My Michelle - gone but not forgotten

 Your tribute to her is beautiful, and she was a beautiful girl; {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

We miss you, Michelle!!!  Keep up the good work watching over your mom and Prancer. 

Lori & Willow

Since we are marking the 3rd anniversary of our dog's passing today, I truly understand what you mean when you described how it seems like yesterday you were saying goodbye, yet it also seems like another lifetime when you were in each other's company.  In some moments, I can recall the exact feel of Tonka's soft ears in my hands, but at other times, it's almost like he was never even part of our daily life.  I don't know why that is . . . the mind and memory do strange things.  On one hand, as time has passed, the pain is not as raw.  It was several months before I didn't cry daily, and now I can speak of him with a strong voice and a smile.  On the other hand, there are still moments when something completely unexpected will cause a rush of sadness to come over me, and tears are right there again. 

I just heard someone say the other day (and I'm paraphrasing), "Grief is a measure of the love we have for someone we've lost."  I guess we can feel blessed to have had such special dogs in our lives, whose absence affects us so deeply.  I get comfort knowing he has friends keeping him company at the Bridge until we're together again - pets and people he knew in his life with us and those I've asked him to look for after I "met" them on this forum. 

I'm sure Michelle is in good company, too, and she's watching over you with a happy heart.

Tracy, I think about Tonka all the time.  I knew his anniversary was coming up this month.  I can't believe it's been three years already! 

Wow Tracy - perfectly said.   

Guys - you're all brought tears to my eyes.   Tears of missing Michelle, tears of the joy that I found Prancer, and tears that there are people in my life though iDog that really know how my heart feels.   Thank you so much