|
 There is no easy way to deal with
losing a furry love. Our lives take on new meaning when
we are enveloped by their ever constant love,
companionship, and soulfulness. We consider ourselves
the lucky ones, though, as we have clearly discovered
the secret. A secret that is only shared by those who
have been nurtured by a kindred soul's simple teachings
of goodness and compassion.
As our animal
companions are forever dependent on our care, they assume
those roles typically assigned to children. And, there is no
greater despair than to endure the loss of a child. Research
indicates that after experiencing the death of a child, it
may take three to five years for one to move on or begin to
live their life again. We believe the same holds true for
our furry children. The amount of pain we experience when a
loved furchild dies is also a function of the level of the
relationship. If you were the person responsible for your
dog's needs, the one that your sweetheart cherished most,
the one who was always there, then you will need more time
to deal with this loss. All of that time that went into
building this unique bond with your dog needs to be worked
through. It can happen, but it takes time. The grieving
process is an important one, despite society's demanding
pace to move on.
A very
special writer and Golden friend, Kathy Anne Harris, has
this to say about A Golden's Stay (Copyright © 2004).
When
I think of the many Goldens' whose time here with us is not
as long as we'd like... I wonder why? It may be that they
are able to give all the goodness they have within them, to
us, and do it so well that their mission here is over faster
than it might be for other dogs. Perhaps, like an evolved
soul, they don't need to live as long to learn what they
would here on earth. They already know most of what they
need. And they are experts at bestowing their presence on us
in a compacted period of time. So often, they are like
mentors and can impart the lessons which will teach us many
extraordinary things, by the simplest, kindest gesture from
them.
I think Goldens unfurl their wings when we are
not looking. Have you ever noticed an expression they
have, especially when they smile, that gives hint to
something wondrous and grand? As if they have the most
incredible gift they are hiding behind their back but
you can tell they want so very much to show you what it
is. Well, when I see that expression I could swear I
feel the flutter of their wings in my heart. ... It is
said Goldens are puppies until the age of two. And that
for a few, they will always be pups. Yet in many ways
they are old beyond their years. They can touch and mold
our hearts, our spirits, and our minds. And in so doing
they bring us a little bit closer to embracing, within
ourselves, the goodness they are. Which is grander than
any concept of humanity.
We can never forget or replace the radiant place that our
furry loves hold in our hearts. But, we can hold on tight to
the memories of how they taught us to live, love & laugh.
"Life is not a journey to the grave, with the intention of
arriving safely, in one pretty and well-preserved piece, but
to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out and
shouting 'WOW...what a ride.'"
The following words from Tracey Norris, from Scotland, illustrates this in such a
special way. "Rochelle, It was so kind of you to
think of me, I know you will know exactly how my heart is
feeling right now, but I am eternally grateful for the 15
wonderful years that Toby gave me, full of excitement and
Love, and a wonderful friendship that I will never forget.
Even though I no longer own a Golden I will continue to
visit your site daily as I always have. You are truly a
inspiration to us all. When we feel like it's the end of the
world when the death of our Golden happens, you are there to
inspire us with wonderful stories of love and affection.
That is what life is all about. Not dwelling but looking to
the future, knowing that our Goldens are having a wonderful
life over the bridge, and that we will all meet up again
someday and be reunited."
9 Important Essentials to Know
 Your Golden is truly one
of the family.
A Golden is a cherished member of the family. He or she can take you for a walk
or just listen when you need someone to talk to. Their presence can also lower your blood
pressure, change your heart rate or take away feelings of loneliness. Just as we have the
ability to love, it is necessary to be able to grieve when our “best friend”
dies. And, the entire family needs to be allowed to grieve. Parents may feel uncomfortable
talking about the death to their kids. They think this will spare them some of the pain
and sadness. But, this is wrong. The whole family needs to talk freely together, even if
through tears. Kids certainly love their Golden pals with all their hearts and souls. Now
that their “best friend” is gone, they need to be allowed to grieve.
Your Golden's death will be an intensely upsetting
experience.
This is not “just a dog.” This Golden family member helps us to define
exactly who we are and what we mean when we say the word “family.” Our society,
though, may not understand how distressful the event really is. They don't think you need
to grieve for a “pet.” And, you may even be teased for openly and honestly
showing your feelings. This may cause you to bury, hide, or ignore your sadness. But, this
is not a good thing. You cannot heal and come to accept this loss, if you haven't
expressed your painful feelings.
Clichés don't help you feel better at all.
You and your family will probably hear many clichés when this death happens.
