There is no easy way to deal with
losing a furry love. Our lives take on new meaning when
we are enveloped by their ever constant love,
companionship, and soulfulness. We consider ourselves
the lucky ones, though, as we have clearly discovered
the secret. A secret that is only shared by those who
have been nurtured by a kindred soul's simple teachings
of goodness and compassion.
We have celebrated much during the many years that the
Land of PureGold has been online. Yet, with that
happiness comes tears due to continued losses. This
video montage, Golden Angels, pays honor
to some special loves who have lost their battles to
cancer. The honored Goldens include: our own Ollie &
Darcy, Blues, Georgia, Kaytee, Harley, Jake, Bullet,
Nikie, Abel, Elwood, Chip, Cooper, Meggie, Libby, Kenna,
and Devo. The music is by Livingston Taylor, a Golden
lover from way back.
Golden Angels
I believe in actual, In the
clear concise and the factual
All of life has reason, And it should be clear to see
But when the crowds all drift away
And we are apart for one more day
In the most peculiar places,
You’re where you should not be
There you are again
In the rustling leaves of a summer storm
In my favorite chair all safe and warm
In a wish that a child believes
There you are again
When light returns to the morning sky
When two lovers cannot say good-bye
When a movie makes me cry, When the perfect story ends
There you are again
Will I ever get over the feel of
your touch
The sound of your voice the scent of your hair
Your quiet reminder to not be afraid
When you promised to find me somewhere
There you
are again
Till I forget to close the door
And the heartache’s in and I’m damned I’m sure
To each day miss you more, When I think I can’t endure
There’s a whisper in the wind,
There you are again
When
I think of the many Goldens' whose time here with us is not
as long as we'd like... I wonder why? It may be that they
are able to give all the goodness they have within them, to
us, and do it so well that their mission here is over faster
than it might be for other dogs. Perhaps, like an evolved
soul, they don't need to live as long to learn what they
would here on earth. They already know most of what they
need. And they are experts at bestowing their presence on us
in a compacted period of time. So often, they are like
mentors and can impart the lessons which will teach us many
extraordinary things, by the simplest, kindest gesture from
them.
I think Goldens unfurl their wings when we are
not looking. Have you ever noticed an expression they
have, especially when they smile, that gives hint to
something wondrous and grand? As if they have the most
incredible gift they are hiding behind their back but
you can tell they want so very much to show you what it
is. Well, when I see that expression I could swear I
feel the flutter of their wings in my heart. ... It is
said Goldens are puppies until the age of two. And that
for a few, they will always be pups. Yet in many ways
they are old beyond their years. They can touch and mold
our hearts, our spirits, and our minds. And in so doing
they bring us a little bit closer to embracing, within
ourselves, the goodness they are. Which is grander than
any concept of humanity.
We can never forget or replace the radiant place that our
furry loves hold in our hearts. But, we can hold on tight to
the memories of how they taught us to live, love & laugh.
"Life is not a journey to the grave, with the intention of
arriving safely, in one pretty and well-preserved piece, but
to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out and
shouting 'WOW...what a ride.'"
The following words from Tracey Norris, from Scotland, illustrates this in such a
special way. "Rochelle, It was so kind of you to
think of me, I know you will know exactly how my heart is
feeling right now, but I am eternally grateful for the 15
wonderful years that Toby gave me, full of excitement and
Love, and a wonderful friendship that I will never forget.
Even though I no longer own a Golden I will continue to
visit your site daily as I always have. You are truly a
inspiration to us all. When we feel like it's the end of the
world when the death of our Golden happens, you are there to
inspire us with wonderful stories of love and affection.
That is what life is all about. Not dwelling but looking to
the future, knowing that our Goldens are having a wonderful
life over the bridge, and that we will all meet up again
someday and be reunited."
Hopefully the resources below may provide guidance. However, they are merely a
guide—not a substitute for professional bereavement services. When we are no
longer able to rest our hands on soft contented faces for support, such
counselors sometimes are needed.
50-State Support Map
Please use this handy
map to locate hotlines
(toll free included), Support Groups & Bereavement Counselors.
Purdue University Companion Animal Loss Study
Although data collection for this study has stopped,
researchers continue to collect information for future
studies.
The
purpose of this study to understand the relationship
between pet attachment and the grief owners experience
when their pet dies. Included in the online survey are
demographic questions, and questionnaires which focus on
your relationship with your companion animal, and your
thoughts and feelings related to his/her death. You are not asked to provide your
name or any identifying material other than general
demographic information. All completed data will be
downloaded into a secured web server only to be viewed
by the researcher. In addition IP
addresses will not be collected. The completion of the survey
will take 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
Once the data has been analyzed, results of this study
will be postedhere.
