, no doubt, always will. But knowing how much he loved me and all our pets gives me peace and comfort and a feeling that he is still with me.
My heart goes out to you and your Champion and Sophie. With older dogs, we never know how long we will have them. I, too, have an older dog with health problems. In addition to our daily routine, I give her extra hugs and love and that makes her very happy. I know you will cherish each day you have with your dogs and they will continue to remind you of the love you all shared with your husband. Those are the good memories!
My best to all of you ...
Judi