UNEX Tales from the rainbow bridge – evidence of our pets in the afterlife

[Raggedyman]

While there are a great many things about the TB2K family that are appealing, one thing particularly striking about us is that we LOVE our fur kids. This year has been hard for many of us; lots of pet illness and unfortunately, a great many lost companions.

For a great many months I've wanted to start this thread – a thread dedicated to discussing their loss – and the evidence that they are NOT gone for ever from us, but in fact exist in another place – a place where they wait for us to join them.

But it's not an easy subject to discuss is it? perhaps that's because many of us have been conditioned to believe there is no afterlife for animals. when we ask "will we see our pets in heaven" we've most often been told unequivocally "NO". Generally that answer has come from a religious figure we respect and consider to be an "authority" on the subject; a priest or rabbi, or perhaps our preacher or the head deacon at church. That "NO" has been based on the logic that because the "animal has no soul" it's impossible for it to be in heaven.

However as a Christian believer, I would submit that the animal has no concept of SIN and therefore no need for REDEMPTION. The animal has not fallen, it's not GOING TO FALL in the future and therefore it doesn't require a SAVIOR. The concept/argument of "heaven being reserved for the SAVED" - as far as the animal is concerned - is therefore ridiculous on its face and whether the animal possess a "soul" or not - becomes a moot point in the discussion.

The intent here is share experiences which may provide comfort to those who have lost a companion animal and are grieving because of it. I respectfully request that the above thoughts provide a baseline for governing discussion in this thread; specifically:

• This thread is for people to share experiences they have had with visitations from pets that have passed.

• If you have been at the bedside with loved ones/friends who are passing and who have experienced an animal returning for them, that constitutes clear evidence of an animal after life and WE ARE interested in hearing about it.

• This thread is STRICTLY LIMITED to COMPANION ANIMAL PETS. Horses, dogs, cats, gerbils – they are ALL welcome - but uncle John and grandma need to get their own threads.

• In the interest of accuracy, FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE is preferred; although directly related third party discussion from credible sources such as vets and vet techs are welcome.

• This is NOT the place to debate religious view points or doctrine. That's why it's in UNEXPLAINED and not RELIGION. PLEASE RESPECT THAT.

Last but not least - whenever I listen to Coast 2 Coast or similar programs and the topic has ANYTHING to do with the after life - NDE's in particular - I listen very carefully for remarks about pets being there. I do the same when I am reading on those topics. unfortunately there isn't much said about it. I've given that a lot of thought. My personal belief is that's because those being interviewed are in large part authors who have just finished books. the purpose of BEING INTERVIEWED is to SELL those books – and this subject is somewhat "untouchable". It's my opinion that's because the vast majority of organized religious thought on the subject is along the lines of what we discussed earlier.

I KNOW for fact there are several here with incredible stories to share, and I know that there are also many who NEED to hear what we have to share. I would encourage you to contribute if you have something to share.

I will share my own as soon as I can get it written up – hopefully within the next 24 hours. Thanks for contributing.

blessings
RM

 

[Turret Buster]

Wow. We lost Leela on Nov. 3rd within just a few hours of knowing something was wrong. It's been really tough on my wife, they were stupid close.
The day after she died, a little ankle-biter mutt walked up on our porch, walked all the way down to the end, sniffed around a bit, and left the same way he/she came up. We've had never seen the dog before, or since, and nothing like that has ever happened in the 20 years we've been here. It was some kind of sign, it had to be.
A couple night ago I dreamed of Leela, it was a good dream, full of dog snot and spit and I miss her so much.
Thanks for the thread, really.

 

[FollowTruth]

How timely for this thread show up now. Recently I've been catching sight of our long-deceased, well-loved cat Shaggy who died in 1979.

He used to come around a lot: jumping on our bed or the couch, rubbing against our ankles. It's been years since we've had that level of interaction but for the last month or so he's been back.

I can only wonder why.

