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I sense I may be swarmed by a great many pets.....not all of them mine. I have held pets for friends who could not bear to be there for the end. They just couldn't do it. So as one who knows and loves the animal, I have been there and held them and so they do not die alone.
I always prefer to let an animal die naturally and just be there for them, but sometimes that just isn't the right thing to do. Poor little Wild had just had enough and death was a relief. I do like to think of his spirit setting out on its spirit journey, free from old age and illness, free to be a young cat forever.
Their other cat stayed with him all day before the vet came and after it was over Lucky came and looked at him. I think he was saying good bye and it will be a joyful thing when they are reunited.
Catherine
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Thank-you. I believe the everyone, human and animal(I don't really see that there is a line between the two, it is just that humans are my species) deserves to have someone who cares with them in the end.
I found with my hamsters, holding them and singing a soft comfort song seems to relax them and they pass easily.
I work with seniors and I have never been there for the end, but I am there with them in the time before that. I did have to go with an old lady's cat when his health failed and he needed to be put down. The cat felt safe with me and he passed in peace.
I think it is important that we leave this life in peace. Birth and death should be gentle loving experiences when ever possible.
Catherine
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01-24-2014, 12:27 PM
(This post was last modified: 01-24-2014, 12:29 PM by Tobi.)
Yes it is kindness and compassion in your heart Catherine, to help them gently out of this world.
I messed up a bit with my Misty that last hour. I dragged her off to the vet, thinking we could save her life, when all I really felt like doing was holding her gently on her own bed, while the vet gave her the injection.
But you are right. They feel a great relief to be freed from bodies that do not work any more. And they do indeed continue with their spirit journeys.
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There is something special about being part of the passing. I have not yet made the journey, but I know there is a journey. I have sensed something leaving and when it goes the body is just a cast off shell. We are more than our bodies.
If I can, I sit and hold my animals as they pass. Often they wait for me to come home. As soon as I hold them, they let go and pass in peace.
I do know of a situation where they took the dog into the nursing home and he lay on the bed next to the woman and he was with her when she passed. I think her dog's presence brought her peace.
I guess they are together now, the husband, the wife and their beloved dog. He was a special dog. I still miss him and I am glad I got to know him, but I am happier to think of the three of them together.
I am sure with Misty you wanted to give her life. It is so hard to know when it is the end.
Catherine
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01-25-2014, 02:25 AM
(This post was last modified: 01-25-2014, 03:09 AM by Knight of Albion.)
Animals who have felt the warmth of positive human companionship (i.e. a pet or a befriended wild animal) acquire individualisation, which they retain after death - and as aforementioned, animals have souls.
So yes, all one's beloved animal companions will be there waiting for you on the Other Side. (Even the little ones!)
Great comfort to be had from all of this. And these great spiritual truths stand as a powerful testament to humankind of our true relationship with the Animal Kingdom (the unity of all life) - and our responsibility towards them....
It is our deeds, the accumulated acts of goodness and kindness that define us and ultimately are the true measure of our worth. Service is the coin of the spirit.
http://holy-lance.blogspot.com
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Catherine, that is so beautiful. Your heart will be a great flowing river, for sure.
They all help us learn how to love. Their guile-less natures do most often, make our hearts flower. And the love works both ways in our bonds with them.
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It's people like you guys who restore our faith in humankind!!