• Suzann posted an update 2 years, 9 months ago

    Hi my name is Suzann and I\’m new to this community. I lost my sweet beagle Mandy Tuesday afternoon (10/17/23) and my heart is broken. She was my best friend for 10 awesome years. She was the sweetest dog I\’ve ever had. I miss her terribly and I will never forget her.

    Sorry for so many pictures, but it\’s so hard to pick just a few.

    • Suzann, welcome to our community. I am so very sorry for your parting from Mandy and invite you to join our kind group tonight at 7PM Eastern.(The link is under “Events”). You can tell us about Mandy and your lives together. The pain of saying goodbye to a beloved pet is deep and unlike any other. 💔She sure was a cutie and I hope you can find some joy in her memories. Please continue to let us know how you are doing, and do try to join us this evening. Toni
      • Thank you for the warm welcome and the invite to the group. It’s very hard to lose a pet. Mandy wasn’t just a dog, she was family. It’s only been 2 days and I’m still hurting a lot. I went to give my son’s dog a treat earlier and I automatically grabbed 2 then realized that I only needed 1. I cried. I tried to join the zoom meeting but I got confused on the time. I’m in central time zone so I was about 20 minutes late. Sorry about that.
        • I’m so sorry for your loss
          • I was sorry to miss you, too, Suzann. We meet every third Thursday at the same time and the link is always under “Events”. Mandy was clearly a family member, and probably everyone’s favorite, (who is the young man holding her in his lap?) and that contributes to the depth of the pain in parting. This is the hard part of opening our homes and hearts – saying goodbye. We know in our heads that one day we will, but our hearts are just broken. May I encourage you to think of the many fun, funny and loving times you and Mandy shared, to lend a bit of comfort that she lived her best life with you, and for that, you can be happy. Please let us know how you are doing, Suzann. We’re thinking of you with sympathy and undertsing. 🤗Toni
            • I’ll definitely be there for the next meeting. Yeah Mandy was definitely our favorite. The young man holding her on his lap is my son Steven who will be 23 on Nov 1st. Saying goodbye is definitely the hardest part about loving a pet. I just hope she knows how much she was loved and she was happy with us. Every time I’d leave even just to check the mail when I came back in she was so excited to see me. She’d jump and run around squealing and whining like only a beagle can. I have so many pictures and videos of her and that does bring me some comfort. I just miss petting her and snuggling with her.
              • Suzann, here is an idea for you, and Steven – write a note, or notes, to Mandy telling her how you feel, what you think, and are doing. Then, write back From Mandy what you think, and feel, she would want you to know. It may sound silly, but it helps us communicate, and gain perspective that can help ease some of the pains. Let us know if you try it, and how it makes you feel. I hope it helps you to know we are here for, and with you, with empathy and care.🤗💔Toni
              • Marybeth posted an update 3 years, 10 months ago

