I can never thank you ALL for the wonderful support you have given me.  Without my sons AND Remy, it is very difficult - and you all have been there for me - and that is something I will never forget.

I know that some of you don't know the "details" of my life with Remy - and I am happy to share with you if you want - but just to let you all know - the dog that I will get tomorrow (I have just looked at the time - so therefore, later today) will "look after" me but we are both "trained" to know that this is just a temperary thing.

We will not bond - as this is not what the "Stand-in" dog is for - or wants.

This dog will stay with me until another dog "presents" itself to me as a life long, bonded soul.  It has to work both ways - or it doesn't work at all.

I know I am waffling on - but to be truthful - I am dreading going to bed, because Remy was always there with a goodnight kiss and a reassurance that all was well.

Annoca.  I am so pleased that you will have another dog with you soon.
The strength of feeling you have for your dog, the bond, fairly jumps off this page.
It is of little comfort at the moment but never forget that you gave Remy much love and a happy life.
A new dog will be lucky to come into your life.
Loving a new dog, does not mean you love Remy any less.
Love doesn't have limits.
I am so sorry you are agonizing.
We know it will be devastating when we lose our pets, but that doesn't make it any easier.
You have loving support from this forum.

Remy will make sure that that will happen when the time is right for you Annoca and in the meantime she will continue to look after you......albeit without physical form. Please try and get some sleep and trust that she is by your side

waffle all you want.... if it helps 

I agree with what Tequila said.... the bit about Remy 'sending' the right dog to you.  It happened with my parents dog.  Obviously not a service dog... but when their beloved Wilson was in his last few weeks of live (he was under a year old.. but had an aggresive tumour on his nose... he had breathed a new lease of life into my parents, and though not with us for long, no dog was loved more) I was sat out in the garden with him (I went up to see him every day from the diagnosis, til the day we had to take him for his last visit to the vets)... I talked to him and said I would look after mum & dad... and that I would try to get them to get another dog... so that their life could continue to be what he had made it... he just sat there side by side with me... and put his paw on me knee.  Twas very out of character for him.   Was a spooky... but memorable moment.

After a very very hard month with my parents following his passing I eventually found them another pup.   My mum had insisted it was another cairn.... and we found Chuffley (I hasten to add.. they named him, not me)... Cairns are not lap dogs... but this one was.   Chuffley was heaven (or Wilson) sent...  he was exactly what they needed to help them get over any feelings of betrayal, and to allow them to grieve, but also to fall in love again too.

I know to some this is all pie in the sky... but was as spiritual as I have ever been.  

I still talk to Wilson...  I loved him like my own, and his passing hurt me like nothing ever has.

I try to rationalise his very short life, by telling myself he came to the right people... and it was how it was meant to be.

It sounds to me like it was like that for Remy & you also.  You were meant for each other ....   

I love all our dogs passed.... but Wilson was the one that made me feel there was a bigger picture going on....   your Remy is another.

xxxxx

Aww bless Ditty I'm so glad Wilson sent Chuffley for your parents...........unconditional love is never broken and our beloved pets continue to look after us from the higher side of life.  My little Lucy lets me know she is still around even tho' its been over 4 years since she passed.

 I am so sorry for your loss
a cold bed is very empty - practical side - if u can go to bed - warm it first if possible - duvet on a radiator/in front of the fire whatever - hot water bottle or empty plastic bottle filled with hot water as a substitute - it might help

Oh ANNOCA!
I've just read this thread and am weeping. I'm not a pet type of person at all... but your sadness about Remy leaps out of my screen. You were a lucky woman to have had that love in your life from him is for sure.
Like FMs have said, Remy would not want you to be too sad and will guide your next companion to you.
And in the meantime, thank you for telling us... because if you can't have a cuddle from Remy now, your FMs will be giving you goodnight hugs when you go to bed. And Remy will be giving a wag of his tail to you and all of us wherever he is.

Ditty - THANK you!!!

I think Wilson and Remy were on the same wave length - hence the arrival of Chuffley. 

I always chatted away to Remy - all day, every day - right up to today and she would "chat" back to me.  However, if I ever mentioned something she DISAGREED with - she would let me know in no uncertain terms!!!

I know and understand that there are people who cannot understand this for whatever reason.

Medical Alert dogs all differ in the way they alert their people and it is the people who are trained to recognise the "alert" behaviour of the dog and not the other way round.

Remy's alert was to spin in circles and then jump up and "bat" my chest. She was 10lbs in body weight

If she disagreed with something in my "chatter" to her, she would inhale, snort and sneeze at me!!  She was SO adament - it was unbelievable - but true.

