I'm starting to emerge from the fog of grief and wanted to share this poem, I thought others might find it as helpful as I did.  It is "The Fourth Day" by Martin Scot Kosins.  It is too long to put here but it is on a page at Tate's blog http://tate.tri…..ot-kosins/ 

It talks about three days you will never forget:  the first day you bring your new dog home, the day you realize your dog is getting old (in our case, the cancer diagnosis), and the day your dog leaves you.  Here is the part about The Fourth Day and boy, it really helped me a lot…reminds me of Gayle's "love never ends":

But there will be, I assure you, a fourth day when —
along with the memory of your pet —
and piercing through the heaviness in your heart —
there will come a realization that belongs only to you.
It will be as unique and strong
as our relationship with each animal we have loved, and lost.
This realization takes the form of a Living Love —
Like the heavenly scent of a rose
that remains after the petals have wilted,
this Love will remain and grow—
and be there for us to remember.
It is a love we have earned.
It is the legacy our pets leave us when they go —
And it is a gift we may keep with us as long as we live.
It is a Love which is ours alone —
And until we ourselves leave,
perhaps to join our Beloved Pets —
It is a Love that we will always possess.

Martin Scot Kosins in Angel Pawprints: Reflections on Loving and Losing a Canine Companion

That is lovely.

Hope you and Sam are helping each other get through this.

Oh my goodness, I got all misty here reading the long version of the poem on your blog and had to grab kleenexes. The third and fourth days are a hard pill to swallow but thankfully we all have each other to lean on. Your pack is in our thoughts and I hope you are finding comfort through the holiday season with your happy memories of Tate. 

Cadence's Mom

Jan,

I am so sorry to read about Tate. I've been "taking a break" and am now just catching up on old posts. I know the grief is still very new & painful, but the loving memories you have of Tate will slowly take over – and you will take great comfort from that.

Sending you many golden hugs. The poem is wonderful – made me tear up!

Cathy

So so sorry for your loss…I will keep you in prayer..

Thank you for sharing the poem, it is beautiful. 

Our hearts are still heavy and sad but we always smile and laugh when we talk about how many times Tate must have swam to Michigan and back on our beach days.

We hope happy memories fill your heart as well.

Brian, Annie and Ginger

Terribly Sorry to hear of Tate's passing. I have not been on here in as much lately. Praying for peace and healing for you at this difficult time and for memories of Love to replace tears of sorrow in time. I know how much you will miss everything about Tate. Especially his sweet face. The poem is very touching and meaningful. Thanks for sharing. You gave Tate a wonderful life!!