FT

 

[Profit of Doom]

How timely for this thread show up now. Recently I've been catching sight of our long-deceased, well-loved cat Shaggy who died in 1979.

He used to come around a lot: jumping on our bed or the couch, rubbing against our ankles. It's been years since we've had that level of interaction but for the last month or so he's been back.

I can only wonder why.

FT

Perhaps he will return to you in some form soon, or perhaps someone will move on to meet him.

 

[Border Guns]

Had a mini doxy many years ago. I have dreamed of her running down a brick sidewalk to see me. Also had a black cat that still walks on the bed some nights. I actually sit up and look but no cat there. I'm hoping my Ginger dog may do something, lost her last fall.

 

[Satanta]

Can't say I've had experiences with my pets, just a few bizarre instances in Meatworld.

I was 13 and we found a baby bluejay in the yard. We had a Mulberry tree and I would sit on the shed under it, eat them and toss them to an adult Bluejay that hung out so it might have been on of hers.

I did what I could to rescue it but could tell it was in bad shape and it died cupped in my hands. At the very moment it died a large Crow fell out of the trees above me [[us as my sis and some friends were there]] and it landed at my feet and lay there. I pocketed the Jay to bury it, picked up the Crow and it perched on my arm for a few minutes then flew off.

South of Austin around 86 or '87 I would drive around and scavenge/metal detect abandoned houses. Pulled up to one-windows busted out, overgrown. Walked around back and pokled thru a dump pikle then went inside the back door. It was a mess, of course. Small kitchen with a door leading into the rest of the house. Had a strange feeling so I drew my weapon and cracked the door. Livingroom on other side, again and abandoned mess except-in front of the main window was a sofa, curtain was blowing inwards and on the sofa was a huge black dog. He just looked at me, me at him, I bade him farewell and went back out.

 

[Chance]

Hello Raggedyman,

Thanks for giving this topic daylight! Long over due imo.

So I am very glad to see a thread on this.

And I am very much interested in reading stories that others are willing to share with us here about their pets.

I've been wanting to tell my 'after death' dog story for a lot of years (happened in 2004 and 2006 - yep, it's spread out by two years) - I've only told 4 people ever - my mom, my best friend, my vet, and my K9 instructor - just felt like most people had their own thoughts on what happens after their pets died, and I wasn't seeing any conversation out there on this topic.

When I told my vet the story, she made me realize there are other stories out there - lots of stories.

As Raggedyman wrote above, with so many recent pet deaths and illnesses of late, maybe it's time for us to share our stories.

Mine have haunted me long enough....in a comforting sort of way.

Hello Turret Buster - something was going on with that little 'visitor' the day after Leela died. Strange occurrences like that aren't 'coincidence', imo. You guys even thought it odd - that alone says enough for me.

I have a 'two days' later story to share:

I had 2 K9 GSDs with me on my farm (and a couple other GSDs that were just farm dogs) back in 2004.

This story is about my K9 Phantom, my black male, he was 9, when he suddenly got really sick - rushed him to CSU Vet hospital at 230AM Saturday; thought it was the spleen - 50/50 chance of it being cancer - could remove it - good chance he'd be OK then.

So I said OK to the surgery - they rolled him out a half hour later from surgery, they had just stitched him back up - many abscesses bleeding from his liver - he got 'the meds' before he could wake up; he died in my arms less than 12 hours after I had left the farm with him that morning.

At home, Phantom's bed was butted up right next to my bed - I got into bed by his bed every night. I didn't have the heart to remove his bed after he died so I'd left it there, thinking I'd put it away at some point.

Phantom had a favorite ball he carried around on the farm - a full sized half flat black basketball - it was awkward to carry so the other dogs didn't bother with it. Only Phantom. And the ball never came inside the house. We called it his 'outside' ball. It was his favorite.

For two days and nights I had cast my eyes upon his empty bed - bringing back the stinging reality that my boy was gone. For two nights I climbed into bed and with a heavy heart felt the the emptiness of the one next to mine.

