My Dear Friend,
I'm so sorry for the passing of your loved one Abby. Indeed, our pets are loved ones to us; I know mine are and when I have to say good-bye, the pain is so bad that I find myself wondering if it's worth it and then that old saying comes into play, about how it's better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all. It just hurts so darned bad. When I go through a period of grief, I always lean heavily on my Blessed Lord Jesus, for when I am weak, He is strong and He upholds me and holds me close to His heart of hearts. I don't know where you stand spiritually exactly, but I know my LOrd sent my little friend Harvick to me (he's a so-called "Sheranian", a designer dog of half Pom and half Shih Tzu He's been a great encouragement to me as I have been disabled and going downhill since 1989. Between my granddaughter Shelby (she's almost a year old), Harvick and my two kitties, Erin, a mousy gray dilute Tabby and a handsome gray Tabby over white named Tweeder. They all help me pass the days, along with my wife Sharon of 37 years. Barring a miracle, which I believe will come at the proper time, then I won't see healing and my family, human and pets, help me through.
I love the photo of you and Abby. I know she was a very special kitty but I want you to listen to me. My lord often uses me to pass on significant things to people in need, either encouragement, or advice, or a new way of looking at someone or a situation. He often tells me things of their lives I could in no way know except for Him, nothing embarrassing to them but something so they'll know they're dealing with Almighty God and not just a sympathetic man, who has nothing to offer apart from God.
I feel you need to consider filling the void in your life, if you haven't already. Often when we lose one of our little loved ones, we feel we never want another, and feel we just can't go through it again and then, well, things happen which cause you to find an animal in need. Your heart is too good, too giving, too sensitive to keep to yourself, even if it is hurting. Your heart is the type which needs, no MUST reach out to others and that includes your animal friends who are brought into your life so they can be "ministered to" by you. I hope you'll rally consider what I've suggested, as it didn't come from me. May the Lord forever be praised.
Take care, my friend. By the way, Abby is in good company at the Rainbow Bridge and beyond- my oh, so sweet Dalmatian named M'Lady, AKA "Big Puppy"; Dixie and Dale, brother and sister kitties who passed WAY too young from that wretched feline leukemia; "Prince", my a beautiful Boxer, my first dog when I was a little boy; "Loopy", a precious little sort of long-bodied dog I got from the supply sergeant in basic training at Fort Knox and took home when I got out, She passed under circumstances unknown in 1970 and I found myself just recently thinking of her and crying over her. (I hurt for a LONG time when I lose someone or something). "Humphrey", my big 16 pound gentle gray Tabby who passed at ten from bone marrow cancer; he was my "Pal Kitty" and talked so easy to me. I loved him fiercely and can still cry when I think of him and yet, he passed 23 years ago. "Prissy" is there, too, a sweet, little chocolate-point Siamese who lived to be 17 years old. Such a gentle little "small kitty" as I called her and she'd answer to it. Indeed, Abby has lots of friends to keep her company and it's my opinion that our pets don't suffer from loneliness or such because their suffering is over. There are lots of pets from others there, too, dear friend, so rest easy in knowing Abby is in high company.
I pray that something I've written might have helped touch your heart in some way. I know I'm long-winded. One pastor I had thirty years ago, called me "verbose", which stung since I as just asking him about our Savior. Maybe I do talk a lot but I do try to make my words be Godly-led words in order to be worth something other than just mindless chatter.
Take care and do please consider getting another kitty soon. After all, there's one who needs someone like you in their life, to help them recover from some stuff they didn't ask for...
I pray your heart heals soon so the ache is somewhat relieved...
My love to the world,
Jim Grayson
Lexington, Kentucky
USA