I was totally devastated when I lost my black shar pei in
Sept. 1999 at the age of 4yrs 9 mos. He died of mass cell cancer.
It was like losing one of my own children.
We had other dogs in the past but they all lived to be 12-14 yrs. old.
While it doesn’t make it any less painful when you lose them if they
live a good long dog life it’s much easier to move forward with
your life without them.
For a long time I battled with the guilt that I had done something to
contribute to Sumo’s death at such an early age.
It took a whole year before I realized that other people with the same
breed of dog had lost their loved ones as early as age two from this
deadly disease. As do many of you I tried everything to memorialize
Sumo and keep him in my life on a daily basis.
I had alot of my favorite photos of him professional framed in a collage
planted flowers around the house in his honor.
I bought books…anything I could get my hands on. Nothing helped.
My husband kept after me to get another dog but I felt as if I would be
replacing Sumo and I didn’t want that.
The only thing that really seems to soothe the pain in my heart with
daily visits to this website.
Finally one night I was awakened by a dog barking in the house.
It startled me because I knew it had to be a dream.
I got up and walked into every room but…as I walked by my Sumo’s
beautiful urn it suddenly hit me…he was telling me to get
on with my life!
We now have another dog..totally different kind and a female this time.
Ironically she loves the same toys as Sumo did.
She is very affectionate and senses when I am having a “Sumo” day.
She has helped me tremendously.
I now remember all the fun times we had with Sumo and all the
love we gave him. He truly was “King” of our household for the
short time we had him.
My tribute to him can be found at Paw Print #8. It says it all.
My heartfelt gratitude to John and Carole for this website.
By the way I’ve kept my promise to Sumo….if by chance any of you
ever run into me and realize who I am just look at my necklace..
you’ll see a heart shaped locket and I do carry Sumo close
to my heart every day of my life!
God Bless you all!
Edna
| Edna |