Category: Pet Loss

Finding Healing from Pet Loss Through Connection: Part 2

Post author By Casey Clark
Post date July 3, 2024

As I mentioned in Part 1, Marjorie’s animal communication helped me with Buddy’s anxiety and other things. I was really happy that I had her as another tool I could use to give Buddy the best life.

About a year later, I was in my newish apartment, and Buddy started acting oddly. He wouldn’t use his hind legs and was really lethargic. This episode went on for about 10 minutes or so, and I called my veterinarian to get some help. I was living in DC at the time, about 1 hour and 20 minutes from my vet, so I was sending videos and pictures as I described what was happening, and he told me to go to an emergency vet and suggested one in DC. I let Marjorie know, and once again, she came to the rescue! As I sat in the waiting room, never having been in this situation before, Marjorie offered a great deal of comfort. She gave me some suggestions on what to ask them to ensure that everything was being considered and that we got the best care possible. She suggested asking for certain blood tests to ensure the proper follow-up. I felt like I had someone on my side who was not only consoling me but was helping me keep a level head. Marjorie also checked up on me after our visit and kept checking on Buddy. Everything ended up being okay, and the emergency vet chalked it up to him getting into something he shouldn’t have. That wasn’t the Buddy I knew, so I knew something else was going on.

Buddy’s Health Started to Decline

In September of 2023, Buddy had his one-year check-up. We went to see Dr. Ahalt, and after a quick exam, he said, “Casey, I think his heart is getting worse, and I think he has some fluid on it. We’re going to do some blood tests and exams to see what exactly is happening.” My eyes started to tear up as they took my sweet Buddy back for testing. They brought him back in not too long after, and I anxiously waited for the results. His heart was, in fact, getting worse. It was enlarged, and he had fluid in his lungs and around his heart. He also had some other things going on with his kidneys. Long story short, he had to go on 7 medications to help his heart beat better and to reduce the fluid. My heart was broken. I wondered, “How did things start declining so quickly?” We were advised to come back in 30 days to see how he was doing.

Buddy Had Another Episode

One day, Buddy and I were in the car, and he was in the back seat. Before, he would stay in the back seat but in recent months, he became more anxious and just wanted to be on my lap. So I attached his leash to the headrest so that he couldn’t get up front. We were driving along, and I looked back to notice that he wasn’t moving. I immediately pulled over, and he was having another lethargic episode where his body was pretty limp. I held him and reassured him he was going to be okay. I gave him some water and got him comfortable on my lap for the rest of the ride home. I called the vet and took him in. He ended up going on another medication to help with his blood pressure. So now, he was on 8 medications a day, and I was told that there was not much else we could do. He was on all the medications he could be on with the highest dosages for his size.

It Was Time for More Animal Communication

Given Buddy’s recent medical exam, I connected with Marjorie again, and we chatted about Buddy’s new state. I really wanted to get some reassurance that he wasn’t suffering because his symptoms were getting worse. He was gagging a lot more when he drank water and just didn’t seem very comfortable. Marjorie reassured me that she didn’t sense that he was feeling any pressure or discomfort. This was a relief. The last thing I wanted was to be selfish and keep him here for my own benefit when it was his time to pass on.

Preparing For The Loss of Buddy

With the changes in Buddy’s health, I had to come to terms with the fact that his time was limited. His symptoms were much worse starting in February of 2024. It was almost like he was trying to cough the fluid out, but it wasn’t coming out. Seeing this on a regular basis broke my heart even more. It felt like there was really nothing more I could do. I did little things like give him his favorite treat, buy more of his favorite “Gumby” toys, and even let him sleep in the bed if he wanted to. This was my way of making sure he was most comfortable and enjoyed his last days. Thankfully, I work from home, so I was able to spend the majority of our waking hours together. Well, my waking hours because Buddy slept a lot!

Despite giving him his best days in preparation for the day when he would pass, I never would have imagined that those days were so numbered. Like Marjorie said in her Pet Loss and Animal Communication: Part 2 blog, death does not read the calendar, and boy, was she right! One day, I scooped Buddy up and put him in the car, and we went on a ride. He wasn’t anxious; he just sat in the back seat and stared…until he didn’t. I was talking to him, telling him we were about to stop and usually I could hear his name tag jingling when I would talk to him. I heard nothing, so I looked back and he was gone. He had laid on the seat and passed. I couldn’t believe it. I needed more time. More time with him and more time to prepare.