Monday morning I woke up and there - right there in the middle of his bed - was that half flat black basketball! Like a gift purposefully and carefully placed right in the center of his bed! I was totally shocked. I just stared at it for the longest time... I kept asking myself over and over 'how did it get there?'

I kept this 'mystery' in my head and heart - I told no one...and then two years later Phantom came back one night. That's the story I need to tell.

 

[NC Susan]

Hope you are typing Chance
I'm Waiting for the next chapter

 

[zeker]

I had mamacat for 20 yrs and her baby for 19

they both traveled across Canada with me 3 times

living in apartments and on farms

they both slept in bed with me

one morning I got up and mamacat and the wife were still in bed

mamacat was blind in one eye and that morning the wife brot her upstairs and told me she couldn't walk.

set her down and she couldn't walk.

I took her to the vet that afternoon.

she was gone by evening.

yrs later in Ontario I was driving the backl rd in winter when I saw a blur to the right beside the rd.

I slowed down as a lynx jumped up onto the snowbank and watched me drive by

mamacat was a maine coon

her face looked just like a lynx

I swore it was mamacat watching me go by

only time I have ever seen a lynx in the wild

 

[bassgirl]

Well we know there are Horses in heaven so I imagine there are other animals as well.

Couple of scriptures mention Jesus and His army on white horses when He comes back.

This creation is a shadow of what is to come. Animals here then animals there as well.
I think everything living that God has created has a soul.

 

[Mo Earth]

I read once that the Monks of New Skete, who raise and train dogs, feel that Heaven wouldn't be much fun without their dogs. Hoping they have insight!!

 

[Melodi]

One night when I was sleeping in my basement room in Denver; I felt a thud, thud, thud of Main Coon paws on my blanket that walked up my back and then a weight next to my neck.

My Mom called the next day, my special kitty that I hadn't been able to take with me when I moved had passed away that night in Mississippi; I know she came by to say goodbye; once in awhile, I still feel those steps on the night and then wake up enough to realize I am not home but in a hotel with no cats...except the one I can't see.

 

[coalcracker]

In 1 Cor 13:13 we find three things that "abide." Greek "meno." Remain. Everlasting. Eternal.

Faith
Hope
Love

So, let's rephrase the question. Will there be love in heaven? Yes, of course. Love is stronger than death. Love is eternal. Love abides. This truth is foundational to the very Being of God. So, yes, the God who gave us these animals here in Eden to love, and here in this fallen world to love, isn't going to change because some Pharisees have theories about dogs lacking a spirit.

All creation will be made new.

 

[David Nettleton]

About eighteen years ago at a company picnic I visited with a young woman who had an after death experience, a severe stroke. She described entering a tunnel going upward toward a beautiful light. In that tunnel were many dogs and cats traveling toward that light too.

 

[coloradohermit]

We've had, loved and lost a number of dogs, but only 2 were heart dogs that had that extra special bond. When the first one died in my arms in bed one night I held her for the rest of the night, crying the whole time. The next night I woke up during the night, looked out the window and there were Northern Lights in the sky. That's virtually unheard of in Colorado, so I believe they were a sign from Piskie that she had arrived and was happy.

A few years later, the other heart dog died quietly on my lap and the next day we got a vibrant shining double rainbow, which was odd because there hadn't been any rain or clouds. So, I took that as a sign from Katie that she too had arrived and was happy. Maybe these things are just coincidence and wishful thinking, but they were a real comfort to me regardless.

 

[West]

The best Twilight Zone ever, for dog lovers... The Hunt..

Quote.. "even the Devil can't fool a dog!"

Much more at link...

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunt_(The_Twilight_Zone)

 

[evenso]

However as a Christian believer, I would submit that the animal has no concept of SIN and therefore no need for REDEMPTION. The animal has not fallen, it's not GOING TO FALL in the future and therefore it doesn't require a SAVIOR. The concept/argument of "heaven being reserved for the SAVED" - as far as the animal is concerned - is therefore ridiculous on its face and whether the animal possess a "soul" or not - becomes a moot point in the discussion.

