Yesterday I said goodbye to The Furry One. My heart broke. I cried buckets. It was painless and peaceful for him; meanwhile I feel like I have a hole in my heart. I will miss him terribly. He is without question one of the great loves of my life.
As I endure the grief of losing my furry kid, my human kid Hope showed me how she was healing from her grief. She insisted on being with me as The Furry One passed away. She comforted me. She reminded me to be absent from the body is to be present with the Holy Homeboy. She described how she could imagine The Furry One fully restored, running, playing and being happy. She saw him with extended family who were already in heaven, family she’s never met before. She said, The Furry One is happy now.
It softens the blow of my grief some.
Six months ago, I’m sure she wouldn’t have been able to comfort me like she has. We are making so much progress.
And I haven’t been easy to live with this week. Knowing the day and time when The Furry One would leave us was hard for me. I have been weepy and cranky. I’ve snipped and snapped and bellowed and cried. I had a hard time just saying, “Leave me alone for a few minutes.” I was angry when she feigned illness yesterday morning and competed for my attention during The Furry One’s last hours. And while I’m sure it will come back around on me, she hugged me, she patted me on the back and sometimes she just left me alone, almost like she heard my inner thoughts.
She stepped up, and taking a minute to recognize that is important. I told her so this morning during a brief moment when I was gripping my pup’s collar tightly. I could tell she was happy for the acknowledgement.
So while grief lingers in our home heavy right now, we will be ok. Our coping skills are more developed and stronger.
And these revelations wouldn’t be made without the transition of The Furry One. Even in death he continues to make my life better. I will miss my sweet little dog and will reunite with him on the Rainbow Bridge one day.
AdoptiveBlackMom 
August 14th, 2014 at 7:12 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a cute picture of him.
August 14th, 2014 at 8:19 pm
Thank you. He was a lovely, little guy.
August 14th, 2014 at 9:00 pm
I’m so sorry.
I lost a cat I’d had for 19 years. The pain is indescribable. I’m glad Hope is there to carry you through.
August 14th, 2014 at 9:52 pm
Thank you. Hope has been a wonderful comfort to me. And yes, losing him is devastating.
August 14th, 2014 at 10:37 pm
I am sorry. I read your story earlier and I did not know what to say. Its nice to have people say something, but at the same time there is not really anything that can be said. So, I’m sorry.
August 15th, 2014 at 6:57 am
Thank you.
August 14th, 2014 at 10:53 pm
I am so sorry. Having to lose a pet is so hard (I have lost several pets and each time was hard). Our pets are so much a part of us and our family.
August 15th, 2014 at 6:58 am
Yes! He was a part of this family. Even my parents are heartbroken by the loss. He was loved by many, so much personality he had.
August 14th, 2014 at 11:09 pm
Losing the Furry One and yet having Hope step up like that to comfort you must be so very bittersweet. You’ve both come so far. I’m so sorry for your loss.
August 15th, 2014 at 6:59 am
I’ve been trying to figure out the right word to describe all of this. Bittersweet is the right word, thank you. It was his final gift to me as he departed.
August 15th, 2014 at 7:14 am
*HUGS* Praying for comfort ♡
August 16th, 2014 at 5:12 pm
❤ Thank you.
August 16th, 2014 at 3:52 pm
I’m so, so, sorry. You’ve had a heck of a transitional year.
August 16th, 2014 at 5:12 pm
Thank you. Yes, lots and lots of change this year.
August 16th, 2014 at 10:12 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and Hope to get through the grief. 😓
August 17th, 2014 at 3:23 pm
So sorry ABM. You introduced us to The Furry One from the beginning of your blog so we know how important he was in your life. Knowing doesn’t help you prepare any better for the loss of a loved one.
August 24th, 2014 at 8:59 pm
I am sorry. Losing a companion is so hard, be gentle with yourself.
August 31st, 2014 at 4:58 pm
Just getting caught up now…I’m so sorry. It’s truly a great loss, but what a blessing Hope is able to walk with you through it instead of fight. Blessings as you readjust to your new realty.
August 31st, 2014 at 5:18 pm
Thanks. It’s been almost 3 weeks; I’m still weepy, but we’re making it.
December 31st, 2014 at 9:44 am
[…] I lost the Furry One. […]
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