SG, your pain and sense of loss is understandable. Those of us who have loved and lost a furbaby have also lost a piece of our heart. The pain is not just emotional; it is physical and it goes on long after our friend has left us.

I do believe Tara is in her new home, playing with our furbabies who were there to greet her. She's healthy and happy and without pain or discomfort.

Take comfort that you loved her and she loved you in return. You gave her the kind of love and home that many other animals never get to experience.

We all love these furry creatures knowing they'll probably die before we do. We love them knowing their passing will break our hearts. And yet we love them because the pleasure of experiencing the love they give us far outweighs the pain.

I wrote this when PeeWee died. I think this may express your feelings,too.

"The house seems so empty since you have gone.
Were the rooms always so large?
Were the corners so dark?
Did sounds always echo this way?

Now that youÂre not here
Can this house be the home that it once was?
Who will fill the empty spaces
Now that youÂre not here?

When will I stop listening for your familiar sounds?
When will I stop looking for you in places
I expect you to be?
I think I never will.

You took a part of me when you left
And now I just feel empty.
IÂm told my sadness will fade with time;
I think it never will."

((( Tara & SG )))

Mona

Oh SG, that touched me so deeply I am close to tears! I pray to God that mine and Dixie's bond continues to grow and we share the same unique relationship that you and Tara did. You will be in my thoughts today! ~Lots of Hugs~

What a wonderful tribute to Tara. I am sure she is running around chasing cats, not limping from a thorn, eating all the Hershey bars there are around, and most of all, watching over you!

My One Year Ago today is coming up on Feb. 4th. I have been dreading it the last week or so as I am choking back tears now.

I second mboston, what a lovely tribute to Tara. So sorry for your sadness and loss.

When we lost our mastiff oldgirl, our vet gave us a copy of a poem that was a big comfort. Maybe it will help.

Dog Angel

When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears --
Be glad for all our love-rich years.

My heart is yours. Can you ever guess
how much you've given me in happiness?
Thank you for the loyalty you've shown --
It's time I traveled on alone.

Grieve for me if grieve you must,
then let your grief be comforted by trust.
Bless the memories within your heart --
Only for a time will we two be apart.

I won't be far away, my soul lives on,
safe with my loving Master in our sunlit Home.
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near.
Just listen with your heart. You'll hear
all my love around you, radiant and clear.

And when you face that final, pathless dark,
I'll come for you myself -- you'll hear me bark.
We'll play again, all down that shadowed road,
Forever friends returning to our Forever Home.