What terrific insight! I've never considered this point before but I totally agree with you.

I have two special stories I will be sharing on this thread. THANK YOU for starting it!

 

[Dennis Olson]

Hermione has been first “heart dog” as you put it. I loved Annie’s gentle spirit, and Odin was a joy to be with (though a huge doofus), but Hermione is my beloved. I can’t imagine having another soul mate like she has been. Just having her in the same room always made me happy and content, even in my darkest times.

 

[Dozdoats]

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

 

[Melodi]

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

 

[Hermantribe]

I've always believed that since heaven is perfect happiness, if our pets gave us love, and w them, then they will be there when we arrive. I lost my little 8 lb doxychon (mom a dachshund and dad a bichon fries) on Thanksgiving, 2015 when I let the 2 dogs out in the morning. I was so busy I didn't notice for a couple of hours, but she was gone. We looked for her, told a neighbor who knew her and everyone in the neighborhood (rural area) and the mail carrier because she traveled thru the area all day. Nothing, no collar. I think she was taken by coyotes. I wish I could find one of those animal psychics and ask the other dog what she saw. I love my new dog, but I miss Bella every day. I even dream of her. I NEVER remember my dreams, but a couple of days ago I woke up from a nap and I had been dreaming about her recognizing me as I recognized her, and she ran towards me. She could jump straight up into my arms. I miss her so much.

 

[zeda1]

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Not seen, but sensed, felt in such a way that is indescribable in language. It feels like "knowing" in your soul that your Bff is close by.

 

[David Nettleton]

Hermione has been first “heart dog” as you put it. I loved Annie’s gentle spirit, and Odin was a joy to be with (though a huge doofus), but Hermione is my beloved. I can’t imagine having another soul mate like she has been. Just having her in the same room always made me happy and content, even in my darkest times.

Thank you for helping me sort out my feelings about my wonderful pets of the past. Of the many dogs I have had in my life (loved them all) I have been blessed with two that were "heart dogs."

 

[vessie]

I have shared this experience in the private side of the forum a couple of times but I will share it again for the non-members too to read.

My mom was petting her cat Pishi who had gone to the Rainbow Bridge back in the late 50's in Isfahan, Iran before I was born, the day she passed away.

We couldn't see Pishi but we sure felt her presence.

Pishi showed up for her that hot lazy August day back in 2000 at the Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland, Wa.

Here is what I wrote for Packy when the Fat Man passed and I'll cut/paste for speed here...

"My mom died on a very hot August 10th, 2000 late in the night at Evergreen Hospice in Totem Lake/Kirkland, Wa. That afternoon before she passed, we had the door open to the big garden with the little brook and quaking aspen. It was very hot in that room. My sister, my Robideau cousin who was her nurse and my mom's sorority sister from the Delta Zeta sorority at the U of Washington, from back in the 40's was there, Margaret Doughty.

Mom had been in a coma for a few days and all of the sudden out of nowhere, she sat straight up and started talking to us as mentally clear and alert as if she had not suffered cancer for 10 years. Just like that!

She looked us all square in the eye and said, "Who brought this cat in? Now none of you try to humor me!" (said as an order) and we asked, "What cat?" and she said, "Can't you see??? There is a cat sitting right on my chest and it's loving me up!!!". It was very hot in the room and I waived my hand over the area that she said the cat was sitting. Sure enough, a tremendous cold spot just stood there suspended in mid air. No draft in that 80+ room. Then my sister, her sorority sister Margaret and my cousin all waived their hands over that one spot. It remained extremely cold still.

And then for some unknown reason a thought just popped into my head unbidden. I asked my mom, "By any chance is the cat a black and white tuxedo?" And she said, "Yes!" and I said, "Mom, is this Pishi?" and she cried out, "Yes, Yes it is!!! Oh my Pishi!!! I love you so much!" with great emotion.

