A sea star thanks you

by | Saturday | July 25, 2009 | 6 comments

I am overwhelmed by the kindness here. Although I haven’t responded to each comment, please know that I read each and every one- multiple times- and each was like a warm hug to me.

As most of you probably know, showing your grief about a pet is hard in the real world- most of us are given a day at most to mourn, then we’re sort of expected to suck it up and soldier on. As I work through this I think often of my friends who have been here in this place- Kim, Karri, Meg, and so many others- and reflect on how grateful I am to be surrounded by people who understand.

There is much sadness in the world and I don’t at all pretend that there are not those who are dealing with things so very much worse, but I don’t think that fact invalidates one’s own experiences.

I was thinking about that tired old starfish story today- you all know the one. But in this, I’m not the person on the beach but the starfish.*

*Just in case my marine biology professor ever stumbles upon this, I am obligated to relate to everyone that the correct term is ‘sea star’. Dr. Houston, I haven’t forgotten. :)

Filed: Daily Life
  • bcats

    Most of my cats are old [15 to 20] an I am starting to lose them to age and illness . No one really knows what it means to lose them .Everyone thinks I spend to much money and time on the “kids”, so it is very nice to see someone who cares like I do.They are family. I hope your heart feels better knowing he is with Kevin. bact

  • Kim

    It saddens me to see that so many people are going through this now. I’m sorry that you are a part of this particular group. The part about soldiering on hit home for me. I think the worst part is that I didn’t expect it to be as tough as it is so many weeks later – probably an expectation set by the “real world” and unreasonable at best. And I think the story is brilliant. It is funny to me because I had a 2nd grade teacher who was adamant we call it a “seastar” and it stuck with me ever since ;)

    • http://www.pawcurious.com Dr. V

      Not everyone thinks it’s too much money. ;)

  • sarah

    i started following your site after emmett appeared on cute overload. i was incredibly sorry to hear of your loss, especially so soon after mulan (first thing i did was read your entire blog start to finish when i came from c.o.). i just had a situation happen this weekend where i was forced to give up 3 of my cats and 2 of my dogs for adoption. these are all pets i’ve had since they were puppies or kittens, some of them for 8 years. by some absolute miracle i managed to find good homes for all of them, and my 2 dogs are in temporary homes until i can take them back. the story about the photographer on your last entry really hit home with me when i read it today. we have to help each other when we can. i’m so glad that the photographer somehow knew to take a picture and help you through this, and that you have a good memory of emmett’s last visit to the dog beach. i know i’m a giant sucker when it comes to animals, and it is really nice to see that there are more people out there that understand. having had two pets die of cancer within a year of each other, i understand your pain and understand how most people expect you to essentially bounce back and go about your business. it’s good that you have support, it’s hard and it’s never easy and always lousy but you know he was happy and that you did the best for him that you could. sorry to write a novel in your comments, it’s been kind of an emotional weekend and your photographer story pulled at my emotions. thank you for your blog, i’ve been checking it every day since i found it. good wishes to you and your family.

    • http://www.pawcurious.com Dr. V

      Sarah, I’m so sorry you had to give up all your sweet kiddos. I’m glad you were able to find good homes and I hope you are quickly reunited with your pups!

  • Chile/Karri

    *hugs*