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SHOUTOUTS

To Everyone from BG:
Thank you so much for all your warm and furry wishes about Breakup Dog. We've passed them on to my family, too. I think she's definitely watching us from great tundra beyond, and not just to see if we drop a fry or something. xoxo

For BG from Maureen:
I wouldn't call myself a Dog Person, but I know losing family is hard. And my brother's dog, Jake, has been perhaps the most helpful family member for all of us as we face the loss of our dad. One of the first things I did in the days after Dad died was take Jake for a couple of long walks. Losing a pet is not a small thing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. It sounds like all of you are being as supportive of each other as you can. Bravo!

I have a wolf story to share from college. My senior year, I was invited to some professor's house for a Thai meal. The professor and spouse owned two domesticated wolves. I had never encountered such creatures before, but their depth and mystery fascinated me. What a gift to have had a creature with such noble ancestry in your life.

P.S. Just to update -- I did read my ex's dissertation and even saw him off at the airport last week after his successful defense. As it turns out, it proved an opportunity to push the door marked "reunion" the last few inches needed for closure. Whew!

And from Joanne:
I'm so sorry about Breakup Dog. I don't think there's a sorrow worse than the death of a bipedal, pink, and hairless loved one. Dogs (and cats, speaking as one who swings both ways on the species question) are not "just pets" but adopted family members; closest to children in their emotional resonance. Having to decide to let them go is the hardest imaginable decision. My family dog died almost 16 years ago, and I still remember how bad it hurt.

One of the risks of love is pain, and it's one of its rewards too. If we did not get to love them, let them light up our lives and make theirs as happy as we know how in return, we'd never have to grieve them. The grief you feel is, in its own weird way, a monument of the best type, and the only type a dog could understand or share. They'd never "get" a statue or a headstone, but they've always understood tears. I am so sorry for both you and your family, and I hope you all get through this very difficult time.

And Cocoa's Mom:
The day after my birthday last April, my family and I had to make the heartbreaking decision to put our beloved German Shepherd, Cocoa, to sleep. She was my sixteenth birthday present, and I dare say I'll never receive another gift that could make my life fuller or teach me more about unconditional love and compassion.

I know that one day I will again be a dog owner. In the meantime, I've been volunteering to dog-sit on weekends and to walk dogs at my local Human Society. I've found that being around other dogs lifts my spirits and reminds me how lucky I was to have Cocoa in my life. I wish you luck and keep you in my thoughts as you seek comfort and solace in your own ways.

And Jeff Z.:
My sympathies for your loss of Breakup Dog, and support and congratulations for dealing with it so courageously. I'm sure she's running with that big pack in the sky!

And Anonymous:
I am so sorry about your beloved doggie. I had to say goodbye to mine 14 years ago (he lived to 17), and would you believe that he visits me in dreams to this day?

I created a kind of "art therapy" that really helped me, and my projects are still strewn around my house (even at my work computer). I took a bunch of his pictures, blew them up, and attached them to foamboard. I cut out the pictures, then "placed" him against all kinds of backgrounds (naturalistic, surrealistic, you name it) that allowed me to "take" him to all kinds of beautiful and interesting places.

And Animal Lover Extraordinaire:
I must disagree with your statement that non-dog people are cat people and that the two should not interbreed.

I am living proof that it is far better to be an "animal" person than it is to love only one animal. It is possible. My mother is a catanddog person. My best friend is a catanddog person. I have several catanddog coworkers. Interbreeding should be encouraged on all counts! The world is so much brighter when you love all the animals you see. People who find that loving one animal is mutually exclusive of loving another are missing out on so much love.

So sorry about your dog. (I hope his/her name wasn't really Breakup Dog.) I lost my dog this past summer after 15 years (gotta love those strong mutt genes), and it was so painful. I also lost three horses over the past winter (yeah, I'm a catanddogandhorse person). I still get nightmares about animals dying.

BG Responds:
Aw, I know, you're right. I just like flip "cat people" jokes as much as I like cats.

To BG from Margo:
Would you believe it took me 10 years to get over my ex?

For the past 10 years I had put a rock in place of my heart and walked in and out of many relationships where I was truly loved. Well anyhow, I woke up this autumn when I had met a guy that reminded me of my heartache-guy. He opened all the wounds all over again because I realized I never got over my first love.

I have finished banging myself on my head for losing 10 years, and sticking my head in the sand like a darned ostrich. And now I am starting to peek out occasionally and see, and realize that we humans can be quit ridiculous when it comes to rejection or abandonment.

Heck, I punished myself for 10 years. I am so glad that I found your website cause it helps me see all the mistakes I made and helps me prevent myself from making new ones. Today, I can proudly say I am on my way to healing and self discovery. If I can't be my own best friend( which honestly was for the past 10 years), who will be my best friend? Thanks for the great web site.

BG Responds:
Wu-hoo! Thanks for writing/healing.