In 2014, just after losing our beagle Kobi to old age, I wrote a post titled “Heaven Sent Us An Angel“. It was about how my hubby and I believed that our late Lab mix, Maggie, had sent Luke to us to help us through the loss of Kobi. Kobi and Maggie had been best friends when she was alive, and we felt like Maggie knew we were going to need help through losing Kobi many years later (click the title above to read the full post). It always seemed significant that Luke is a Labrador retriever mix like Maggie was, and was also born on her birthday. Luke helped us through Kobi’s loss with his puppy antics.
But it never occurred to me back then that he would still be helping us all these years later. He helped us – and Cricket – through Sheba’s loss. But most of all, right now, he has been our rock while dealing with the loss of Cricket. Many people have asked how Luke is doing now, and I greatly appreciate that concern. But the truth is, Luke has been doing far better than we have, and he’s been the one helping us.
He was by my hubby’s side every minute while they waited for me to come home from Maine; and he’s been by my side almost every minute since then. He snuggles, he gives many kisses, and most importantly, he is just there….giving me some fur to cry on and the company I desperately need, especially since my hubby has gone back to work. I’d be lost without him. In return, we’re spoiling him with lots of treats, belly rubs, and attention. We’re sticking to our routines as much as possible, and taking our time figuring out new ones together.
Today I am indeed thankful that we have this angel in our lives to help us through a time that would seem unbearable without him. We’re getting through this as a family, and that’s exactly what Cricket was counting on when she knew she had to leave. The Angels at the Rainbow Bridge let her know we would be well taken care of, just as they had planned it.
Thank you to Brian’s Home for hosting the Thankful Thursday blog hop. Please visit other blogs through the links below.
I’m so glad that Luke is there for you both. He seems to be handling double-duty! It’s a hard situation to deal with, but he seems to be well-equipped. Hugs.
It almost seems as if he was made for this job. ♥
Luke looks like a total rock star and he is obviously much loved.
I am not surprised you are thankful for him, I would be too!
He is such a good boy. ♥
I am more attached to malakai than previous pets, because I no longer work and my sister works long hours, I spend a lot of my day talking and walking and snuggling with my little fur baby. So I understand what your saying, and maybe because he had an abusive past he is always right beside me, dogs are so intuitive!
I think the more time we spend with them, the deeper our bond grows. They truly do become a best friend who you can always talk to, and who are always by our sides. ♥
We know how comforting it can be have another furry companion to help us through loss. We are so glad Luke is there for you.
Thank you. I don’t know how I’d get through this without him. ♥
Luke is probably enjoying being the only dog. We are so sad about Cricket. I will miss her.
Thank you. It means so much to me to know that others have enjoyed her and will miss her as well.
I think you’re right about Luke, he’s always been an attention hog! 🙂
I am so glad Luke has been nothing but great comfort to you, and love how all your angels work together for you-the Earth ones and the ones in Heaven-that’s how it goes when you and Tom are the most wonderful Earth Angels any pet could ever have-they return the love given tenfold…
Thank you, Lynn, that is so sweet!! xxoo
We’re glad you have Luke to help you though this. Purrs….
Thank you. Sam is there for us as well! I didn’t mean to forget her, but she’s just never been a lap cat. But she is still there for us too; and if we need our hands licked for hours on end…she’s on duty too (I can never sit still long enough for her!). 🙂
I am so glad that Luke is helping ease the pain. I know Bentley helped us when we lost our Tucker Bear. Dogs know exactly what we need…time and lots of love.
They sure do, and they never begrudge giving us that time. ♥
Awe so glad Luke is being such a sweet comfort to you and your husband. They just know we need all the extra special kisses and cuddles when we are so sad from a loss.
xoxo,
Bell Fur Zoo Mama
Sometimes now he goes off on his own to lie in front of the wood stove. But if he hears me crying – he comes running, gives me kisses, and then lies down right next to me!
Luke, you truly ARE an earth angel for your Momz and Dadz. You are their rock, their smile inducer, their tear catcher. You are their canine soulmate. And I know you’ll keep up the great work. You deserve to be spoiled rotten with love, attention and extra treats. And Shadow and Ducky send you lots of puppy kisses as a reward, too. ❤️ And I send you lots of ear rubs, butt scritches, and belly rubs. ❤️
It works both ways and we all know it!! Thank you to your girls and you for sending so much love. ♥
Dogs are amazingly intuitive. They what we need, when half the time we don’t even know. I am so sorry for your loss of Cricket. You guys have had your share this year.
Thank you so much. I’m afraid we have. Just when it seems things might be settling down a bit…..something else happens….oh well, I guess that is life. I just hope this rough patch is over soon.
he is THE friend we all need in such sad times… I’m so glad he is close to you and he can dry some tears with being the bestest soulmate…
Thank you! I am also grateful for the deep bond we’ve developed, and that we can both be here for each other.
Such a sweetheart. You’re all blessed to have each other.
♥
What a good boy you are, Luke! There is nothing quite like the comfort of a dog or cat during sad and difficult times. Keep taking good care of your people.
We’d be lost without him to help us through, and without Sam as well. She’s not as obvious about it as Luke, but she is there for us as well.
Sam is the last of the original 8 – 4 dogs and 4 cats we had in 2004. She has a lot resting on her shoulders right now, and has been given strict orders that she is not going anywhere anytime soon. I worry a lot about her as well though. 🙁
Luke is such a sweet boy and we’re so glad he is taking care of both of you. Good boy Luke, keep those hearts healing at your place. Thanks for joining the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.
Thank you for reminding us there is always something to be thankful for, even in the toughest of times. ♥