Transition

From one life to another we go.
At least we hope so.
We look for signs, signals, hopeful moments that there is a return from the beyond.
Whatever or where ever the beyond is.

Yesterday, at this time The Man and I were saying our final good bye to a beloved 4 footed friend named Ubu.
She was a companion, watchdog, warming oven, sensitivity barometer, healer, thinker and most importantly unconditional lover of her family.
I had been adopted as "mom" to her just after I met her over 5 years ago.

The Man has had her with him through many life experiences and now, in this new experience with her not physically here, is finding the reality of the various stages of grief. It is not pretty or fun but it is an essential part of life.

Life leads to death. There is no turning back, going past "Go" getting your $200 buck and moving on around the board. This is the way it is. Harsh reality. But reality just the same.

The pooch had developed a number of ailments for which in humans there is no cure but in canines it can manifest itself similarly. Skin cancer then blood cancer, renal failure then renal shut down, muscle wasting secondary to the cancer and protein loss through urine due to the renal failure.
All not pretty, all not fun.
We have an ability to release suffering for our pet friends that is so peaceful and beautiful at the same time. Don't get me wrong it is a very hard decision to make but when it's made there is a sense of relief.
Though Ubu didn't "know" about the decision you could see the peacefulness in her face and body before it all happened.
The Man, not so much.
But time heals and it will.

We will remember all our pet friends, and you can name them in your head and heart now...

Mine? Gigi and Renee (the crazy poodle dogs that thought they were people), Petunia the Guinea Pig, Max the Bunny, BJ the blue budgie and now Ubu (the dog that KNEW she was people).
They have made the transition along what is called the rainbow bridge to be part of the herd, flock, pack or gang that watches over our every move and thought; though they are with us in body no more they are in spirit and signs. Look around. They are everywhere, you only need to focus on them in your heart.

So, as we work through this time of transition from full house to empty feeling in house and heart we will move on.

The sun rises and sets and there is another day.