Clichés are simple little comments that are meant to help you feel less pain. But, little
Band-Aids don't work when you're heart seems to be breaking in two. Comments like,
“It was just a dog,” or “You can always get another one,” or “Be
glad you don’t have to take care of him anymore” are really hurtful rather than
helpful. They make your grieving more difficult.
Golden memories are extremely helpful and healing.
Memories are truly one of the best Golden legacies after a death like this has
occurred. It really does help to talk about and cherish these memories. Even those
memories of destructive puppy-ness are important. It's healing to remember when this
Golden wonder made you laugh, helped to comfort you, showed true love & devotion for
you, or simply made you scream out in frustration. And, it's okay if some of the memories
make you laugh. But remember, some are also likely to bring you sadness and cause tears.
But, memories that were made in love can never be taken away from your heart.
You could have mixed emotions about the death.
When your Golden dies, you may experience many different emotions or feelings.
You could feel confused, sad, angry, or guilty. But, it's important to express these
feelings as ignoring them may keep you from overcoming the pain that you now feel. People
may tell you not to show these feelings. But, that may only be due to they're feeling
uncomfortable when they see you this way. And, they'd rather not see your distress when
they know they have no ability to change what has happened. Just remember, its healthy and
normal to feel this way. Each family member may have a particular way of showing their
grief, because each probably had their own special Golden relationship. No way is the
right or wrong way. Each of us has to grieve in our own way.
Euthanasia can actually be an unselfish, loving thing to
do.
This is the toughest thing that anyone could be forced to admit. But, the choice
to euthanize may be the right and loving one to make, especially if your guy is in extreme
pain or the quality of his life has really deteriorated. Usually, your veterinarian can
talk to you and explain how he thinks your buddy is feeling and what he thinks would be
most humane at this point. The euthanasia procedure causes no pain, and the doctor can
explain to you how everything works. Families have the ability to be with their hurting
buddy when the procedure takes place. But, they do not have to be present. Each family
member needs to do what is best for him or her. But, it is always important to spend some
special time telling your guy what he has meant to you and making your final good-byes.
Golden family rituals can honestly be helpful.
Allowing a Golden funeral can be helpful and healing. It can allow time for each
person to share memories and openly express their emotions. Of course, some friends or
even people in your family may think that having a funeral is silly. But, this is the time
to listen to yourself, and what you want. Each person does what is right for him or her. A
funeral may provide relief as it allows you to formally pay tribute to your lost friend
who was and will always be very much loved.
Trying to replace your Golden too soon can cause
problems.
Families are often tempted to run out right away
to get another dog after one has died. Certainly, that's
what lots of friends and people in their family are telling
them to do. But, it's really not a wise idea. We have to
have a lot of time to heal, because we spent a lot of time
loving. Having a new pup will demand lots of energy and
attention, which will prevent you from having time to do
your grieving. We need to be careful not to send out the
wrong message. Your special buddy can never be replaced,
just like any other family member could not be replaced.
Could we simply go out and buy another brother if one died?
And, what would that person think about your being able to
replace him so quickly? There will surely come a time when
you know that your family's grieving is over. And, then will
be the time to build a new, though different, Golden
relationship.
There Is One Best Place to
bury a Golden.
"If you bury him in this spot, he will come to you
when you call—come to you over the grim dim frontier of
death and down the well-remembered path and to your side
again. And though you call a dozen living dogs to heel, they
shall not growl at him nor resent his coming ... for he
belongs there. People may scoff at you, who see no slightest
blade of grass bent by his foot fall, who hear no
whimper—people who may never really have had a dog. Smile at
them for you shall know something that is hidden from them
and which is well worth the knowing... The one best place to
bury a good dog is in the heart of his master." Ben Hur Lampman, Portland Oregonian, September 11, 1925
We have celebrated much during the many years that the
Land of PureGold has been online. Yet, with that
happiness comes tears due to continued losses. This
video montage, Golden Angels, pays honor
to some special loves who have lost their battles to
cancer. The honored Goldens include: our own Ollie &
Darcy, Blues, Georgia, Kaytee, Harley, Jake, Bullet,
Nikie, Abel, Elwood, Chip, Cooper, Meggie, Libby, Kenna,
and Devo. The music is by Livingston Taylor, a Golden
lover from way back.
Hopefully the resources below may provide guidance. However, they are merely a
guide—not a substitute for professional bereavement services. When we are no
longer able to rest our hands on soft contented faces for support, such
counselors sometimes are needed.
