Love that Helps Heal

Your generous notes and thoughtful gifts to help us heal from the loss of Brooks continue to pour in, and I want to thank you so much. The support of other dog lovers helps. I'm especially touched that many people reach out with touches of nature, from the star from Jodi, Felix and Kol, to the cheerful pink flowers from a dear friend, Lexi.


Here's a wonderful blue spruce tree that will be planted in Brooks' memory, from his caring friends at Natura.

Brooks' gramma sent him this marker made of Vermont slate.

 There's also the pawprint, taken at the emergency vet

In addition, the emails, cards, poems, notes and phone calls touch me greatly. My friend Kim says that Brooks was a heart dog, and I think that describes him perfectly. He touched my heart so deeply. I think sometimes those who have been through a lot have an even greater capacity to touch us because they are still loving and trusting, despite whatever hardships they've endured.

Thank you everyone, I want you to know how much we appreciate every word and gesture.
Peggy, Mike and Kelly


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When to get a new dog after pet loss?

It's only been a few weeks since we lost Brooks, but Mike and I have dared, a few times, to let the subject of getting another dog escape our lips. We say it in hushed tones, almost like a secret. As if the word got out, we'd somehow seem less loyal to Brooks. When is it time to get a new dog?

The truth is, no dog can replace Brooks. Ever. No dog could ever look at me the same way he did, sprawl across my chair in the exact same way, love me the same way. No dog could be as sweet and gentle and perfect as our Brooks. But there is a hole, and nothing will be quite right again until it's filled. No, we haven't healed from losing Brooks yet. But if we wait for that, well, we're going to be waiting a long, long time.

Besides, there are other dogs out there waiting for homes, waiting for the kind of love and comfort we have to give. A dog who otherwise might be left on the streets or in a shelter. We want to give another dog a place in our home and our hearts--even hearts that might be aching still.

So we told the rescue group who found us Brooks, that when the right dog came along, we're ready. And we smiled for the first time in a long time.

We don't wish to be picky, but we do need to wait for the right dog. Mostly, we need a dog who will get along with Kelly. Kelly isn't friendly with all dogs and we learned from experience that we're not comfortable refereeing and mediating difficult doggy interactions. And the breed must be a Golden Retriever (or mix). Brooks spoiled us for that.

But the big question is age. After adopting a senior and losing him after one year, would we do it again? My son says no--he's begging us, next time, to get a puppy instead. To be honest, we'd like a younger dog, maybe a couple years old, so that hopefully we won't have our hearts broken again quite so soon (although, to be sure, there are no guarantees at any age.) Truth be told, however, an older dog fits our lifestyle well. We loved how easy Brooks was--content with a few walks, throwing the tennis ball around a bit, and snoozing the rest of the day. We loved his calm personality. No, I don't relish the thought of losing a dog again. And I'd prefer a younger dog, for that reason. But if the right dog came to us and he was a senior, we'd do it again.

I miss Brooks. I miss him from the moment I wake up and he's not there beside the bed greeting me, to when I'm sitting in my big green chair and he's not there sleeping on the ottoman, to when I look at his picture and long to feel his soft golden fur, and every moment in between. But I think my heart is able to handle it again. My husband thinks he wants to get another dog before too long.

We're ready, wherever you are.


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The Comfort of Friends who Understand

When bad news is shared, the response from others who understand brings comfort. I want to thank everyone who has taken time to leave a message on Facebook, comment on the blog, or send me an email or private message expressing your sympathies, and sending your thoughts, prayers, hugs, dog kisses, tail wags and love. Every word and every message is special, including this from Jodi, Koly and Felix of Kol's Notes:

Imagine! His own star! I went outside and looked up at the sky and it put a little smile on my face to think of Brooks' Star twinkling bright. Thank you Jodi.

and this image from Loretta Ranscht:























and this beautiful poem from Roy AnDonna Clark (Shiloh):
































(Some day when the time is right, there will be another dog, and he'll be a golden retriever.)

And of course this poem:



and this poem written by Donna Teti:

Faithful Friend

St Francis open up the gates
Here comes our faithful friend
Let him run and play and explore
Just like he did back when

Our beloved dog is now with you
More than a pet… he’ll always be
A companion, a loyal friend
A part of our family

He kept us company many a day
Throughout his faithful years
A presence in our daily lives
We can’t hold back the tears

So St Francis who has always cherished
God’s very special friends
Scratch his back; give him a hug
Until we meet again

Copyright © 2011 Donna Teti 

Thank you so much to everyone.
I also want to let you know that Kelly is doing fine and we're making sure she knows she is well-loved too.
love
Peggy
******* I JUST HAVE TO ADD THIS, Pam and Oskar from Pet Blogs United just alerted me to this wonderful email and button, made by Ann from Zoolatry in honor of Brooks. Ann wrote:

Adopted late in life, handsome BROOKS was with his family just a year.  But he was loved as if he had been there forever.  His story shows the beauty and value of adoption of a senior pet.  Cancer took him unexpectedly and quickly, and he will be forever missed.  You can read his story, and leaves words of comfort for those left behind, click the LINK below.  Thank You!
http://peggyfrezon.blogspot.com/2013/04/goodbye-brooks.html

THIS IS SO SWEET, I WILL TREASURE IT ALWAYS. THANK YOU ZOOLATRY!



