I’m writing this at the same time as I’m writing the text for our Website’s Tribute page, which will soon be live. John and I wanted to share space for all those animals you hold in your hearts. We’re well aware the list may grow long, but sharing their names in the universe is an important piece of memory. We totally get that. In fact, every once in a while, I seem to have a week where several people I know, work with, love have to euthanize a treasured companion. After 26 years of rescuing abused animals, I know in my bones what emotional path they’re walking. Wow. It takes away my breath just feeling it ~ because the feeling never goes away. The circumstances are different, definitely. Sometimes, the path is unexpected and crystal clear, like it was with Sundance. Sometimes ~ actually most times for me ~ the path is long and usually filled with a chant something like, “Please God don’t make me make this call!” 

Most of us have a few go-to’s that we hold dear (like a lifeline) as we’re walking the path. The Rainbow Bridge is always my salvation. I know that when I close my eyes on this life, I will open them surrounded by all the Aussies I’ve said good-bye to. Another go-to is remembering that my dear four-legged friend before me has been devoted to me for her whole life; now it’s my turn to be the best friend to her that I can be and relieve her suffering.

So to all who have said good-bye to treasured friends ~ I wish you peace. You did good, and they are still there, just waiting for your energy to shift.