The
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement's Chat Rooms are designed to provide a safe and supportive
haven for those who have lost a beloved animal companion. Discussions are not
ones for social chatting, as they are solely designated to cover topics related
to pet loss and bereavement. It is important to
note that while these chat rooms are caring
and highly effective discussions, they should not be confused with clinical
psychological counseling sessions. Rather, the focus is solely on pet
bereavement. Although the tone is
one of compassion and constructive supportiveness, this association cannot always
regulate the variables that may arise in such an environment. In addition, advice or
other considerations that are offered should not be construed as part of a
professional counseling session. Those who are newly bereaved and visiting
a chat room for the first time
should try to come in as early as possible. In that way, more
individual attention can be provided as chats can get crowded later on in the
sessions. To enter a chat room session, just
click here.
50-State Support Map
Please use this handy
map to locate hotlines
(toll free included), Support Groups & Bereavement Counselors.
store
Remembrance and
Healing
The following purchases help fund Cancer Treatment Grants
for working dogs. We have included many ways to more positively
acknowledge a loss, for a cherished friend or relative . . . or, for yourself.
There is a remembrance kit with a keepsafe sachet & photo frame, healing
aromatherapy memorial candle, and cards.
There is a Mahogany MemoryBox and books for guidance and to gain further
insight. And, no one can resist the most unique "Dog Blessed" Collection with
its embroidered fabric and raised ceramics.
Celebrating a dog's blessing in our lives is always appropriate, especially
when they have left our sides . . . as the wonder they shared with us remains in
our hearts forever.
NOTE: There may be shipping overcharges when multiple item orders are
processed. Please be assured that we refund the extra monies charged
when these kinds of orders do take place. For additional assurance or an
estimate of actual shipping charges before ordering, simply
contact us. U.S. Shipping
only.
|
Retail Price: 180.00
Our Price: $99.00
|
Mango Bark Keepsake Box with Satin Bag
Made of exotic mango tree bark, this luxury window box keepsake comes with
a handmade Italian satin keepsake bag to hold your sweetie's mementos or ashes.
Lovingly crafted by artisans, these
type of memory boxes are a lasting tribute to your
dear friend.
The handmade keepsake box is clearly a fitting showcase for a cherished 4" x 6" snapshot
of your dog or cat.
The box measures:
6.5 inches by 10.25 inches, with a picture window, and holds up to 180 lbs (any
size dog).
IMPORTANT NOTE: This
item ships directly from one of our distributors and arrives separately from
other ordered items at the Land of PureGold. It is recommended that if other
types of items are desired that the orders be placed
separately. The line is only available for shipment in the United States. |
TOP
Zeppa Custom Personalized Ceramic
Urn
 This
beautiful ceramic urn (for ashes) has an air tight rubber sealing
lid to secure the contents. It measures 9 inches tall by 6 inches in diameter.
The canister is personalized with your dog or cat’s name
on the front, with his/her years of birth and death written on the back. Choose
your breed from over 180 Fur Children® designs. You also get a choice of
trim color, and a choice of background from Beach, Yard, Lake, or
Mountain. If you can’t decide on a background, simply select "Artist's
Choice" and a selection will be made that looks best.
This earthenware piece is handmade and hand-painted,
then glazed and fired multiple times. For 20 years, Zeppa Studios has been
designing and producing unique animal themed giftware featuring original artwork by studio founder, M. K. Zeppa.
A dog fancier since birth, M.K. graduated Phi Beta
Kappa with Honors from Wellesley College and holds an MFA from Pratt Institute. She makes all of her products to order for
you in her Hawk Creek Farm Studio complex in Pearisburg, VA.
This item ships in 8 weeks and is
not returnable given its customization.
Price: $120.00
Click
here to see the beautiful images
available for 100+ adult dog breeds, 30+ puppy breeds, and 6 cat breeds. |
TOP
|
Price: $14.99
|
This keepsake purchase
is gift wrapped and includes FREE
glossy puppy stickers
and
art illustration
greeting card ($4 value). |
|
Prayers On The Wind Pet Prayers Flags
The
loss of an animal companion, a longtime friend and companion, can leave us
suddenly lost. Our sorrow can be dark and deep and may feel impossible to
overcome as we seek understanding.
We want to stay connected to that wonderful soul that has gone ahead of us.
Let these flags be that connection.
Tibetans believe the prayers of these flags become a permanent part of the
universe as the images fade from exposure to the elements and the wind blows
through them. Just as life moves on and is replaced by new life, our own healing
can begin, our hearts can mend and find room to love another four legged friend.
