RIP, Baxter Van Beck

I'm honored to share this blog post with you,...  what an honor it is to see into Todd's heart as he speaks so candidly about his precious Baxter.  RIP, Baxter, RIP.  Go here to read Baxter's journey,...

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Get all of your pet loss questions answered!

On Wednesday, May 29th, 2013, I will be joining Gail Rubin on her talk show "A Good Good-Bye" to discuss all aspects of pet loss.  What crematory or pet cemetery should you use?  What are the questions to ask?  How do children handle the loss of a pet?  Do pets grieve,.... and so, so much more!  Join me to hear the answers to these questions and many many more thoughts!  You can see more details on the radio show here!

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It's more than just the day after Easter

Remembering Mico

She was already in the hospital as she had become dehydrated fighting that nasty cancer.  She needed fluids to be strong enough for her surgery the next day.  I knew she was in good hands so we went about our day with our Easter celebrations.  Family.  Brunch.  Mass.  

Denial.

Chris was insistent that we made the hour drive on Easter night to visit her at the hospital.  As I look back on it, I think that I was truly existing on that beautiful island of  “denial.”  I didn´t see the sense of urgency like he did - as I knew that tomorrow was surgery, and she was going to be back to her old self.  Our normal life would return.

So we went to see her.  Where everyone else saw a very, very sick little old dog, I saw my precious little puppy who had never aged in my eyes and who was as beautiful as any other day.  Yes, her hair had become matted from the sickness and bed rest, her eyes were glassy, and her mouth smelled of the sickness that she was battling, but I still saw my beautiful little baby.

I held her little body, alive, for the very last time.  For the next day, she went into surgery to deal with the lung cancer that ravaged her little body and would die on the surgery table.

So, today, the day after Easter.  The smells of spring still remind me of those feelings that day.  The first warm airs of spring remind me of walking out of the vet clinic with her little body in my arms as we took her home for our version of a wake.  The sunshine as we drove her home and I made a variety of calls to those that loved her to let them know that she was gone.  The Easter decorations that were still up when we got home,... the baskets, the eggs, the candy.

And, the Easter lily.  Sitting on the bar.  Beautiful just like her and representative of the life and death of the Easter season.

It will forever be her flower.  

I remember it all like it was yesterday.

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Two Hearts Announces the Next Pet Loss & Grief Companioning Certification Course!

Join me in August, 2013, in the beautiful city of Chicago!

Working with pet parents who are experiencing the loss of a beloved pet is rewarding.  Being comfortable with the skills needed to walk with them in their grief journey is a must!
You won't want to miss this 3 day course that has just been set!  Chicago is the city - August 22 - 24, 2013, are the dates!  For more information, see the details here!

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Honoring Finn

 The Eulogy

Although today (January 8, 2013)  was the first time that I met an incredibly sweet and gentle soul named Finnigan, I was fortunate enough to feel as if I already knew him. I had the great pleasure of speaking with his mom for some time, and her glowing description of her precious Finn was so accurate. Finnigan had begun to decline in health, and doctors´ best estimate was that he would not live past September or October. However, Finn surprised them all, by not only surviving but continuing to thrive and be the happy-go-lucky boy he always was.

Finn´s mom worked so hard to keep him as comfortable as possible, even moving with him to a home without stairs, to make it easier for him to have a normal daily life. Although she herself is a strict vegetarian, his mom even made sure to stock up on all kinds of meat, to help Finnigan stay strong and healthy. Throughout everything, Finnigan absolutely never complained, and even as he became weaker and had more difficulty walking, his tail never stopped wagging.
Finnigan could not have had a more peaceful passing. This morning, he enjoyed having a delicious snack of chicken nuggets. He was able to go with his much-loved human friends to the forest preserve where he had enjoyed many happy times with his mom. It was a beautiful crisp day, and Finnigan took in every bit of it, chewing on sticks, giving friendly kisses, and happily enjoying some more treats in the park. He lay down on his comfortable bed in the fresh air, and relaxed and became sleepy, lying nose to nose with his beloved mom. Finn´s last sweet breath was the familiar smell of his mom, comforting him through his very last moments. ~ Dr. Juliana Lyles

If you want to read the entire blog, visit Brandi here http://lugofmylife.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-eulogy.html  

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Remembering Our Special Pets During the Holidays

A special tribute to My Precious LIttle Mico

Wherever one is at in their grief journey, the holidays can be hard.  Yes, the remembering of a beloved pet who is no longer here can bring back a flood of emotions.  But let the slew of Christmas ornaments come out of the box - and the tears just start.  Many people ask - do I put them on the tree or not?  What's one to do?
Well, mine go on the tree.  They go on the tree through misty eyes as my husband and I take a walk down memory lane with each piece.  An ornament that was Mico's first Christmas with me!  An ornament given to her by a friend that I haven't been in touch with for quite some time.  (Note to self, reach out to Kristy and see how she's doing.)  An ornament with a date that represented the last Christmas she was with me.  And, then the ornament that said "In Memory."
Yes, a true walk down memory lane.  While my grief journey has seen the effects of time, the tears were still there.  For the life we shared.  For the lessons she gave to me all of those years.  For the silly little love that I can still see in that part of me called "memories," albeit the picture is not as sharp as it used to be the softer edges of the memories are still a major part of me.  
And, while my eyes remain misty during the full trimming of the tree, I relish the fact that she lived.  With a warm heart, I cherish all that she was to me - then and still today!  Therefore, it only seems right that every ornament is placed on that tree.  
For her.  For me.  

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