Marjorie brought up so many great points in her blog. She mentioned doing some inner reflection to determine how you’ll bring this chapter to a close in a way you can live with, knowing how you would handle the remains, and so on. I didn’t do any of this. It came way too fast.

My Suggestion for Your Healing

While I was able to figure things out, I struggled with guilt for quite some time. I did until I had another consultation with Marjorie, during which we talked with Buddy after his passing. As I wasn’t ready, I learned that Buddy wasn’t ready either. His heart stopping caught him by surprise as well, and his spirit was still hanging out in my apartment, making sure that I was okay. My call with Marjorie gave me the closure I needed with him. She comforted me by reassuring me that he was where he wanted to be when he passed, and that was with me. He wasn’t in chronic pain, and I didn’t have to make the decision to put him down. This really was the best case scenario for me and for Buddy. So, my suggestion is to take the time to think through what will happen when your beloved pet passes and be sure to utilize Marjorie before, during, and after the process. You will not regret it!

Pet Loss

Finding Healing from Pet Loss Through Connection: Part 1

Post author By Casey Clark
Post date May 30, 2024

In April, I had the pleasure of reading Marjorie’s blogs about pet loss. I knew I would be facing it at some point, so I was curious to see her perspective. Little did I know that within a month, I would be experiencing the loss of a pet, which is what inspired me to write this guest blog. Here’s my story, and I hope it helps you find healing if you’re experiencing this, too.

In August of 2022, I decided it was time for me to adopt a dog. Long story short, I had been working on some self-healing for about 3 years and for once I was alone and felt that I could love something now that I learned to love myself. Looking back, those who are close to me would say, “who rescued who?”While I’ve heard many people say this before, they weren’t kidding. “Buddy”, an adorable beagle mix, was on his second time at the Frederick County Animal Control Shelter, and I just couldn’t understand why anyone would give him up, especially when he had a heart murmur. Knowing that he was viewed as a “misfit” hurt my heart even more. Him being there didn’t make any sense to me at all – other than it was so that I could love on him.

Buddy’s First Months In His Furever Home

When I adopted Buddy, I was a bit nervous. I hadn’t had a dog since being a kid and I was in my mid-30s at the time. While nervous, I couldn’t have been more sure that he was for me when I had him. He was sweet as can be, quiet as ever, house-trained, didn’t need a crate, could care less about other people and really just wanted to be around me. He was the perfect dog for me with where I was in life. Buddy was laid back. He had a playful side and was smart as ever but I never wanted to overexert him because I knew he had a murmur and with the little medical knowledge I have, I knew getting him all worked up could be harmful to him. So Buddy and I became best friends and just palled around and took it easy. My friends grew to love him and learned quickly what I meant when I’d say, “I’m really not biased, he is the best dog ever!”. We would go to cookouts and all kinds of things together. He was my road dog!

Understanding Buddy’s Health

When I first adopted Buddy, I got thim established with Dr. Ahalt at Jefferson Veterinary Care. He was a long-time friend of my stepdad, and I knew he would take good care of Buddy and be honest with me about anything going on. During our first visit, he made sure that I knew he had a murmur and informed me that it was at a 3 out of 5 but not a “strong” 3. He said we should keep an eye on him and stay aware of any changes in behaviors or symptoms. He told me to watch out for things like heavy breathing, gagging when drinking, and being lethargic. Other than that, I could bring him back for a year check-up.

Buddy and I Tried This Animal Communication Thing

I felt good about Buddy’s physical health at the time but not his mental health. My apartment had a fireplace and when I would light the fire, Buddy would literally climb on top of my head and shake like a leaf. He was scared to death. He also wouldn’t walk on a certain area of the grass when I would take him outside. I had gotten familiar with Marjorie’s services and decided to give her a try to see if I could figure out what was going on with him. My first consultation with her was the best 20 minutes! She was compassionate, kind, and very intuitive. I didn’t really know what to expect since, before her, I didn’t even know that animal communication was a thing. She explained to me that with the fire, Buddy had possibly witnessed a large fire with a lot of chaos, so it gave him bad anxiety. With the area he wouldn’t walk in, she sensed that something was covering the ground that he didn’t like the smell of. Well, pine needles had covered that area, and it was so pungent that it turned Buddy off. It was fascinating to hear these things! I simply stopped taking him to that area, and as far as the fire went, Marjorie gave me some tips.