When we send our feelings on the wind, we trust nature to turn our memories from
sadness to gratitude for having loved and been loved so unconditionally. . . . .
. because there can never be too many prayers on the wind.
 |
TOP
|
Price: $29.50
|
Dog Lovers Life Celebration
Kit *On order
 Losing
a dog is often the hardest part of sharing our lives with one. After the shared
joy and unconditional love, a human companion can be lost feeling empty and alone. Sometimes the bond we have and the
immense value our dogs add to our lives is underestimated. Often we feel our
bereavement is not taken as seriously as other losses in life.
This Remembrance Kit is a gift specially designed to address the
needs of the grieving dog owner and provide a loving gift of support and
caring for someone close to you….a gentle way to help them heal and keep
their dog’s spirit close to their heart, always and forever. The kit contains:
- Keepsake sachet — Made of iridescent satin with a lovingly
hand-embroidered floral pattern, this keepsake bag provides a safe
resting place for a collar, ID tag, small toy and other precious
mementos.
- Healing memorial candle blessing for dog owner — Light this
comforting candle made of pure essential oils in remembrance. Hand poured and scented gently with healing lavender and
tangerine, this soothing candle is graced with a written blessing.
- Companion remembrance cards — This set of 3 note cards is a
meaningful part to the healing process and serves as a record of
some of your dog’s favorite things. Keep one in remembrance and
share the rest with those closest to you.
- Remembrance gift enclosure card — A simple heartfelt card
expresses thoughts in a loving way. The cover states “In loving
memory.”
- Keepsake photo frame. Printed on high quality card stock, this
memorial frame a 3" x 3” photo of your dog.
|
TOP
|
Price: $17.25
|
"In Loving Memory" Aromatherapy Healing Candle
*On order
These candles were created for all any animal lovers who are
grieving for their sweeties. Send one of these sympathy candles instead of
flowers or cards.
The "in loving memory" aromatherapy candle holds a loving message on the
cover with a loving prayer/blessing on the underside.
Using a relaxing blend of
lavender and tangerine, this keepsake 2.7oz silver tin is hand poured with pure
essential oils. The burn time is an amazing 25+ hours. This caring gift is elegantly
wrapped in a sheer organza sachet. And, a gift enclosure card is included.
Essential Oils Glossary — Lavender is one of the most calming essential oils. In combination with soothing
Tangerine, this is a peaceful aroma to reduce stress.
The essential oils in our
aromatherapy candles are harvested at their peak to ensure purity, freshness and
environmental sanctity.
|
TOP
|
Price: $16.00
|
Just Bepaws "Dog Blessed" Embroidered Photo
Album
This incredible fabric photo album has plenty of room to show off your faithful friend
or friends.
The Dog Blessed Album has a bone, pawprint and heart fashion border and a framed opening on the cover to
display a 2.5" x 3.5" photograph. That is our precious Darcy shown
here.
This album is all wonderfully embroidered, with the delightful "just bepaws" insigna and
Dog Blessed with halo design. It holds an amazing 50 4" x 6" photos,
measuring 7.75" x 4.5".
|
TOP
|
Dog Blessings: Poems, Prose, and Prayers Celebrating Our
Relationship with Dogs
This collection is a loving tribute to the kindest, most caring and
devoted animals known to humankind. Selections describe the exuberance of
puppies, the unconditional love of a canine best friend, the joy of a shared day
at the beach, the bittersweet glance of an aging pet, and the simple pleasure of
coming home each day to a wagging tail and unbridled affection. More than
anything, Dog Blessings honors the profound ways that our four-legged friends
touch our lives. This book can be revisited and shared for years to come.
With heartwarming, funny, and powerful tributes, Dog Blessings honors the
special connection that exists between humans and their canine friends.
Bestselling author and anthologist June Cotner has gathered together an
inspiring collection of poetry and prose that celebrates the exuberance that
comes with loving a dog. Contributors include both famous and lesser-known,
award-winning writers. Selections include that of appreciating our older dogs,
adopting rescue dogs, and saying goodbye to our dear companions.
This is a hardcover book, sized: 5.6
inches X 6.6 inches. June Cotner is the author or editor of
twenty-five books, including the bestselling
Graces,
Bedside
Prayers, and
House
Blessings. June has appeared on the television programs
Northwest Afternoon and AM Northwest. A graduate of the University of
California at Berkeley, June teaches workshops throughout the country. She lives
near Seattle with her husband and two senior dogs (a Golden oldie & a
mischievous black Lab mix).
