We all know your pain because we've suffered that same pain - and probably will again. Words cannot erase it, but knowing that you're not alone will give you something to lean on. Fortunately, the pain is all ours; our beloved furchildren at the Bridge know only happiness - a deep, profound joy that we cannot begin to imagine. Spike is gloriously alive, absolutely healthy, and blissfully happy; cry for yourself - you need to do that - but force a smile, no matter how slight, for Spike and the joy he now knows. (The most beautiful smile is the one that must break through tears.) You *will* be reunited with him, and that reunion will be forever. That doesn't much help the pain now, i know; only time will ease that. I'm glad you wrote of your love for Spike in the present tense; so often, people say or write that someone *was* loved - but they live on, and so does the love!

May Spike's Creator hold you gently in the hollow of His hands, comfort you, and lead your heart to peace.