To help acclimate Buddy to fire, Marjorie suggested that I put a fireplace screensaver on my TV since it was mounted above the fireplace. As I got him used to the site and noise, she recommended that I put some ash near his food and water bowl since he associated those two things with pleasure/happiness. Once he got used to that, she suggested I start a small fire with half of a log and then build it from there. I gradually did all of these things, and it worked! Buddy was no longer scared of the fire.

Another tip that she gave me to help with his anxiety when I left him was to look at him and then envision me leaving and coming back happily, greeting him. I used to do this, and it worked like a charm. She told me that dogs have no concept of time, so no matter how long I was gone, this trick would work and give him reassurance that I was coming back.

Using Marjorie to communicate with Buddy really enhanced my care for him. Little did I know, I would need her more than ever in the upcoming months. Stay tuned for Part 2.

Animal Communicator Pet Loss

Pet Loss and Animal Communication: Part 2

Post author By Marjorie Lewis
Post date April 1, 2024

Losing a cherished pet is a deeply painful experience that resonates with every pet enthusiast. These animals transcend mere companionship; they become integral members of our families, sharing in the highs and lows of our lives. They occupy a unique space in our hearts, witnessing moments often unseen by even our closest human connections. Unbeknownst to us, their lives become intricately intertwined with ours, shaping our daily routines and influencing our decisions, from feeding and walking to playtime and healthcare. Our lives revolve around their needs, with our exercise regimes and social interactions often structured around their presence, particularly evident with dogs, though even hamsters can provide companionship and playfulness.

The Bonds We Have With Our Pets

With the arrival of a new pet, whether a lively puppy or a weathered rescue horse, we inherently understand that this bond will eventually come to an end. Though this reality may be uncomfortable to contemplate as we embark on the exciting journey of this new friendship, it remains an undeniable truth for every pet-owner relationship. Unlike some cultures that embrace the natural cycle of birth and death as an inevitable and even celebratory part of life, our contemporary American society often shies away from confronting these realities, preferring to avoid the discomfort associated with mortality.

The Inevitability of Pet Loss

In facing the final days with our beloved pets, my advice to fellow animal lovers is to approach this chapter with a sense of peace. While your pet will find release, you will be left with the memories of these closing moments. By preparing yourself in advance, you can ensure that your recollections are not clouded by regret and sorrow. My hope is that in the years to come, you will fondly recall the joyous times shared with your pet—the love, laughter, and playfulness—rather than dwelling on the pain of their final days. Remember, the end is a fleeting moment compared to a lifetime of cherished memories. Do not allow the sadness of death to overshadow the abundance of joy that you and your pet shared.

These are things you can do ahead of time to reduce the stress on the final days:

Have a conversation with your vet and prepare any supplies and medications you might need as death approaches.
Have a family meeting to decide ahead of time how much medical intervention you are willing and able to do. Discuss what makes sense for your lifestyle, finances, and your pet’s quality of life. Define the boundaries of care and stick to the plan.
Death does not read the calendar, and often, the ending comes at night or on weekends. Ask your vet to help you identify the best 24-hour emergency clinic to contact if necessary. Keep the contact information readily available. Set treatment limits based on your plan. No one wants to say their final goodbye to a pet and receive a $10,000 bill from the clinic as they leave. Prepare, plan, and persevere.
Decide ahead of time how you would like to handle your pets’ remains. There are many options these days. Do your research and make your choice before you need to know so you will not live with any regrets. The vet will ask you when you are deep in grief. You will not feel like making big decisions at that moment; be kind to yourself and have the information ready.
Decide what type of memento you will want once your pet is gone. A framed photo, a paw print, a horseshoe, a piece of jewelry? Advance planning helps you feel prepared.
You will likely feel exhausted and deeply sad as the final day approaches. Often, we anticipate the end with a heavy sense of dread. I find that it helps to set an intention to anticipate the end in a new way. Find a way to uplift the energy, and do some “bucket list” items with your pet, like making a final visit to the beach to visit beloved family members. Treat this like you would a best friend headed off on an exciting new adventure; celebrate the end of pain. I chose to celebrate a re-birthday with my pets as if they were about to be reborn into a new and exciting life. They get lots of love, a few of their favorite things, and some special treats. Sometimes, celebration can take the edge off of grief.
And finally, spend some time in deep inner reflection. Ask yourself, “How can I bring this chapter to a close in a way that I can live with, in the years to come?”. I would like you to be able to say, “I have done everything that I could have done, and I am at peace with my actions”. With this type of reflection and planning, you will be able to focus on remembering the joy of the relationship rather than the sadness of the final days.

