By Shirley Carolan, ATM
Grief is so personal and yet a necessary part of the human condition. I’m sure it’s there to teach us to live, laugh and enjoy each day to the fullest that we have on this beautiful planet … to focus on the NOW instead of spending time and energy focusing on our loss... Without grief, we probably would not appreciate all the other wonderful things happening around and in us. Even animals are not immune to loss and suffering …
Yes, the opposite of grief is joy. But I am not there yet! Somehow, I still mourn the loss of my little Shih-Tzu, Krissy, on May 25, 2011. I blame myself for what happened to her even though I am aware that will not bring her back, or, change what happened. I don’t feel that I’m on the pitty-pot, but rather expressing my loss in the only way I know how. How long will it take me to get over her? Perhaps never … but I’m sure over time the pain will lessen and I will understand or see what lesson I can learn from the tragedy. Therein lies my liberation.
What happened in Oslo this weekend, and the incredible loss of human life is inconceivable. I can’t get my mind around it. The loss and grief families, friends, teachers, leaders, neighbors, etc. must be experiencing is mind blowing. How they mourn, and try to rebuild their lives is entirely up to them and my heart goes out to them.
Also, the tragic loss of Amy Winehouse, at such a young age, in London leaves thousands mourning and asking WHY? Why did this happen?
We may never know the full answers to any of the above, but it’s important to acknowledge those we loved and be grateful they were an important part of our life. We are the person we are today because they touched our lives in some meaningful way!
Perhaps if I had Krissy in my life today I would not have my little cocker/poodle, Teddy and he might still be living in that animal shelter. He is truly a joy to have and be around and brings new meaning to my life. He is totally unaware of my loss and that’s OK! I continue to miss Krissy but am grateful for all the wonderful things she brought into my life… especially unconditional love!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2011 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article. Thank you.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
MEET TEDDY...BEAR!
By Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G
Yesterday, July 10, 2011, I celebrated 3 three weeks with my new, adorable, rescue shelter dog! Teddy is one year 3 weeks old. He is a golden cocker/poodle, very calm and low key. I must learn how to get pictures of him posted because he is truly adorable.
I had not realized the benefits of having a rescue shelter dog before. The fee ($105.00) is well worth it because Teddy has been neutered, microchipped, checked over by a shelter vet for an ear infection, his one-year license, and his first visit to an outside vet all included.
My biggest challenge todate is to get Teddy in my car. He is petrified of it, but I hope I can help him overcome his fears! Before I had him groomed he looked like a sheep dog and you could not see his beautiful eyes. His fur was badly matted too. When I went back to the groomer to pick Teddy up I did not recognize him. I saw the groomer with this cute dog and said: “Oh, isn’t he cute?” She said “You think so?” I said “Yes!” She said “Well, you should like him, he’s yours!”
Teddy loves other animals, all shapes, sizes and gender. I don’t think he has a mean bone in his body. He likes people too, not kids and some men scare him if they move too quickly… I’ve only heard him bark 5 times in three weeks and all for a good reason!
I’m still healing over the loss of my little Shih-Tzu, Krissy, when she was attacked and killed by a coyote on May 25. She was the daughter I never had. I think she would approved of Teddy and I know he would love her to death!
Thank you God for giving me the courage and wisdom to adopt Teddy. I pray we will have many happy and rewarding years together!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2011 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article. Thank you.
Yesterday, July 10, 2011, I celebrated 3 three weeks with my new, adorable, rescue shelter dog! Teddy is one year 3 weeks old. He is a golden cocker/poodle, very calm and low key. I must learn how to get pictures of him posted because he is truly adorable.
I had not realized the benefits of having a rescue shelter dog before. The fee ($105.00) is well worth it because Teddy has been neutered, microchipped, checked over by a shelter vet for an ear infection, his one-year license, and his first visit to an outside vet all included.
My biggest challenge todate is to get Teddy in my car. He is petrified of it, but I hope I can help him overcome his fears! Before I had him groomed he looked like a sheep dog and you could not see his beautiful eyes. His fur was badly matted too. When I went back to the groomer to pick Teddy up I did not recognize him. I saw the groomer with this cute dog and said: “Oh, isn’t he cute?” She said “You think so?” I said “Yes!” She said “Well, you should like him, he’s yours!”
Teddy loves other animals, all shapes, sizes and gender. I don’t think he has a mean bone in his body. He likes people too, not kids and some men scare him if they move too quickly… I’ve only heard him bark 5 times in three weeks and all for a good reason!
I’m still healing over the loss of my little Shih-Tzu, Krissy, when she was attacked and killed by a coyote on May 25. She was the daughter I never had. I think she would approved of Teddy and I know he would love her to death!
Thank you God for giving me the courage and wisdom to adopt Teddy. I pray we will have many happy and rewarding years together!
Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com
Copyright© 2011 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article. Thank you.
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