And then she proceeded to love up and pet a kitty we could not see and speaking only fluent Farsi to Pishi until she slipped back into a deep coma that she remained in until 10:30pm that night when she passed away.

You see, Pishi was her beloved kitty and her name means, "Kitty" in Farsi (Persian) who she had in Iran. Pishi moved from Tehran to Isfahan with my parents when they were re-assigned from the U.S. Embassy in Tehran to the US consulate in the party town of Isfahan. I have the cutest picture of Pishi taken around 1950, on my fridge." V

 

[packyderms_wife]

[*]This is NOT the place to debate religious view points or doctrine. That's why it's in UNEXPLAINED and not RELIGION. PLEASE RESPECT THAT.
[/LIST]

Thank you for this!

 

[Freeholder]

Well we know there are Horses in heaven so I imagine there are other animals as well.

Couple of scriptures mention Jesus and His army on white horses when He comes back.

This creation is a shadow of what is to come. Animals here then animals there as well.
I think everything living that God has created has a soul.

Yes, this is what I was going to say, too. Some of us may have rather large packs waiting for us on the other side!

Kathleen

 

[West]

Yes, this is what I was going to say, too. Some of us may have rather large packs waiting for us on the other side!

Kathleen

Just did a count...

Starting with my first dog, Lassy in the middle 70s....

Zipper, a min dobi
Kayle, a black lab, frisbee and water hound.
Rat, a Rat Terrier.
BeBe, a Blacklab Chow mix that was the smartest and looked more Chow.
Blizerd and Ivan, two Greatdane rescues.
Brenda, Blackmouth mountain Cur dog. A hunting fanatic.
BeBe 2, a Great Pyrenees.
Digit, a GP lab mix, who ran away, naighbor has a mate for him and adopted him. Big loveable huge dog.

And now Amos, getting comfortable, another GreatDane....

 

[Raggedyman]

WOW!!! just got back here to post one of my stories - and I'm pleased to see how many have visited and contributed already.

THANK YOU ALL!!

I'll be back to add to this post after I tell you about Kay Cee . . .

I'd like to encourage those who contribute here to add a picture if you can. and TELL US about the pet. Vessie's contribution about Phisi is an excellent example of that - that level of detail not only adds to the wonder of this all but makes it so much more meaningful for those who literally NEED to know they are there remembering and waiting.

THANKS AGAIN FOR CONTRIBUTING!

blessings
RM

About eighteen years ago at a company picnic I visited with a young woman who had an after death experience, a severe stroke. She described entering a tunnel going upward toward a beautiful light. In that tunnel were many dogs and cats traveling toward that light too.

good news to be sure - thank you for sharing it Dave

 

[evenso]

As newlyweds, friends asked us to take their puppy since it was an ultimatum from their landlord. We knew absolutely nothing about puppies and it's a miracle he made it through our bumbling attempts at feeding and training him.

14 years later, in just a matter of days of poor health, we lost our beloved Chippy. Never having had children, he was our child. We were wracked with grief.

The next morning, on our front steps, sat a raggedy Collie with no tags and no tail. She came out of nowhere. None of the neighbors had ever seen her. We were so drawn to her that we began feeding and watering her. We sat on the front steps, loving on her, feeding her and yes, laughing again at the antics of a dog.

Four days later, as mysteriously as she had appeared, she disappeared. We nor the neighbors ever saw her again. That Collie (we named her Holly the Collie) began healing our hearts and gave us hope that we could love another dog. We're convinced she was an angel.

