They each got a letter. Every critter I’ve said goodbye to brought a letter with them, saying how much I’d loved them, and how much joy they had brought to my life.

But there were other items, too, that accompanied my animals when they left my side.



Martha took a bag of cookies into the afterlife. Not dog cookies – chocolate chip cookies! And all the birdies who have flown their final flights in my yard have been buried in Martha’s rock garden, so she can guide them to their next great adventure.



Jessie was buried with a picture of my kitchen window, where I told her I’d be standing, watching over her.

I asked her not to be concerned if she peeked into that window and saw me crying…one day those tears would be replaced with smiles.

And Jake, my beloved boy, was cremated with two of my books – For Every Dog An Angel and Old Dog & the Christmas Wish - safely tucked between his front paws. It was his spirit, after all, that had helped bring those books to life.

What about you – have your animals left this life with special mementos that celebrated your timeless connection?



Chris