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Zellwood: A Dog Story about love and loss

Our yellow lab, Hudson, slept behind the couch. Every morning our spaniel Kelly used to race downstairs and wake up Hudson. After Hudson died, Kelly raced down the stairs and then just stood there, looking behind the couch, a forlorn expression on her face. She doesn't look for Hudson any more, but I know how she missed him and longed for him for many months.

Recently I was contacted by author Rebecca Stroud, who asked me if I'd be interested in taking a look at her ebook Zellwood: A Dog Story, a short tale of love and loss, grieving and pets, with a holiday twist. I read the book, and found the story poignant and beautifully-written. Although quite short in length, Zellwood is deep in emotion. You will find yourself wanting to jump in and help sweet canine Annie out of her grief. Maybe you will find instead that she helps you.

I spoke with Rebecca about her book. (And keep reading to the end, you can win a free copy of her ebook!)

1. Is Zellwood based on a personal experience?

RS: Actually, yes. I wrote Zellwood: A Dog Story in 1998, two years after we'd euthanized our Beau (the day before Christmas Eve). And, oh, how our Emma grieved. Although we had recently adopted a shelter-rescue puppy, Emma had been raised with Beau so she missed him terribly. I'd say it took about a year for her to regain her joie de vivre (btw: that's Emma picture on the Zellwood cover). Sadly, she has since died, too…and our "puppy" is now approaching 16. Yikes.

2. The last scene of your story is a Christmas scene. How do you think pets contribute to our holidays?

RS: I think pets contribute immensely to our entire lives. But regarding the holidays, I believe they are especially important to those who would otherwise spend Christmas alone. There are so many elderly and/or single people with little or no family. So pets are a huge comfort by helping these folks get through the holidays without feeling totally disconnected.

 3: What tips do you have to help people grieving the loss of a pet?

RS: This is a tough one. Meaning, everyone handles grief in their own way, in their own time. There is no right or wrong about it. For instance: Some people bury their deceased pets in the yard; some have them cremated and keep them on the mantle; some leave them at the vets and go home alone. Then you have those who say they'll never own another dog while others march themselves right down to the shelter and adopt almost immediately. It's such an individual situation.

But one thing I will say, unequivocally: Please don't beat yourselves up over the loss of your pet. It's human nature that we invariably find something to feel guilty about…coulda, shoulda, woulda. That does no one any good. Simply put, don't dwell on the negative but do remember the love you gave and the love you received in return. I know that's easier said than done in some cases yet I believe it's a must.

 4: What is your work experience with dogs? How has it helped prepare you to write this story?

RS: Although I worked for a vet and volunteered at a wildlife sanctuary, I think my time working for the SPCA was the most invaluable & challenging. Dealing on a daily basis with the abandoned is heartbreaking. Yet, for their sake, I had to emotionally "remove" myself so that I could give them the positive attention they deserved. Dogs, especially, are so intuitive that you could hardly cry your way through the day. Talk about depressing the poor things more than they already were! So I developed as much of an objective stance as possible. No easy task. However, after my "hands on experience" was over and I started writing…well, let's just say there was no stopping my emotions then. And my work reflects that.

5. Where else can we read your writing?

RS: I have 5 books available on Amazon (two short story works; a suspense novella; a suspense novel; and a nonfiction collection of my newspaper columns). I also have a blog (The Animal Advocate, named after my column) but it has been woefully neglected since I've been writing e-books.

6. Where can we get a copy of Zellwood?

RS: You can get a copy of Zellwood: A Dog Story and all my other books by clicking on the links below:

  Amazon.com: Zellwood: A Dog Story eBook: Rebecca Stroud: Kindle Store

  Amazon.com: A Three-Dog Night eBook: Rebecca Stroud: Kindle Store
  Amazon.com: Devil's Moon eBook: Rebecca Stroud: Kindle Store
  Amazon.com: Do Unto Others eBook: Rebecca Stroud: Kindle Store
  Amazon.com: The Animal Advocate eBook: Rebecca Stroud: Kindle Store

In closing, I want to thank Peggy from the bottom of my dog-loving heart for the opportunity to reach out to others who feel as I do about what I consider to be the most fabulous creature on this earth.

Thank you Rebecca!


Now, do you want to win a copy of Zellwood: A Dog Story for Kindle? (If you don't have Kindle, still enter! You can read the story right on your computer.)  Just leave a comment below with the name of a dog you miss, or a short tribute to a dog you'd like to remember this holiday season. One winner will be chosen at random. Contest ends Tuesday at midnight, and winner will be announced on Pet Roundup on Wednesday. Be sure to leave a way to contact you if you're the winner!

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