 

[Raggedyman]

Kay Cee
there was a time in the early and mid 90's that Raggedyann and I fished the keys at every possible opportunity. We kept a boat in Marathon and we'd always rent the same house on the water just over Vaca Cut. On one particular occasion we were there for about two weeks. every time we'd come in with fish, this little grey and white short haired tuxedo would show up to beg - and I'd toss him some dolphin cheeks. He became a regular at the cleaning table. After dinner he'd stick around for margaritas on the dock and then - despite the presence of Teddie our Rott/Belgian Malinois mix – he'd cry to come in the house with us, but we'd never let him in.

because we were worried he was going to get hit, we asked all the neighbors if they knew who owned the little guy, but no one knew and nobody claimed him. Eventually it became obvious he'd been abandoned or was lost. When ever we'd leave to go somewhere in the truck we'd return to find him sitting by the door, patiently waiting for our return – that was something he NEVER missed.

The last evening we were there, we went to have dinner with friends who lived on Summerland Key. On the way down, the conversation turned to whether or not we should bring the little guy home with us. when we returned – still undecided about taking him home - he wasn't at the door. We looked high and low for him, but he was nowhere to be found. we were convinced the worst had happened. just as we were about to give up, Raggedyann heard a tiny meow. it was coming from the roof. I got him down and brought him inside. it was obvious at that point that he'd adopted us. because he got along so well with Teddie (who already had three of her own kitties back home), we brought him back with us to Orlando.

We named him Kay Cee for "keys kitty" and he settled in. It was soon obvious that had an unusual habit. possibly because he'd been abandoned - or perhaps as a residual from waiting at the door for us in the keys - but when ever we returned from being out we'd find him sitting on the kitchen table, looking out the window, watching and waiting for us. He would always greet us at the door. Interestingly if we were gone for more than a couple of days, he'd sulk and avoid us. It was quite obvious that he was angry at being left behind.

Kay Cee lived a long life with us – well over 15 years - but eventually he left in April of 2007. on the way back from his last ride the discussion was that we'd saved him from what would have very likely been a short, hard life.

We hadn't been home more than half an hour from the vet. I was standing at the kitchen sink thinking about him, and all the pleasure he'd given us when I got the impression that I should turn around. There, sitting on the table in his usual spot, was Kay Cee. for several seconds he sat and looked at me with the biggest kat grin I had ever seen – and then - POP! He was gone.

The instant impression was that he'd come back to say "thanks, and by the way, I'm doing just fine" and "look I'm sitting here, waiting for you, just like I always have".

I've never dreamed about him and he's never visited again but that memory is as crystal clear today as it was 10 plus years ago in 2007. I have a pretty strong feeling Kay Cee will be one of those I'll see when I hit that far side bank.

 

[Dennis Olson]

RM, that was a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Raggedyman]

Bassgirl:

I think everything living that God has created has a soul.

AMEN sister!!

In 1 Cor 13:13 we find three things that "abide." Greek "meno." Remain. Everlasting. Eternal.

Faith
Hope
Love

So, let's rephrase the question. Will there be love in heaven? Yes, of course. Love is stronger than death. Love is eternal. Love abides. This truth is foundational to the very Being of God. So, yes, the God who gave us these animals here in Eden to love, and here in this fallen world to love, isn't going to change because some Pharisees have theories about dogs lacking a spirit.

All creation will be made new.

OUTSTANDING!!!!!

 

[Raggedyman]

As newlyweds, friends asked us to take their puppy since it was an ultimatum from their landlord. We knew absolutely nothing about puppies and it's a miracle he made it through our bumbling attempts at feeding and training him.

14 years later, in just a matter of days of poor health, we lost our beloved Chippy. Never having had children, he was our child. We were wracked with grief.

The next morning, on our front steps, sat a raggedy Collie with no tags and no tail. She came out of nowhere. None of the neighbors had ever seen her. We were so drawn to her that we began feeding and watering her. We sat on the front steps, loving on her, feeding her and yes, laughing again at the antics of a dog.

Four days later, as mysteriously as she had appeared, she disappeared. We nor the neighbors ever saw her again. That Collie (we named her Holly the Collie) began healing our hearts and gave us hope that we could love another dog. We're convinced she was an angel.

