[Lou]

One of the things I truly believe and share with grieving pet owners is that one day in the future you will be able to remember that little one and once again smile or laugh when you think of her.

My Cassie died a few months ago and it has been hell. We loved each other so very much and her absence created a huge gap in our family. I couldn't think of her without crying. I couldn't see another Shi Tzu without being slammed in the heart with grief. It has been miserable.

But, yesterday I was looking out at the back yard watching the dogs explore and remembered how Mama Cassie would wander around checking on each dog in turn every few minutes. Then she would trot over to me as if to tell me all was right. I remembered how much she liked being out in the snow before she got cold and how she would run with her nose to the ground like a little snow plow and how she loved to jump in to snow drifts and dig herself out. (that made me a nervous wreck sometimes).

As I sat there I realized that I, at last, was experiencing those moments of joy again. And those moments she gave me will never go away. I finally understand what people mean when they tell me that she will be with me forever.

I know I will continue to grieve and I will still cry wanting her in my arms again. But thankfully I will also have the joy.