                Friday was a beautiful day. We cuddled. We ate fries. Got dressed up for family pictures. Actually laid in our own bed. And finished the day off be cleaning out a mostly empty peanut butter jar. He was definitely sent off in style. Saturday we said goodbye. Iโ€™m still waiting for that relief that everyone keeps talking about. All I can think of right now is how lonely my office is without him. Iโ€™m sure it gets easier. Just not today.
                • It sounds like Drake had the best day ever! I’m glad you were able to spend the weekend with your family. ❤️
                  • Marybeth, I am crying for, and with you. I have thought of you, Drake and your family every day. What a lovely and loving gift of joy and sharing you all gave Drake. Here’s what I know- in our heads we know Drake is at peace, out of pain and you shared a wonderful life together. In our hearts, it’s painful, lonely, the house is empty. It takes time, yes, and you will find smiles before your tears. We are here for you with caring and understanding. I hope you will keep us updated on how you are all doing, and that you might join our online group meeting October 20th at 8pm Eastern. The link will be in that week’s email, and posted here.
                    Also, please create a lasting memorial to Drake. It’s only $10. and I find it helpful to have one for my Beauty Girl (who died in February). https://www.faithfulfriends.com/memorials/
                    You are in my thoughts. {{HUGS}} Toni
                    • I can tell he felt that love. Thank you for telling us about him. You and your family are in my heart this morning.
                      • Just a couple of pictures of Vinnie, Christmas 2020. Miss you my little buba boy. ox
                        • Nice hat, Vinnie! He looks like @toni‘s cat
                          • Handsome. How old was Vinnie? How long were you together? How did you meet? Holidays and anniversaries can stir some powerful emotions and I hope you remember the great times you and Vinnie shared.
                            • Hi, Vinnie was 5 yrs. old when he passed. I adopted him from the cat rescue I volunteer at. He was 7 months old at the time, and I fell in love with him. My other 3 cats bonded with him shortly after he joined us. He was an active little guy and of course got into mischief. He was a soft soul who loved to sit on my knee while I watched tv or read. He slept next to me and he was waiting by me when I woke up each morning. He loved people and wasn’t shy. I’m so happy I took him to my mom’s last Christmas, along with my other cat Bear, not knowing that it would be his last Christmas with us. Like most cats he enjoyed the excitement of boxes and wrapping paper, and both cats had a ball. I have some nice pictures and memories of that time. This year will be very different, but I know his spirit will be with me. Miss you my baby boy. ox
                              • How wonderful of you to volunteer at the rescue, Lorraine. That is so important. I adopted my Beauty Girl I was fostering for medical care. Same story – we fell in love and there was no way she was going back to the shelter! She died this February and you are right, this holiday season will be much emptier without her. I am sad Vinnie was so young. That’s extra hard. But it’s good you have your others to share love with. I hope they are doing okay – they no doubt miss Vinnie too. Thank you for sharing your story and the pictures. We’d love to meet Bear and the other kits, too. Toni
                                • So Handsome! I loved hearing about him. So much love.
                                  • Thanks for your comments. Yes, he was a little lovebug. Always had to be near me. If I was in one room too long, he would come looking for me. He was the “Walmart greeter” of the house. His little eyes would light up when I came home. Actually, he and my other cat Bear would be there to welcome me home. Of course, only Bear greets me now, but there is always that missing you feeling. Holidays are coming up and that missing you feeling will be stronger, but my other 3 cats and I will get through it somehow.
                                  • Cody posted an update 3 years, 10 months ago

                                    Hi @toni

                                  • @wendymae Hi Wendy, and welcome to our caring community. Please tell us about your pet – was it Layla? We’d love to see some pictures, and here your stories. Are you doing okay?

                                    • Hey Toni, Layla was with me 14 years. She crossed the Rainbow Bridge July 2022. Still miss her terribly.
                                      • Oh Wendy, just July. That’s so recently and you must be still very sad and sore. But I hope you aren’t sorry to have loved Layla, to have shared her life and given each other great joy. This is the hard part of loving-the parting. But, we get to keep them with us in our memories and hearts. Wendy, I hope one day soon you will think of Layla and smile, smile, smile before you have tears. She would want that for you, don’t you think? Stay with us here. We understand, and care. Toni
                                      • Toni Noel posted a new activity comment 3 years, 10 months ago

                                        Dianne, I questioned how I would get through my loss, and very unexpectedly, ended up taking care of a friend’s cat for three months. I can tell you that was exactly what it took to help me, even though I wasn’t “ready” for a new friend (so I thought). Maybe you can visit a shelter to visit with pets who would love some company, not to adopt them yet, but to remind you of the many loving lives who will enjoy your time and attention,, But it has only been four days, and Dianne, geez, you hurt. Princess is such a part of your life and always will be, and life without her will be so much different. But she enjoyed the long, loving time you shared, and it’s on us to honor our beloveds by remembering the many gifts they gave us. What a shame our pets are only ‘on loan’ to us, but, we will all pass on from here, and want those left behind to be grateful and happy for the time we had together. I know, really know, how horrible you feel and how hard this is. I, and we in our community, feel the depth of pain you are feeling, and I want you to know, you can think of the good, fun, funny and silly times, and find some comfort there. Our next group meeting is October 20th. I hope to see you there. And, please read the October newsletter for the link. In honor of my Beauty Girl, for only $10. you can post a lasting memorial to Princess on our site. I hope you do and find comfort in that. {{SYMPATHY}} Toni
                                        https://www.faithfulfriends.com/memorials/
                                        I, and we in our caring community, are always here for you. Toni
                                        • Blessed Tuesday, pet lovers.
                                          I am so grateful to now be a part of the Faithful Friends team as a Spiritual Grief Counselor. I have gone through pet loss myself, so I know the pain and memories that come up when our pets pass on. This image is me holding my dear Annie, who is now gone a number of years. She is still in my heart. I think of her every day and smile every day.
                                          If you are experiencing grief from the passing of your pet – whether it was yesterday or years ago – log onto the \”Grief Counseling\” link to the right of this page. My counsel is non-denominational and focused on where you are in the moment. I am here to help you move through your feelings and help you heal. I look forward to hearing from you. Blessings to you.
                                          Rev. Glenn Swain
                                          • So happy to have you with us, Rev. Glenn! It’s tough to lose a pet. We’ve all been there, and it’s important to have someone to talk to.
                                            • Rev. Glenn, how nice to know you are here to help heal. What breed was Annie? Cocker Spaniel? How did she get her name? What helps you feel better when thinking of Annie?
                                              • Yes, my Annie was a beautiful Cocker Spaniel with a wonderful personality. We were a pair from day one. Her name? Me and my then wife got her on our first anniversary, so Annie seem appropriate, of course.
                                                I smile because of the smart, silly companion she was. I eventually moved from Nashville to Phoenix and she came with me. I looked at it as her coming out to retire in the dry heat. She was and remains a blessing to me.
                                              • Toni Noel posted an update 5 years, 8 months ago