I would agree with that evenso. as others have said here there are NO coincidences . . . be they double rainbows, northern lights in Colorado, a lynx on the roadside in Ontario, little ankle biters that show up, sniff and leave again in a few minutes, or unknown collies that come and stay a few days . . .

IF THEY MAKE YOU THINK OF YOUR LOST FUR KIDS - IT'S A CONNECTION -

AND THE CONNECTION IS WHAT COUNTS ​

 

[Freeholder]

Just did a count...

Starting with my first dog, Lassy in the middle 70s....

Zipper, a min dobi
Kayle, a black lab, frisbee and water hound.
Rat, a Rat Terrier.
BeBe, a Blacklab Chow mix that was the smartest and looked more Chow.
Blizerd and Ivan, two Greatdane rescues.
Brenda, Blackmouth mountain Cur dog. A hunting fanatic.
BeBe 2, a Great Pyrenees.
Digit, a GP lab mix, who ran away, naighbor has a mate for him and adopted him. Big loveable huge dog.

And now Amos, getting comfortable, another GreatDane....

I could do a count, but I suspect some of our 'family' pets will end up with one of my daughters, or possibly my ex-husband, when we get to the other side. I just lost the Rottweiler-mix puppy I'd been raising (she was almost a year old) -- ran over her in the driveway because I couldn't see where she was from in the cab of the truck. That hurts really bad. When she was younger I always made sure she was penned up, or even took her up in the cab of the truck with me so I was sure I knew where she was when I moved the truck, but I thought by now she'd learned to stay away from the tires. Still feel sick about it, and sure hope she'll be there when I get to Heaven.

Kathleen

 

[brokenwings]

Chance!!

I loved that story!! It brought tears to my eyes. Please tell us about when Phantom came back!! I am hanging on the edge of my seat!

Hello Raggedyman,

Thanks for giving this topic daylight! Long over due imo.

So I am very glad to see a thread on this.

And I am very much interested in reading stories that others are willing to share with us here about their pets.

I've been wanting to tell my 'after death' dog story for a lot of years (happened in 2004 and 2006 - yep, it's spread out by two years) - I've only told 4 people ever - my mom, my best friend, my vet, and my K9 instructor - just felt like most people had their own thoughts on what happens after their pets died, and I wasn't seeing any conversation out there on this topic.

When I told my vet the story, she made me realize there are other stories out there - lots of stories.

As Raggedyman wrote above, with so many recent pet deaths and illnesses of late, maybe it's time for us to share our stories.

Mine have haunted me long enough....in a comforting sort of way.

Hello Turret Buster - something was going on with that little 'visitor' the day after Leela died. Strange occurrences like that aren't 'coincidence', imo. You guys even thought it odd - that alone says enough for me.

I have a 'two days' later story to share:

I had 2 K9 GSDs with me on my farm (and a couple other GSDs that were just farm dogs) back in 2004.

This story is about my K9 Phantom, my black male, he was 9, when he suddenly got really sick - rushed him to CSU Vet hospital at 230AM Saturday; thought it was the spleen - 50/50 chance of it being cancer - could remove it - good chance he'd be OK then.

So I said OK to the surgery - they rolled him out a half hour later from surgery, they had just stitched him back up - many abscesses bleeding from his liver - he got 'the meds' before he could wake up; he died in my arms less than 12 hours after I had left the farm with him that morning.

At home, Phantom's bed was butted up right next to my bed - I got into bed by his bed every night. I didn't have the heart to remove his bed after he died so I'd left it there, thinking I'd put it away at some point.

Phantom had a favorite ball he carried around on the farm - a full sized half flat black basketball - it was awkward to carry so the other dogs didn't bother with it. Only Phantom. And the ball never came inside the house. We called it his 'outside' ball. It was his favorite.