Remembrance and
Healing The following purchases help fund Cancer Treatment Grants for working dogs.
And, a FREEWaking the Soul
art illustration greeting card is provided as well. You
may also want to have your your beloved companion
honored through our Memorial Gardenor our Golden
Life Tribute programs.
Mahogany Pawprints MemoryBox Keepsake
Price:
$42.00
*On Order
Your dog or cat is your
best friend. Capture the timelessness of that friendship with this beautiful and
easy-to-assemble Pawprints Keepsake. With the
Pawprints MemoryBox, you can create and beautifully exhibit an impression of your
pet’s paw in an elegant
Mahogany box display that also stores and preserves his or her most precious
keepsakes.
Everything is meaningful when it comes to your pet.
Use the Pawprints MemoryBox to store those significant mementos including items
such as their first collar, special photos, favorite toys, and the sweater they
take their walks in. Keep them safe in this elegant display that is sure to be a
part of the family for generations.
Non-toxic and simple to use, creating your lasting impression is easier than
imaginable. Size of Mahogany box is 12" x 7.5" x 8.5". Everything for assembly
is included, as follows:
Non-Toxic, Air-Drying Impression
Material Elegant, Stained Pine Keepsake
Box Acid-Free Mats and Background
Board Easy-to-Follow Instructions
Wooden Storage Tray Wooden Rolling Pin Shaping Ruler Double-Sided Tape
Rainbows & Bridges: Animal Companion Memorial Kit
Price:
$22.00
Ideal for individuals, couples, and families who have lost an
animal companion to death,
disappearance, disaster, or any other circumstance such as moving or no longer
being able to care for a beloved animal, Rainbows & Bridges is a
thoughtful, kind, and supportive gift to express condolences and compassion and
help with the healing process.
The loss of an
animal
companion is often just as devastating as the death of a human loved one.
Published by New World Library in 2005, this
wonderful memorial kit from clergy members Linda and
Allen Anderson is a heartwarming and unique way to help those healing from such
a loss. The couple addresses the spectrum of feelings that can arise, such as despair, loneliness, anger, alienation,
disappointment, and self-doubt.
Candid about their own personal
experiences with loss, Allen and Linda Anderson present moving stories and
experiences of others who have struggled and recovered.
Filled with inspirational ideas and exercises, Rainbows & Bridges walks
the bereft through the process of remembering the past, grieving in the present,
and finding hope for the future.
Memorial Kit Contents
Rainbows & Bridges Finding Comfort after the Loss of Your Animal
Friend ─
128-page book designed to serve as guide for allowing
grief to follow its
natural course. Rainbows & Bridges Celebration of a Life Journal─ 80-page guided journal questions and prompts with space for writing and
keeping a scrapbook to
encourage those who have lost an animal companion to create mementos in honor of
their animals. Rainbows & Bridges Meditation Cards
─ A set of 20 cards with brief reflections to help people gain peace and perspective about
losing an animal companion who has made an important and special contribution to
their lives. Rainbows & Bridges Memorial Cards ─ Outlines and reading for
3 types of memorial services: religious, secular & nature based. The box's front cover is additionally a frame
for displaying a photo
of the beloved pet. Also included is the Rainbow Bridge story—
the place animals go after they die until the day they team up with their human companions and can walk over the bridge
together.
Susan Chernak McElroy,
author,
Animals
as Teachers & HealersandAll
My Relations: Living with Animals As Teachers & Healers "Let me say this about Rainbows and Bridges: I love it. I treasure it. Allen and
Linda Anderson have left no question unposed, no conflict bypassed, no
reflection unacknowledged. If you are facing or have faced the loss of a beloved
animal friend, let this book be your companion and your comfort. There exists no
better exploration of this Landscape of Loss than you will find here." Dr. Marty
Becker, Resident Veterinarian on ABC TV's Good Morning America, author of
The Healing
Power of Pets
and Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul, host of nationally syndicated
pet talk radio show, Top Vets Talk Pets "As a veterinary medical correspondent and lifetime pet lover, I believe in both
the power of pets and the power of stories to heal. Rainbows & Bridges combines
current information about grief and mourning with inspiring stories of how
others have dealt with the loss of a beloved animal companion. This kit is an
amazing toolbox of resources that offers a wide range of healing activities,
wise information, compassionate reflection, and practical help for honoring and
memorializing the life of your pet."
Non-Toxic, Air-Drying Impression
Material
