Are Connections With Pets Eternal?

I AM EVERYWHERE: by Julia Amelia Morrison

Listen can you hear me, though I am gone away? Watch and can you see me, as you toil through your day?

Can you smell my presence, or feel my tender touch, the wonder of the life we shared, the life you miss so much?

Please, hear the gentle tinkling, of the wind chimes in the breeze, of the soft wind a door's opening makes, will put your heart at ease.

Watch the dancing flowers, or autumn leaves skipping by, they dance and skip like I did, before I had to die.

The heady scent of catnip, the fresh smell of summer sun, the smell of leather harnesses, remember our days of fun.

The caressing touch of butterflies, the feel of blankets warm, remember how we cuddled, when ere there was a storm.

Although my body failed me, my soul is forever there. Just look and touch and hear and feel, for I am everywhere.

Catnip Hill Studio, Copyright © 2000, All rights reserved Poem reprinted by permission of the author

Yesterday morning, as I read the news online, a short piece caught my eye and inspired me to write this blog entry. It was how Nancy Reagan, five years after her husband's death, she still feels his presence. Mrs. Regan, who will turn 88 in July, was interviewed by "Vanity Fair". She said that she still misses her husband, "an awful lot." A deeply devoted couple, Mrs. Reagan still talks with her late husband. She said, "It sounds strange, but ... I see Ronnie. At nighttime, if I wake up, I think Ronnie's there, and I start to talk to him. It's not important what I say. But the fact is, I do think he's there. And I see him"

In a poll following the article, "Do you ever "talk "to or "see" a deceased loved one?" the results favored those who do with 53% responding positively. Negative results: 47%. The loss of a beloved family member, whether it is a cherished human, or adored pet can result in complicated and difficult emotions with which to cope. Often the relationship we form with our pets can be deeper than with our human family members and friends. Since the love we share with our pets is often uncomplicated and unconditional, making it safer, these connections become a supportive and vital part of our daily lives. And when our pet dies, our grief can be overwhelming.

I was very moved by Mrs. Reagan's courage in sharing her private thoughts so honestly and openly. And her words gave me a jumping off place to open a discussion about those of us who us who have lost pets and also continue to feel their presence. Immediately a friend came to mind whose cat passed away suddenly and very unexpectedly, years ago.

Shortly after his death, one of her other cats began performing a very unique behavior identical to the cat that passed away. This was something that he cat did each evening ; turning on a touch lamp which was at her bedside It was of great comfort to her, feeling he was contacting her. Another friend continues to feel the presence of one of her dogs that resides at the Rainbow Bridge. She treasures that contact.

Mousie Tongue I often see a bright white light flash late in the evening, in a room favored by my angel-kitty Mousie Tongue. At first I thought it was the reflection of a neighbor's car pulling into her driveway, but after a thorough investigation this proved untrue. At the same time I also sense his sweet purrsonality. And as the anniversary of his death approaches, one of my cats has suddenly started to lick my hair and "groom" me, which was typical Mousie behavior.

I must admit I am relieved that I am not the only one to feel contact with a departed pet. It is comforting to be validated that there a possibility for a genuine attachment that will never be broken. Since Mrs. Reagan remains connected with her late husband, perhaps this gives further credence that this is real? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.