For two days and nights I had cast my eyes upon his empty bed - bringing back the stinging reality that my boy was gone. For two nights I climbed into bed and with a heavy heart felt the the emptiness of the one next to mine.

Monday morning I woke up and there - right there in the middle of his bed - was that half flat black basketball! Like a gift purposefully and carefully placed right in the center of his bed! I was totally shocked. I just stared at it for the longest time... I kept asking myself over and over 'how did it get there?'

I kept this 'mystery' in my head and heart - I told no one...and then two years later Phantom came back one night. That's the story I need to tell.

 

[Raggedyman]

Chance -
a big thank you for the motivation to FINALLY put this thread together! your story about Phantom's ball is right up there with Vessie's mothers cat Pishi.

I am going back to write up number two - "a visit from schweepee" but it may be a day or two. in the meantime I and MANY OTHERS here, are anxiously waiting to hear about Phantom's visit. we are also hoping you will feel comfortable to share insights you may have gained from you vet - a highly credible source to be sure.

mel
the foot prints were an amazing story - and thanks for the image above - I've kept it!

 

[Raggedyman]

Yes, this is what I was going to say, too. Some of us may have rather large packs waiting for us on the other side!

Kathleen

Kathleen
sorry to hear about the rotty mix puppy. I understand the sadness - but I would tell you that she's forgiven you and so it is OK to forgive yourself.

a word about the "large packs waiting for us on the other side". my sister Denise (she passed 2.3.16) would always say that there were going to be more animals waiting for her than people on the other side; she'd laugh and say that JESUS had always been patient with her and HE'd understand that she needed a bit of extra time until she made it all the way to the gate from the front pasture . . . and even though Max was red and not white she was sure HE'd understand it was Max she was going to be riding in on at the end - and not one of those white horses . . .

 

[fairywell]

What a Great Thread, love everyone's experience. Mine was when I was 5 years old. We had a black and white Cocker Spaniel, Daffy, he died of old age. For about two weeks or so following his death, on 3 or 4 separate occasions, I would get up in the morning and I would see Daffy, as crystal clear as could be, in his favorite spot, sitting or laying down by the hearth. I would squeal with delight and call his name and run to him but he would fade away as I got to within about 3 feet of him. Each time this occurred I would run to tell my parents. Naturally they did not believe and felt I was just missing Daffy, so my Father took me out with him to pick out a new Cocker Spaniel puppy for my Mom for Christmas, we named him Jingles. About two months after Daffy died, I took a shovel out to the field where Daffy was buried, I was going to dig him up, I truly believed he was still alive because I knew I had seen him. My parents reprimanded me and were mortified.

 

[Freeholder]

Kathleen
sorry to hear about the rotty mix puppy. I understand the sadness - but I would tell you that she's forgiven you and so it is OK to forgive yourself.

a word about the "large packs waiting for us on the other side". my sister Denise (she passed 2.3.16) would always say that there were going to be more animals waiting for her than people on the other side; she'd laugh and say that JESUS had always been patient with her and HE'd understand that she needed a bit of extra time until she made it all the way to the gate from the front pasture . . . and even though Max was red and not white she was sure HE'd understand it was Max she was going to be riding in on at the end - and not one of those white horses . . .

Thanks -- I think Beauty went so fast that she didn't even realize what had happened. I felt a bump under the truck and knew immediately what had happened. But by the time I stopped and jumped out, she was already gone. I guess I can be thankful that it was so fast for her, but next time we raise a pup I'm going to be a lot slower to assume it has learned to stay away from a moving vehicle.

I think I'll have at least one horse waiting for me, and probably a few goats. A few cats and maybe a double-handful of dogs.

Kathleen

 

[West]

Lost two of the above dogs to the road hazzered. Crying shame too. My smartest dog was vary street smart but minded me to a tee. She was accross the street, I called her to "load up" and yelled it. I didn't note the truck coming, she just seen my truck door open, me yelling load up, and ran right out to get hit vary hard by said truck. Grrr.......