Originally posted by Rachel


Amy, you are among your own people here. Before I found Pet Talk, I often thought I belonged on another planet because I didn't realize there were others who connected on such a deep level with their animals. But I have found them here. The loss of our treaured furkids is something that many of us doubt that we could ever face and when the unthinkable happens, we doubt that we can ever feel joy again. Eventually the wound in our hearts will heal and a just a scar is there. But periodically that scar will break open and all the grief we experienced will come rushing back. You are not alone in your feelings. Please know that there are many here who understand. Sometimes we see that we see those scars break open in one or another's posting at Pet Talk when some event or situation makes us remember. The tears that flowed this morning when you talked about your relationship with Shina were another sign of some of the healed, but vulnerable wounds that remain within us.

Let the grief come out when you need to, but then pack it away deep inside, knowing Shina would want you to be happy and even to love again. Let Shina comfort you from the RB. That will happen too, in a dream or a fleeting glimpse of her tail in your periphial vision, or the appearance of a butterfly. You'll know.
I could not have expressed these feelings & beliefs any better
that Rachel has. It's exactly how I feel too. Beautiful Shina was
a special gift sent to you & I can tell you treasured her beyond
words. I am so glad you two found each other & Shina had such
a long & happy life. You will never forget her as she will not forget
you either. You will meet again in afterlife at Rainbow Bridge.
Shina is a most deserving DOG OF THE DAY.