Michele, put the guilt as far away from you as you can, because the only thing you are guilty of is being a caring,loving Mommy who had to do what was best for her baby. You did not wish her to suffer any longer and because she LOVED you so much she went peacefully and happy and she felt your love. As I stated previously - she was telling you it was okay with her look and as she went peacefully to sleep she took her Mom's love with her as it was the last thing she saw. She could have so easily stayed around and died a slow painful death and you might not have been there when she passed. As it was she had the opportunity to tell you she loved you and was glad you were there with her. As I face the potential rupture of my husband's aortic aneutysm that will be the most horrendous pain for approzximately 3 - 4 minutes I wish I have the ability to inject him with something that would tak the pain away and allow him to die in peace. I pray every night that he passes from some other cause. It is so hard to watch someone including pets suffer. The selfish par of you wants to keep them around as long as you can, but the love part of you wants to put an end to the suffring and allow them to leave this world in peace and surrounded by love. The only thing you are guilty of is having taken excellent care of your baby and loving her with your heart and soul. You were there for each other and it will hurt for some time but YOU ARE NOT guilty. I wish I were there to spend time with you and just talk. I love you. Linda

Hello Everyone!!! You all are simply the best group of garden friends.. I have made so many friends here and i am constantly amazed at the way you all help us all in so many ways. Not just for me, but for others as well. A close group that is willing to help out in any means they can. This also includes other things that may not include Plumeria... Mike.. Thank you!! You are so sweet as always!!! So glad to know you!! Mindy.. I remember talking to you for the first time and i always remember the first time someone responded to me. I always want people to feel welcome just as they did for me when i first came here. Sometimes it feels like it is hard to get a god feel on people, so i always like to help as much as possible and i remember that you followed our advice and now look how you grow!!! : ) I am so proud of you accomplishments. Thank you for you kind words.. Hi AL.. Thank you for your continued support. You have had this loss as well and i know you understand the pain that comes with losing a best friend. ALl i can think about is that he will be there at some point waiting.. Thank you for all that you do and for your kind words. I do appreciate them very much. SImi (George) You have helped me in so many ways with your beautiful story of Riley. I read that story before i had to put down Pep and it gave me so much strenght as well as a sence of peace that i can't explain. I will always be grateful for you reaching out to me. Thank you so much!!! Ill be waiting on that "Rainbow Bridge" Mahalo!! Sarah... i can tell you are a sweetheart.. welcome to our forum and i am so glad to see you post. Thank you for the kind thought for me.. It will take time, but all will be fine. He is at peace...(i am the one that isn't at peace!!!) Hi Dave... My hole will be filled by the love of my Grandson.. you are so right, but it is hard. I guess the tragic way he left and it was so sad to see him like that was the difficult part. Brad wanted to wait, so i had to deal with him and take care of Pep when he was not feeling good. I finally made him see that it isnt about us, it is about them.. so we finally made the decision. He went peacefully in my arms just like any other night... Thank you.. Give Katie a squeeze.. Hi Jen.. it did make me feel good to know that he was relaxed and not afraid. I was worried, but i held my head up as much as possible to do this for Pep. Hardest thing i have ever had to do beside talking my father into letting go when he died from cancer.. oh, the pain. ANdrew,,, You are so sweet and i know you would do anything for me. ai appreciate that very much. I want you to feel better and get strong for your surgery next month. I will be fine, i just need to heal my broken heart. My good friend says that it can take awhile, we just do the best we can and remember the good times.. that is what im doing.. Thank you so much!!! Emily... Thank you for the wonderful kind words of comfort. You are so sweet and i miss seeing you here. Please keep in touch!! ; ) Angharand.. You made me tear up with your beautiful post. Thank you so much.. I hope to see you around here more often. Mahalo!! Thank you Wendy... ANother "sweetie" I have finally realized that i did make the right decision.. my DH kind of made it difficult because he wanted to keep him longer than he should have. I had to convince him that Pep wasnt happy when he couldnt do anything for himself anymore. What kind of masters woud let him live like that? aNot me.. i loved him to much to see him suffer like that. Hard choice, but the right one.. Thank you!! Thank you Butterfly4u.. your words are very comforting and it makes me feel good that you posted just to say hi!! Kindness shows when you just say what is on your mind.. so thank you for taking the time to say what is needed.. it does help me. ALl of your kind words have helped.. I can see the ones here that have posted that are truly special.. Thank you for everything!! It means so much to me. xoxoxox Laura "Thank You" for all of the kind and supportive words to help me deal with lossing my dear friend. It is still hard, but to those who have animals, we all know how close and what love they give and they never ask for anything in return except for good ole love... My Plumeria Protector will be outside watching over all of my garden form now on... I love you Pepper!!

Dear Kate. Thanks for your encouraging words. When I first made this post I said no one understood my grief, I didn't mean the people on this thread of course everyone here dose understand that's why we came here. I cannot talk about TJ without tearing up and hardly can talk. It has helped me in so many ways to talk about him. I have never felt this way about any person or animal. I just can't explain why? This little dog has meant so much to my life and now he's gone, I feel so empty. The person on this site said if you do not have a connection with a animal there is something missing in your soul. Truer words were never spoken I might have been one of thoses people because it has taken me 71 years to feel this way. I have had other animals,Cats, Dogs: None of them has affected me this way. TJ consumed me in a way I have never known with love and devotion. When I would have to go out shopping, my wife would look after him. TJ would not stay in the house he would go to the garage and waite for me to come back, looking through the screen. When I came back he was jumping up and down at the screen he would run out to greet me and lick and kiss me for two minutes at least, that is just one of the memories I have of his love for me. Kate, I read your responce to Mike about losing his Maltese, everything you said to him was just how I feel. I know you loved Homer very much, it shows in evry word you speak. LIFE HAS A WAY OF TEACHING YOU A LESSON...And I learned one. I am 71 years old and retired. I have a wonerdful wife married 52 years and three grown kids who are all doing well. My middle son lives in Alaska (A State trooper.) with his wife and two Boys. My Daughter lives in Chicage. My other so lives in Atlanta, His wife will be having their first child in August. I have more to say but have to get off for now. Charlie.

Bestyears, I'm so sorry for your loss. I can imagine the joy that Ash brought into your life, & the void he leaves behind. I wonder if Ash knew it was his time & stayed behind in the car because he was seeking a quiet resting place. I know, it may sound far-fetched, but it is possible! It has been said that all animals know when they are about to die, & they will often seek out a cave-like environment, perhaps under a bed or in a densely planted area, so they may peacefully pass away.Though you may not of known of any health problems, Ash may have had this awareness. One thing is for certain, Ash passed away knowing he was loved & cared for. I'm sure you were a wonderful cat mom, as all of your posts here indicate that you are a kind, warm-hearted person. I'm sure Ash received the best care possible throughout his decade on earth. I would find some comfort in knowing that my cat died a peaceful death. Ash was not hit by a car or attacked by a dog. A grizzly fate such as that would be even more devastating, as then Ash would have suffered great pain. I know these days must be so painful for you. My thoughts & prayers are with you as you grieve. Peace be with you.