                                                Question for the Community: Does anyone else have a pet (mine is a cat) that is obsessed with licking photographs, plastic and glossy paper? I’m not sure it’s healthy for her, but she absolutely loves it. I asked her vet and she said “maybe she just likes it”….Does anyone have thoughts or know about this ?
                                                Thanks, Toni

                                                • My dog (Benny) is always licking the carpet… I’ve read he could be anxious or depressed but that doesn’t make sense… I work from home and we’re always going on walks! Maybe it’s a mix of boredom and enjoyment.
                                                • Toni Noel posted an update 5 years, 8 months ago

                                                  Welcome to our new friends. We’re here to celebrate, and remember, our wonderful Faithful Friends. Thank you for joining us. Please feel welcome to share your experiences, feelings, questions, ideas and support in our community. Reach out to one another in this safe environment. Let us know how we can be a comfortable, comforting, inspiring and informational place for you and your beloved pets.

                                                • Ed Bazel posted an update 5 years, 9 months ago

                                                  Honey the Golden Retriever puppy has traced her beginning back to Egypt!
                                                • Passed my home inspection for Denver Dumb Friends League (DDFL) and will now be able to foster. I’ll let you know when that happens and how it is going!!

                                                • Ed Bazel posted an update 10 years, 4 months ago

                                                  Congratulations to our TBG office dog Bella for winning the Purina Pets At Work “Golden Lint Roller Award”!
                                                  [bpfb_video]https://youtu.be/igrSeBXyW-U[/bpfb_video]

                                                • @debelf Hi Debbie ๐Ÿ™‚ Tell us about your pets!

                                                • I am puppy and turtle sitting. Will share pics and videos when I find time – they keep me busy! Franklin, the turtle loves being in the grass and runs – I mean RUNS – towards the stream behind my house. Argo is 18 weeks old, a 30 pound Labradoodle, smart, sweet, and has chewed holes in my hand. I am falling in love with both of them.

                                                • I found my Sammers Anthony in 1999 curled up in to ball along side of the road. I thought he was a little puppy. I got out of my truck and then he stood up and there he was a huge doberman.I couldn’t believe how beautiful he was through all the dirt and ticks. My husband was worried that he was going to bite me. But I could tell by the way his little nub of a tail wagging and the beautiful smile on his face. I had found my new best friend. But my daughter fell in love with him. We took him home and got a good look at him. I then realized how much he had been hurt. I told him that he had found the wrong family. We had no money to speak of for food, much less another dog. The top of his head had been caved in, he had some injury to the inside of his mouth and 4 broken rib from what I see. I spent two hours sewing up his head. None of the vets I called returned my calls except one who said he wouldn’t help because we had no money. He told me to take him to the pound. I knew that they would kill him. I did what I could and I was successful. In 2011 my Sammers Anthony passed away from congestive heart failure at age of 16. I miss him so very much.

                                                  • Sammers Anthony was sure lucky to find someone to love him as much as you and your family did!

                                                    • Thank you. No, not really. We were the lucky ones. He made me laugh. He always ate cat food. Dog food made him sick. But catfood gave him awful gas. You could say peewh and he would get up and go to a different room.

                                                  • Wow, that must have been a surprise when he stood up! I agree with @codym he was lucky to have folks like you both.

                                                • Ed Bazel posted an update 11 years ago

                                                  Aunt Toni – my birthday was December 18, 2013. I was a rotten pup! ๐Ÿ˜‰
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                                                • Sean Hennessy posted an update 11 years ago

                                                  If you have trouble with your cat’s behavior check this out! http://goo.gl/mh3bMa
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                                                • Cute animal picture to get us through the week!
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