I have found some things that help. Note: I am not saying that these things take the pain away or help with the loss, but it is helping pass the time now that Little Dog is not here. It is also helping us to channel our grief in positive and comforting ways.
First, we have a page at www.dogster.com so we updated Little Dog's page and put in a journal entry there and even, for the first time, posted in on one of their Forum threads concerning the loss of a pet. Some very kind people on that site have sent messages and even given a "candle" to Little Dog. This has helped.
Secondly, one of the kind people at www.dogster.com referred me to a website called "www.petloss.com". I added Little to the Bridge List and Tributes. This fine website has a "Candlelight Ceremony" every Monday night for those who grieve the loss of their pets.
Thirdly, I got an image in my mind of a funeral remembrance card so I thought "Why not?" I went online and found a beautiful and thoughtful company called www.momorialcards.com, and I ordered actual bookmarks that are memorial cards. I chose the picture of Little, the background, and what would be said. A special thanks to MoMorial Cards for their courtesy and professionalism. They had a "proof" back to me in my e-mailbox within an hour of my submitting the order.
Last, but not least, and for us Most Important of All: We decided quickly after Little Dog passed away that the thing that was tearing us up most was the pressure to "heal", "get over her", or to just "move on". So, we had to make a decision that was right for us. It is bad enough to have to deal with the loss of a pet when you do not want them gone, but it just makes things even worse when your feelings must be forced as well. So, we decided that we would grieve, and we would also memorialize her in our home. A place of prominence has been selected where her ashes will be placed up on a shelf that we will purchase. Next to her ashes, we will display a carefully selected photograph of our Dear Friend during one of her finer moments. Preferably something that makes us all smile. Most likely, a pic of her actually smiling. We have spent the past nearly two weeks working on all of the pictures that we have of Little. Luckily, there are many, many pics, and they were already uploaded on the computer. We have created a file folder calling "Little Memorial" where all of those pictures are. We also downloaded them to a flash drive for safekeeping. When this huge undertaking is complete, we are having the photos developed in various sizes and purchasing corresponding frames for them. We are then going to dedicate a wall for Little Dog. We are just so used to seeing her and her things in our everyday lives. It may sound unhealthy to some, but why should we have to remove all traces of her and force ourselves to try to forget her just so others can deem us "healthy". It will be of great comfort for us to see our Little Dog when coming and going from our home. Having her here - knowing that she was here - was a big part of our lives. So, Little Dog will be here.
Because we do not want to forget her.
Because we do love her.
Because it just isn't home without her here to say goodbye to on our way out or to be here to greet us when we return.
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