Oh Debra, how well we can understand what others are feeling... being that we have all more or less gone through the same unfair procedure. Hori is now gone a little over 5 months and I still miss her very much. A couple of days ago I took her leash and inhaled profoundly and was so happy to still smell her there.

I must admit, that thinking of her I now smile much more ofen... but sometimes I still cry...

Many hugs,

cecilia

Dearest Debra,

Since you started this topic, I have attempted to find some words that I would feel are appropriate. I have started many times, but have always totally lost it during the typing. My standard for my postings is clear – be as positive as possible, be as upbeat as possible, be helpful, be empathetic to you readers, and be supportive. While the last two have never been a problem when reaching out to someone as sensitive as you, my turmoil make the first two nearly impossible. A very dear contributor to this community has told me that my posting sound sad, and she is right. However, with my trip starting on Friday, it is time that I make the best attempt possible.

Your feelings are an extension of the wonderful relationship you had with your Emily Grace. It is clear from all your postings, that Grace was an appropriate name to place on this wonderful companion. This is not to say that they cannot also have a touch of imp, for that is one of the many things I love about the Standard Poodle personality. It is rather, a statement that even at her worst, she did it with extreme dignity and Grace.

Personally, I have been able to count only a single day with out extensive tears since loosing my Miss Cherry. One in fifty five is about what I would have expected. Your pain now is only the price you (and so many of us) have to pay for the type of extensive love you shared. You have every right to feel this loss, and do not hurry to have it gone. After more than fifteen years, I still shed tears for "The Girls", as it should be. I am afraid that once more I have failed to meet my own standards for posting. I cannot find any magic words that will remove the pain – only time will dull (but not eliminate) the pain. I was lucky enought to have Miss Cherry enter my life as another in my series of "Once-in-a-lifetime" dog. She did not displace any of the love I had for "The Girls", but she did allow me to remember them with a smile and not just the feeling of total emptyness. I could watch her and shake my head saying to myself "that is a Sandy trick."

Prayers and positive thoughts your way in the home that you soon can remember Emily Grace, with a smile no matter what the stimulus.

Bob