By Victoria, Thursday, August 28, 2008 03:54:38 PM
I feel every situation about a pet is different and should be thoughtfully and lovingly discussed between owner and veterinarian. If the pet is clearly suffering, of course, I would feel it is right to end that suffering. I don't feel the need, however, to judge people's decisions that have unselfishly and painfully thought things through and and who truly do love animals and respect them with their utmost being. Most loving people already feel guilty enough, just as you feel with the people you love who have passed. Did I do this or that right, could I have done something different, could I have done something more.... We can only try to learn from situations in our life and trust God will handle the rest.

By Victoria, Thursday, August 28, 2008 03:38:51 PM
All these stories are so sad and I wish all of the people who care about animals well and all of the people who have lost pets healing. Although we never forget about them, it does make one feel better to know they are happy on the other side until we see them again. They bring so much joy and happiness into our lives and I try to pray for all the animals of the world everyday.

By Brenda, Wednesday, August 27, 2008 09:31:26 PM
A couple of years ago I lost my first hamster Nora. I loved her more than anything in my life at that time. I had her for 4 years and didn`t and still don`t get along with my parents. After she died I would see something (I can`t describe it) on my bed and there was nothing there at the time that I put there anyway. About two weeks later I got another hamster named Jade she really helped me out because by that time the family matters that I was dealing with when Nora died had gotten worse. Later their was a storm and it knocked the power for 4 days in the cold. The first night of the blackout a cat my mom and dad was trying to help to get out of the strom got a hold of Jade. She was makeing aloud sound which allowed me to get her in the dark. I hit the cat on the head and it dropped my hamster my dad brought a flashlight and I found her but when my dad tried to get her she ran the other way when I called her she JUMPED in my hands and I put her back in her cage. About three months after that she died her heart was started back 4 or 5 times but she could not keep it up I cryed alot and sometimes when I think about it I still feel like crying. I can feel her in my room sometimes and the will out of her cage makes noise in the night even though nothing is over there thats visible anyway. Does any of my hamsters have anything to say or is this just where there happy and want to be at night and day sometimes?

By stacy, Tuesday, August 26, 2008 05:20:35 AM
My cat i grew up with passed away in march. It was hard for me because after my mom died Morty ( my cat) became this comfort for me. He slept at the end of the bed and was there whenever i needed him. Almost like he knew. He would just lay there with this expression on his face that made everything ok. After all he went through the worst of it with me. Once he started to die, i noticed how he was breathing. Then he just became too ill to make it on the bed. At this point i was doing what i could to get him to the vet but i had little money and scheduled a appointment for what turned out to be too late. I never wanted him to suffer but Sylvia always says when God is ready for you to go you will. I have been mourning the loss of Morty before he died.

By Jennifer, Thursday, August 21, 2008 07:38:01 PM
sylvia, in the veterinary field i see so many people clinging to their beloved animals that i can see plain as day want and need to pass on. i can understand how it can be hard to let them go but isnt there something to be said for their suffering? i cant tell you how many poor animals we have had to keep alive in a restless confusion because the owners cant or wont let go. and who knows how many have been made to endure a "natural" death which can take days. just like you say we should bow out gracefully or die with some dignity how can we help people do the same for their pets? we shouldnt prolong their suffering just to postpone our own. so many people say please dont go but then what...your pet will still be ill and you will be saved another day of grief. if you truly love your pet then let them go when they are ready and not just when you are. yes when i read these stories of pets that have passed on i do feel for the author and empathize with their loss but who feels for the animals that may have suffered unnecessarily? like so many of you have experienced your beloved pet will come back to you in full health once you let go and they have passed on to the other side.

By blair, Wednesday, August 20, 2008 08:05:20 PM
I miss my dog, Buffy, very much. She passed away on July 19, 2008. We have a memorial in our backyard around her grave. My family and I made a white cross with her name on it and the words, "Loyal Friend." We keep our favorite picture of her in the living room. I know Buffy still watches over us and protects us as she did when she was here on earth. Thank you, Sylvia, for writing about animals. It has helped me and my family with our grief. Animals are wonderful gifts from God, and their love is unconditional. I have received more love and devotion from my pets than I have from people. Pets teach us how to love.---- Blair

By Lori, Monday, August 18, 2008 10:14:02 PM
I am so glad to learn that my beloved animals that I have owned and cherished are on the Other Side! It is wonderful to learn that they are all healthy....it is definately hard losing a pet. I still long for my beloved boston terrier Buster...as well as my other pets that I have lost. I know he is well; and all of my animals that I have had so far, in that they are well and alive. I look forward to be with them when my time comes. Thank you for giving such reassurance when it comes to pets. When I read your books I get a peaceful feeling--thank you for writing the books... God Bless you. --Lori

By Debora, Monday, August 18, 2008 07:20:20 PM
When my dog Jake died, I almost cried as much as if a real person died. I put him down on July 9, 2008. He was a very loving dog and I called him "my old man". It took about a week to go by before I stopped crying when I would look at his picture. But I have yet to dream about him. He would be the very first one I would love to see when I go "home". To have him near my side would be wonderful again.

By aidie, Saturday, August 16, 2008 09:52:34 PM
I've seen most of my pets after they died with the exception of the birds or goats. The dogs and cats have come to me and one even did the same thing she always did and that was to jump on my stomach as I slept, she did that a lot as she was alive. One of my dogs appeared when I was on a hill and coyotes were all over, she just showed up twice I saw her. I saw the other dog right after we buried him he was sitting in the living room looking confused, didn't understand why we were all crying. His death was sudden, don't thing he realized he was dead. Good thing, though, they're perfect if they were ever maimed. Also, they are younger.

By Betty, Friday, August 15, 2008 09:47:32 PM
Sylvia, thank you for letting everyone know that our loving companions will be waiting for us. I am truly an avid dog lover almost to obsession. It is hard for me to say but most of the time I love them more than most people!!! and I'm a nurse, alittle scary!!! But believe it or not it makes me a good nurse!!! To hear something funny!!! I have had so many dogs in my life so far that my husband said, Honey, I think you'll have to go first cause if not when the time comes for me to greet you I won't be able to get to you for all the dogs pushing me aside to get to you first. I LOVE IT!!!!!!! Love you and all you do Sylvia, God bless you and your family.