In Memory of Clarisse Louise Chaplin
10-3-95 to 8-28-13
If you've lived long enough, and most of us have, you have dealt with the loss of a loved one, human and/or companion animal. Then comes the grieving process - a path we'd rather not trod, but a necessary one. To deny ourselves this journey is to miss out on an opportunity to become a stronger person, enabling us to be a comfort to someone else in their time of need.
Death is an unfortunate consequence of the 'Fall of Man' in the Garden of Eden as told in the Holy Bible from the Christian faith. It is not an end, rather an eternal beginning. I am a firm believer that our canine companions, who most of us consider family, do possess a soul, which is the part of us that lives forever. From the reading I have done, the word used in the Old Testament Hebrew language of the Holy Bible for 'soul' is the same for humans and animals. A very good book to read regarding this is 'Cold Noses At The Pearly Gates' by Gary Kurz. It will give you a clearer understanding and much insight that will provide comfort for your anxiety.
Each situation we face when the time comes for our furry loved ones to pass to the Rainbow Bridge will be unique, as will the emotions that accompany it. For me, it helps to write, because that is so natural for me. Sharing with friends and family...a physical shoulder to lean on, is an important part of the healing process. Shedding tears...whether you're male or female, it doesn't matter. Crying doesn't mean you're weak...it means you're human. Don't expect for it to 'go away' in a day or two - healing times are different for each of us. It is not a time for others to pass judgment on someone because it's taking 'too long'. It is a time for compassion, tenderness and a listening ear...for how ever long it may be needed. Eventually, the pain will ease, not go away completely forever, but you'll once again recall the wonderful life you shared, and you'll smile again.
It's been a little over four years since I suffered the loss of a companion animal, she was a foster, and she died while in my care. Even though she wasn't 'my dog', the loss greatly affected me. This was a life...a moving, breathing creature. Sugar had it rough, she was a stray brought into a shelter where most likely her life would have ended because she was a senior. Thankfully, my friend Julie rescued her, and after that our paths crossed twice, unfortunately the second time ending her life due to illness.
Perhaps I'm more sensitive than most, and I know there are those who don't understand my commitment and connection to dogs. It is truly a tie that binds. When my little Clarisse passed away the other day, my prayer was that she would go on her own, but that didn't happen, so it left me to 'make that decision'. Could I really do that? Nearly eighteen years together...that's a long time...my life without her? Hard to imagine her not in my life. I'm heartbroken. Yes, life will go on. I have other dogs in my care who need me. I know she is in Heaven. She is no longer blind from cataracts, she is free from the kidney disease that severely diminished her weight...she is whole. That being said, I am left to deal with the loss. My faith in God will get me through, I am confident of that, and in time my heart will mend. That void immediately felt in my heart is now filled with a tiny paw print left there by Clarisse. Dealing with it will not be easy, getting through it will be rough, but loving her was worth it - she truly changed my life and taught me so much. I can certainly say it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
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