Ultimately, the depth of our grief reflects the depth of our love for our pets. By embracing preparation and reflection, we can honor their memory with a sense of peace and gratitude for the love they brought into our lives.

Animal Communicator Pet Loss

Pet Loss and Animal Communication: Part 1

Post author By Marjorie Lewis
Post date April 1, 2024

As pet owners welcome a new addition to their families, thoughts of the eventual end of this cherished relationship are often pushed aside in favor of building a strong bond in the present. Though we acknowledge the inevitability of parting ways, we prefer to focus on the joyous moments shared with our beloved pets, cherishing each day spent together. However, this avoidance of the inevitable doesn’t prevent it from looming on the horizon.

In today’s pet-centric world, our attention is largely consumed by selecting the finest toys, nourishment, and medical care for our animal companions. At the same time, discussions about illness, mortality, and end-of-life planning are often overlooked. While it’s natural not to dwell on such somber topics throughout our pets’ lives, preparing for the inevitable to alleviate stress when the time arrives is prudent.

End of Life Preparation with an Animal Communicator or Medical Intuitive

My role as an animal communicator and medical intuitive frequently involves guiding pet owners through the sensitive process of end-of-life counseling and preparation. Many consultations center around assessing a pet’s quality of life as it ages, navigating challenges such as declining health, altered behavior, and mobility issues. While veterinarians address physical symptoms, I focus on delving deeper into understanding a pet’s emotional and physical state, enabling a more personalized approach to care.

Through telepathic communication, pets are given a voice in their own healthcare journey. By interpreting their signals and emotions, we can better understand their needs and preferences, allowing for more effective management of their well-being.

As our pets near the end of their journey, we are faced with difficult questions and may begin to ask questions like: “My dear friend, are you suffering?”, “Is the pain too much?”, “Is it time?, “Do you want me to help you to leave your body?” Ultimately, we never want to say goodbye. We have always known this time would come, but we feel ill-prepared. We might ask ourselves: “Are we doing enough?”, “Are we doing too much?, ”How do we know when the right time is to stop all of the care, cease the lifesaving efforts, and resign ourselves to the death process?” These moments are fraught with many emotions, including guilt, grief, and uncertainty. While the path to saying goodbye is never easy, animal communication can provide clarity and closure, helping both pet and owner navigate this final chapter with compassion and understanding.

My Experience Helping with the Transition as an Animal Communicator

Over the years, I’ve guided numerous clients through this process and had the privilege of connecting with many animals as they crossed the threshold into the next phase of existence. Through these experiences, the animals have imparted invaluable lessons on living fully and embracing death gracefully. Allow me to share their wisdom with you.

This is what they would want you to know:

The transition from their failing physical body is a profoundly joyful experience beyond words to capture fully. It embodies light, love, freedom, and a profound sense of returning home. These descriptors, though inadequate, attempt to convey the depth of this transformative journey.
Upon leaving their physical form, their consciousness persists, vibrant and alive. Freed from the constraints of their earthly vessel, they feel invigorated, perhaps even more alive than before. Unlike humans, who often perceive death as a final separation from our loved ones, animals view it as transitioning to a new phase of existence. They see it not as an end but as a departure to another realm, wearing a lighter, ethereal form of energy.
In this new state, they retain the ability to perceive and connect with us, knowing that our love transcends physical boundaries. Some choose to linger near their loved ones in spirit form, while others embark on their next adventure with boundless enthusiasm.
The decision to choose euthanasia when a pet’s quality of life diminishes is deeply personal. Animals understand that death is an inevitable part of life, and they harbor no attachment to the method or timing of their passing. What matters most to them is the well-being and happiness of their human companions.
As they transition to a new life, they release all concerns for themselves and focus instead on guiding us through our grief and healing. They encourage us to embrace the present moment, cherish life’s love and joy, and move forward with courage and resilience.
In their wisdom, they remind us to live fully, to chase the ball, to embrace new experiences, and to continue sharing love with others. For them, life is not defined by death but by the love and joy we cultivate in each moment. Let us honor their teachings by embracing life’s journey with open hearts and minds.