I know I am going on and on about my little angel - but to be totally honest - I cannot bear to go to bed as she was always there, waiting to give me that kiss.

Only true animal lovers will understand this - and those of you who have had the likes of Remy in your lives - even more so.

I am going to be COMPLETELY open and honest with you all now - and yes - it is because I am grieving Remy's loss but also to give others hope.

I was lucky to have a "stand in" dog to alert me before Remy came into my life.  I suffer from a severe form of diabetes and despite doing everything "by the book" can sometimes experience hypos - hypers etc.

During the time I has this temperory dog, I received a phonecall from a friend in England telling me about a  little dog that was being abused

I was very depressed during this time and told my friend that I didn;t want to know - THREE times. I have to explain here that I am an International Judge of pedigree dogs (second generation) and my ACTUAL work was with sick, injured and abused animals.

Then along came this waif - pedigree I might add - looking like NOTHING on Earth!!

On the fourth attempt, I agreed, reluctantly to take this dog from England and to try and get it a good home.  I went to Holyhead and collected this little waif and came back on the next ferry.  I took her home and because she was smelling so badly, I put her in the bath at home and gave her a shampoo and condition.  From what appeared to have been a dark brown "mutt" turned into the most wonderful, shiney jet black Petit Brabancon. I have no need to explain that this particular puppy was authorised to go to my home as a companion dog.

She was so sweet, I couldn't put her into the adoption kennels in the SPCA where I worked, so decided instead that she would stay with me as a pet.  I insisted even further that she would go into "assessment" for Medical Alert Dogs.

That was the day my little Earth Angel was born.

 your match was meant to be

 nothing can take away your sadness right now - you will have your memories always to treasure

going to bed now Annoca - sincere wishes for you to get some sleep

Dear Annoca, having read further of your bond with Remy I totally understand what you're going through - not that I didn't associate before because I totally did having lost so many very much loved pets...I'm involved with cat rescue and have taken in many sick cats with Leukemia and Aids that I gave the best life to them that I could before they had to pass, but I still grieve for their loss of physical presence in my life but I try to console myself that they are happier and pain free now.


Despite the heartache I've been through I still take in those that are sick or homeless and unloved. I know for sure a 100% without needing anyone else's opinion that the kitties who've passed over have sent others to me to take care of because no one else will. I feel Remy will also send you the one you need, maybe not right now, but in the near future. xxxx

It seems so cruel that grief like this is the price of love. 

Remy sounds such a special dog - as all the guide dogs and hearing dogs are - how lucky you were Annoca- please keep posting if it helps

Hope you managed to get some rest ANNOCA, sorry for your lose.

Oh Annoca, I'm soo sooo sorry, literally crying here.  It is incredibly painful losing someone, and a pet imo is part of our family.  I so hope you bond with your new dog and that you love him/her as much as you did Remy

Although I do not know you I really feel for you.  I'm sure when the time is right a new friend will be there to help look after you.  God bless.

Just read your words about Remy, Annoca. Like Xochi, I'm literally crying here. I'm so sorry that you've been parted. (She's still your little guardian angel though). I don't think anything on this earth gives love as totally and unconditionally as a dog and she sounds outstanding even amongst dogs. I'm glad that you had all that time and all those experiences with her; they'll live forever... and, when your new buddy arrives, I bet Remy will be giving a huge sigh of relief. Yes...sleep well, Remy honey.

I have no words

Annoca....  I thought you had gone to bed - I would have stayed up if I thought you were still about.

I too hope you got some rest.

Your story on how you and Remy got together... proves it doesn't it?  You were absolutely meant to be together... and yeah...  she sounds so very very special.

Anyone who knows me on here will know that this is my hercules heel...  losing our dogs...   and so, I am properly worried about you Annoca.   Please, post here as much as you need to, as you have read - we may all be rabble sometimes, but when the chips are down we pull out the stops.

I, and many of the others on here, are thinking of you... you're not alone.   And I am happy to read as much about Remy as you want to write...  though this whole thread is heartbreaking, your little Remy stories are inspiring xx

xxxxxxxxx

Annoca I have just read your story how you and Remy came to be  she was so meant to be your lovely companion,it was wonderful how you travelled so far to give her a lovely home,as others have said above she will always be with you and looking out for you,your next dog wont be Remy as she is irreplaceable,but she/he will be a loving loyal caring dog and given time you will both share  a special bond God bless you

I know, its the massive down side.    I have nightmares about losing my AJ.   Its why it took my mum twenty years to get another dog after our childhood dog (Angus) died.