EXCERPTS
If “Heaven is a lovely lake of beer,” as St. Bridget wrote, then dog heaven must
be this tub of kibble, where you can push your muzzle all day long without
getting bloat or bellyache. Where every toilet seat is raised, at the right
level for slurping, and fire hydrants and saplings tell you, “Here. Relieve
yourself on us.” And the sun and moon fall at your feet, celestial Frisbees
flinging themselves in shining arcs for your soft mouth to retrieve. Rumi says
“Personality is a small dog trying to get the soul to play,” but you are a big
dog, with an even larger heart, and you have redeemed our better selves. Forgive
us for the times we walked away, wanted to do taxes or wash dishes instead of
playing fetch or tugger. In the green field of heaven, there are no collars, no
leashes, no delivery trucks with bad brakes, and all the dogs run free. Barking
is allowed, and every pocket holds a treat. Sit. Stay. Good dog.
— Barbara Crooker
OLD FRIENDS —
C. David Hay
Their youthful years have slipped away, The old man and his dog.
They have a special bonding, That needs no dialogue.
The chase is just a memory, But how they used to run
When hearts and legs were stronger, And games were such great
fun.
Now the pace is slower, For the master and his mate.
If one lags too far behind, The other stops to wait.
Some things we cannot change, Like aging and the weather,
But true friends are quite content, Just growing old together.
|
PRAYER FOR MY BEST FRIEND —
Brennan Boyle, age 12
Bless his nose, so wet and cold
Bless his fur, so soft to hold.
Bless his tail, it wags so strong
When I tell him he may come along.
Bless those ears that stand so stout
Except when one’s turned inside out.
Bless those eyes so filled with love
That surely comes from G-d above.
For up in Heaven the Angels sing,
They fly with harps on silver wings.
But here on Earth there can be no doubt,
The Angels bark as they run about.
|
Dr. Marty
Becker, Resident Veterinarian on ABC TV's Good Morning America, author of
The Healing
Power of Pets
and
Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul, host of nationally syndicated
pet talk radio show, Top Vets Talk Pets
“Dog Blessings is a moving and tender book of poems, prose, and
prayers that gracefully honors our dog companions. Page after page,
I found my heart opening even more to the deep love I share with
dogs and how much they mean to me. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and
you’ll call your dog over for a full-body hug. I heartily recommend
this book to dog lovers everywhere!”
Allen and Linda Anderson, authors of
Angel Dogs and
Angel Dogs with a Mission
“The poems and short essays in June Cotner’s superb collection are
love songs to dogs that remind each of us to count our own
blessings. In addition to providing inspiration and comfort, this
book has many practical uses, such as offering selections for pet
memorial services, quotations for cards to people who have just
adopted a dog, and excerpts to read before bedtime for a better
night’s sleep. Best of all, read this book to your dogs and then
plant grateful kisses on their foreheads.”
|
|
TOP
|
Price: $30.00
|
Just Bepaws "Dog Blessed" Embroidered
Bag
Any dog lover will delight in this decorative, sturdy canvas Dog Blessed
Photo Tote
which allows you to show off three 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" photographs of your dog or
dogs.
This roomy tote will leaves no doubt that you are blessed with a
faithful dog. And, it allows you to always keep pictures of your fur babies with
you.
It is lined and has an interior cell phone pocket, and there's even a
zippered pocket on the back
to keep things safe. It features a bone, pawprint, and heart fashion border with
a silver-tone buckle and sturdy double
handles.
The bag is embroidered with the "just bepaws" insignia and the "dog blessed"
design that sports a sewn on halo above.
Featuring
Embroidered crisp black canvas
Fully lined, displaying three photos
Large size is 17" L x 12" H x 4" W, not including handles
|
|
TOP
|
Price: $17.00
|
Just Bepaws "Dog Blessed" Ceramic Photo
Frame
This charming ceramic photo frame gives you the perfect way to show you
are "dog blessed" by displaying a favorite photograph of your furry love. So, do
get ready to make room for this stylish and beautifully hand
painted ceramic Dog Blessed Ceramic Photo Frame!
We are simply in love with its raised features, all of the
lettering, halo, and trio of dog bone, paw print & heart accents raised as well.
The Dog Blessed Frame features a unique combination of Two-Tone finish. It holds
a 4" x 6" photograph. The frame measures 8.25" x 6.75" overall.
This frame makes the perfect gift for new as well as seasoned dog lovers who feel their lives have been blessed with
their animal companion's presence. It arrives gift boxed for easy gift giving.
|
TOP
|
|
