She is a 5-yr old Border Collie mix renamed Shasta (after Mt. Shasta in California). No, she is not a “meditation” type dog, not now anyway, because she’s got too much energy, somewhat ADHD! When I was practicing tai chi last night (finally!), all she did was sit up and watch me instead of falling asleep like Cirrus and Rook did. Maybe she’ll relax next time…She’s too busy being alert and watching and listening to what’s around her.

• This reply was modified 10 years, 3 months ago by eaglestare.

Thanks, Jasmine! Thank you for showing you care, and for being so upbeat and positive. Sometimes when I am mourning, I reread some of the comments I’ve gotten, and it really helps.

Patricia

Thanks! I didn’t know you have dogs, Jasmine. What kind?

Hey, everyone! I didn’t realize it’s been so long that I posted here, and since my original post about mourning over our German sherpherd dog Rook and collie girl Cirrus. The dog we adopted last year, Shasta, has really transformed into a more stable dog (but still lots of energy and prey drive when the opportunity arises), which makes our walks more pleasant. More recently, I have made a point to stop her, make her sit and wait next to me, while I focus on the present moment and enjoy the sky, the clouds, the trees, the sparkle and waves in the lake, the sound of the wind, the birds, the splashing, etc. It is still “not the same”, but at least I am allowing myself to take a break and become still, and pay attention to what’s happening now.

…And you may not believe this, and I didn’t at first, but my husband got another German sherpherd puppy, Cedar. He and Shasta keep us busy because they are similar energy, and Cedar is still growing and learning. The two of them are so unlike Cirrus and Rook were in so many ways, but they are their own special pair, endlessly playing, and really getting along well, like best friends forever! Chasing, wrestling, running like thunder through the house. It’s fun and interesting watching how they interact and communicate using their instincts. It helps me get back into the moment when I am hit by a wave of mourning now and then.

There have been times when we have sensed Rook’s spiritual presence, some by the way Shasta has acted. There was nothing that could explain what happened or why she was acting a certain way, and so I infer that she sensed an energy that we could not. Each time, I calmed myself down and welcomed the moment, not being afraid. I told my husband, maybe it’s Rook, and instead of saying it’s ridiculous or getting scared, he said, “Good, Rook, good.” It could even be Cirrus’ spiritual essence, but definitely something unusual and special. Someday we will all be together.