Muscatine

Sunset,
Your poem was beautiful. My 14 yr. old son is taking Angel's death harder than any of us. My husband & I, our adult daughters...all of us have been through a few losses. We get it. We are all devastated, He is more so.
He lost his beloved 23 yr. old cat 3 yrs. ago, but it was expected. It was hard for him, but we had time to prepare him. This death wasn't expected for many years. Too many IF ONLY'S! The person that said, ''that ONE decision in a moment of time; can change a lifetime''...is so very right! IF ONLY... so many regrets in a few short moments truly do change your life.
We got Angel from the pound. We only had her for 3 yrs. She was a cuddler & a protector. Border collies are like that. They have a mind of their own. It's like having a ''know-it-all'' teen in your home. Just when you were at your wits end, she'd jump into your lap & force her little head into your chest/arm/tummy & cuddle. She melted everyones hearts. We all miss every beautiful & frustrating moment we had with her! She had a middle name for a reason. She usually responded to ''ANGEL MARIE!'' She didn't on Friday. That moment changed us.
My computer was down for a few days. My husband fixed it tonight. My son & I were sharing & talking about his grief. I thought we were done. I signed in & read all the beautiful posts of support. Then I read your poem, sunset. I called to my son & told him to read. We cried together. Everything I'd said to him over the weekend was confirmed with all of the kind words, support & your poem. THANK YOU ALL. DF...YOU took in a dog that had been exposed to horrible circumstances & gave him love to the best of your abilities. God bless you.
ENAL... Our hearts go out to you. I remember your initial post & have prayed & thought about your family often. Your dog is blessed to have your family.
I appreciate, with all my heart, everyone's kind words. This is a site, a neighborhood, that cares. That is what Muscatine is all about. Thanks for the hugs, guys. My cup is full tonight. xxxxxxooooo back.

Rainbow Bridge

http://rainbowsbridge.com/

I found this site when my sister lost her dog. Pets become our children and it's so difficult to lose one. Perhaps visiting this site will help you a bit. It does cost $25/year to establish a virtual gravesite, but you can put your pictures, music and ''decorate'' any way you see fit. It was a great comfort to my sister and may help you, too. There's also a grief support center with a chat.

You have my deepest sympathy. All my 4-footed ''kids'' are aging and no matter how many times you lose one, it doesn't become any easier.

ty for the info

There have been many kind people. We'll look into this. The responses & love have been shared with my family. Those 4 footed friends are more than friends, aren't they? This site brought much peace to my son, & to us all. Angel was his pal & protector.
He was nervous about sharing his pain with his friends. They were compassionate & caring, and told him so. Guys love their pets as deeply as us gals1 They shared some beautiful stories with him. TY for helping him & us get through this. It's an important life lesson for us all. Appreciate the ones that love u while u can, & especially the 4 legged ones!

Good site

It is a great site. The only part you have to pay for is if you want a ''virtual gravesite'' for your pet. Everything else is free including group forums, chats, one-on-one chat with a grief ''counselor'' and how to talk to children about the loss of a pet. There's also a candlelighting ceremony one night a week where all those of us who have lost pets light a candle at the same time.

Talking about it helps, especially with somebody else who understands.