It was two days before Christmas many years ago, my senior year of college. In my parents’ home, I stood staring out the window at the gray winter landscape. The bleak scene mirrored my own inner bleakness. I felt none of the joy of the Christmas season.

That day my dog had died. He was our first dog, and my family loved him as if he was one of us. Which, of course, he was—just not a human member.

My older cousin was standing next to me, wondering aloud why I was so sad. I told her, “Blacky died today.” Her reply was, “Well, he was just a dog.”

I realize not everyone is an animal lover. But many of you have told me over the years how much your beloved pets mean to you.

At this special time of year, I would like to celebrate all our animal family. There’s no such thing as “just a dog” or “just a cat” or….

They are our family too, our loved ones. And, as my spirit guides often remind us, we never lose those we love, whether in life or “death.” For there truly is  no death.

By the way, Blacky still visits me regularly.

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A while back I came across a beautiful article by an unknown author. I’d like to share it with you here.

I Stood By Your Bed Last Night

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep. I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear, “It’s me. I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea. You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today, your arms were getting sore. I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care. I want to reassure you that I’m not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key. I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said, “It’s me.”

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair. I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there.

It’s possible for me to be so near you every day, to say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”

You sat there very quietly, then smiled. I think you knew, in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over…. I smile and watch you yawning and say, “Good night, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide, I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see. Be patient, live your journey out…then come home to be with me.

P.S. If you haven’t seen it yet, you might enjoy our book, Dogs: Heart-Warming, Soul-Stirring Stories of Our Canine Companions. The ebook version is available at Smashwords. And there’s a print version at Booklocker. It would make a great Christmas or holiday gift for a loved one, or for yourself.

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This touching video has been around many years. But even if you’ve already seen it, it’s worth seeing again. On Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, American actor Jimmy Stewart reads a poem he wrote for his beloved dog, Beau.