Pets and Places All Hold Dear Memories
This has been a difficult month. Our dog Kaylee (a mini schnauzer) had been peeing frequently and we thought she had a urinary tract infection. It turned out after an ultrasound that she had cancer of the urethra. She was having quite a bit of pain, though for the most part she did not show it. If you have ever had a pet, you know they just accept life as it is and carry on.
As she was going to be 10 this month we decided to try pain management. To look at her chasing squirrels or rolling in the grass you would not know she was in trouble. At times though she would yelp in pain even after medication so we knew we had to let her go. So last Tuesday we stayed with her as she passed.
It is so hard to lose a beloved pet. Part of my sorrow was the fact that we got Kaylee for Dana our golden lab cross who had just lost her partner Magic. Dana had refused to eat or drink and sat looking out the window in sorrow. We got this young puppy Kaylee to help her. We benefited as well.
When Kaylee ate her food, Dana got annoyed and would growl at her. Soon enough they were sharing the food and cuddling together. Dana taught her many things so we did very little puppy training. With Kaylee’s passing our connection to Dana is gone as well. We called Kaylee, Kaylee Monster as she would torment her Half Sister River. She was feisty, bossy and totally adorable. I held my hand to her face one time and she took her paw and touched my hand. She continued to do this every time I would do this. It was our connection.
She always had something to say as well and you knew from her tone pretty much what she meant. I treasure all the great memories of her. I know two other friends have lost their dogs over the past two weeks. The grief is raw for a pet as they love us unconditionally. They make you laugh and smile at their antics. They comfort you when they know you are upset and cuddle closely to you. Kaylee was the very first puppy I got from a breeder. She was 4 lbs and so adorable. You are so missed Kaylee Monster. Run wild and free with Dana.
I also went to see my sister-in-law in Quebec who is leaving her home of over 35 years. This home has 25 acres in the Laurentiens on a small lake. It is a legacy from her parents and a home where her children were raised. The beauty of this place has sustained me over the many years of visiting. The privacy, the wildlife, the many moods of the lake and mountains behind it are but a few of the many wonders.
A bench for two sits on a rock overlooking the lake. I have a picture of my daughter and niece as young girls chatting there. Also I have pictures of my parents here as well. It was a well loved spot by any who were lucky enough to have visited. My sister-in-law and I packed some things together and grieved together as I said goodbye.
The day before I left a loon came to the lake and was noisily having a bath! What an amazing sight. Even more amazing for us was when we sat on the bench together that evening the loon came right up to the dock in front of us! We also saw a deer that day as well. She was only about 6 feet away from our car. This was clearly a couple of gifts for our memory banks.
So this is a time for grieving. Nine years ago this week my father passed. I know that time will help with the grieving, however the people and pets and places all hold dear memories. I am grateful they have all been a part of my life and have enriched me so much. It will get easier with time and new adventures and events will come along. I also know there will be times I just need to cry as they are all so missed.
I also wanted to let you know that I will no longer be at All Things Holistic every other Friday. I have moved to Space to Grow at 887 Hamilton Road. This is a beautiful spot with a quiet room to provide Reiki to my clients. I look forward to seeing you here starting July 6th. There are only two spaces left on the 6th, one at 1 p.m. and one at 2 p.m. Please call for an appointment at 519-668-2369. The power of Reiki helps to connect your body, mind and spirit leaving you feeling totally relaxed.
On a final note, remember to be kind to each other this week. You never know what another person is experiencing in their lives. Be as supportive as you can. I have had many friends reach out and am eternally grateful for this. Thank you!