Ditty I remember you telling me your story it was so sad  but so happy when you got your mum another dog, your dog AJ also had a lovely new  playmate they looked so happy together in the photographs

Marge - thank you    I always think about our childhood dog when I see your avi (which I associate with your old Westies rule sig... that had 'Angus & Hamish' in it).

Chuffley is now the most spoiled "precious" dog in the world ... seriously... he really is.  He is also a bit 'blonde', and not just in his colouring.   Tis just over 4 years now since we lost Wills...  my parents are now able to look back at photos of Wills with love and without crying (I still can't look at most of them...just the two I have framed on my landing wall).

AJ acts like he's Chuff's Daddy (he is most def pack leader)...  but they adore each other....  which again, was unlikely to happen, but it did.

You know I am a nutty dog lady...   I can't help being properly upset for Annoca

Annoca, I am so sorry you have lost your lovely companion, Remy. Whilst your story has moved me to tears, the overwhelming thing for me is the love you obviously shared with your dog. The greater the love we have for someone (whether human or animal), the greater we feel their loss. Your depth of pain at losing Remy, tells me she was a very lucky little dog to have been so loved and cherished by you.

Annoca, I just shed a tear for you and your beloved Remy..everything that can be said, has been said by others, so all I can offer you is a big hug

I know you are a proper dog lover and it is very upsetting, hopefully Annoca  will get the right doggie soon

Ive never posted here (at livecloud anyway)  though I have read since BB in the summer, but I wanted to respond to you Annoca, because I know it's always slightly fraught to reveal such heartfelt grief when a beloved pet dies. There will always be some people who might think 'but its only an animal, cheer up', and I'm thankful that none of them saw fit to spoil Remy's tribute thread with that sentiment. I always pity them that they don't know how amazing that bond can be between a human and an animal.
Remy was lucky beyond words to have found someone who loved her so much and gave her as much devotion as she gave you, and it's comforting to think that she would have missed out on it if you both hadn't been brought together. My little cat is old now, and I dread the day I lose her, but I wouldn't exchange the grief I'll have when I lose her for never having known her.
Big hugs to you, and luck with your new friend when they come into your life.

Hello larajane that was a lovely post to Annoca hopefully you will post with us again, there are lovely FMS on here who give each other their support in time of need, they are second best to none

Annoca my heart goes out to you at this time, of the sorrow you are going through.
My baby is 17, going  blind and now deaf.I fear everyday maybe his last.
They give us so much and take so little in return,but the loss of them leaves such a gulf in our lives.
What must comfort you is that you gave Remy a wonderful life.Remy was blessed by having you as an owner.
R.I.P Remy.God Bless Annoca.

Oh Annoca I was in tears reading this,how terribly sad for you.
I hope you get a new companion "sent" to you by your beloved Remy.Take care and bless you.

Bumping this thread for Annoca

Annoca....I don't know what to say,I know there are no words that will help...but you  have my heartfelt sympathies....

Marge!   You must be psychic... I was just wondering whether to bump this, in case she's about but felt awkward bumping it....  

well done Marge! xxxx


Annoca... if/when you are about... do bump this if you wanna talk..

Annoca, have just read this and my heart is breaking for you, Remy sounds like such a wonderful dog and it's true that dogs do love more devotedly than cats (although I am a mad cat lady)  Your Remy would want you to go on and find another assistance dog and knows that you will never, ever forget her.

when I was a teenager I had the most wonderful cat Scrap (PoshPaws), he was almost human the way he was with me and I loved him so much, I lost him in 1990 and it took me 10 years to have another cat, I had two kittens then and the one kitten was the double of Posh, and as she has got older, she has become more and more like him.  I often say that Posh has found his way back home to me.

I'm posting this to you in the hopes that it will bring you some comfort in the times ahead.  All my love to you xx

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigour; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Annoca, my heart goes out to you at this sad time, as a dog lover myself I know the pain when a faithful companion passes on, but I can only imagine how difficult it is for you at the moment as I believe your bond was stronger than the norm.  Know that Remy will be looking after you from afar now.

Annoca
I've only just seen your post,
I hope I don't intrude.
Remy is irreplaceable, but soon, someday, a little person will come along who you will love, my heart goes out to you.

XXXX

Annoca i'm so very sorry to read about the loss of Remy, I hope you are ok xxx

Annoca, I empathise with you so very much.  You will be heartbroken and grieving for your enormous loss.I feel so sorry   Keep strong  Your Remy will be watching over you and will want you to be happy.

Wen our dog was put to sleep - i felt my brother had died
The emptiness was horrendous to the point i doubt i will ever hav another
The house was so quiet without him 

My wonderful lil soldier - he was more loyal than most people i know
Rest in peace - though i wish you were with me now . . . .