• I met Rhett when he was two and half weeks old. His eyes were barely open, he was tiny and had a little white spot on his neck. I asked if he would like me to be his mommy.
• Six weeks later I put a little royal blue collar on him and took him home.
• The first two nights we slept on the floor. I could feel his heartbeat and he could feel mine. The next few nights I slept on the couch and he slept on the carpet beside me. Within a week he was sleeping on his bed.
• Before I knew it, he was sleeping in my bed.
• When he was very young he would wait for me when I got out of the shower and try to lick my legs dry.
• Before Rhett was 2, I bought a house and found one with a big backyard, lots a shade and a privacy fence. It was perfect for Rhett.
• He could spend 4-5 hours a night in his backyard and be perfectly content.
• He loved to do terrier races and to pretend he was going to run right into me before he turned at the very last second.
• He loved to take walks and thought it was his personal responsibility to mark every tree, shrub or garbage can he saw.
• The lake was his favorite place.
• He enjoyed doggy day care two days a week. Although he started out a little shy. He quickly learned to make his presence know by “singing” upon arrival until all the other dogs gathered in a circle and joined in. The howling didn’t stop until Priscilla said, “Knock it off.”
• He was kind to toads and turtles and other dogs, except big shaggy ones. I always thought they reminded him of the Chow that attacked us once. He didn’t care for cats, either.
• He liked everyone he met—young, old, male, female, any color, size or shape—he didn’t care. He especially liked pretty young ladies who made a big fuss over him. Everyone he met seemed to like him, too.
• Rhett loved treats, taking rides in the car, and “people food,” especially cheese, cookies and ice cream.
• He never destroyed his toys, but sometimes he liked to chew the ears and tails off.
• He loved his football, baseball and baby bumble the most.
• He tolerated wearing sweaters when it got very cold and costumes at Halloween and Christmas.
• He would get up very early if I did or sleep in late if I did.
• He loved flannel sheet, my flannel jammies and spooning with me.
• He barked at the mailman everyday.
• Rhett would only sleep on a fleece-top, orthropedic dog bed. And, he had equally discriminating taste when it came to dog food and treats. Once, we had a standoff for 5 days on a dog food he refused to eat. I caved and went back to his Eukanuba and he gave me a look like “that’s what I’ve been waiting for.”
• He liked to rest on the rug, under the coffee table and listen to jazz or the blues. I think he especially like Diana Krall, Ella Fitzgerald and B.B. King, but this is just a guess.
• Rhett dealt with a lot in his life: pancreatitis, emergency surgery after swallowing a treat whole, CECS (Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome), ear infections, UTI infections, a few dog attacks, two surgeries when the lumps started popping up. He always bounced back quicker than I did, and he never lost sight of having fun and enjoying each day.
• He got my moods and knew to leave the room if I was mad at the TV or DVD recorder. He got it when I said this or that was “getting on my nerves.”
• I can only think of one time Rhett was mad at me and that’s when I boarded him for 5 days to go to Matt’s wedding. He shunned me for an evening and the following morning so I wouldn’t forget it. Once I took him to the lake, we were buddies again.
• The kitchen and front doorframes are all marked up where he used to eagerly scratch. Some people might get mad about that, but to me it symbolized: “I’m so excited you’re home. I can’t wait for you to open the door.”
• And, when I opened the door there were always two bright eyes and a wagging tail to greet me. During his last weeks, I did not leave him very often, and never for very long. When I came home, he’d be waiting on the rug just a few steps from the door. I don’t know, but I think he probably waited there for me the whole time with what little energy he had left.
• He loved company and would be very excited to see who came to visit. But within a few minutes of their arrival he’d calm down.
• No matter how many folks were there he’d always follow my every move. In time I came to understand that it was my company he preferred over anyone else’s.
• Not only did I get it—I felt the same way about him.
• I know it sounds cliché, everyone telling me what a wonderful life Rhett had and that no one could have cared or loved him better than I did. But for all I did for him, I got so much more back from him.
• Rhett was my boy, my baby dog, my honey bunny, my best friend, my muse, my companion, my confidant, and my one true thing.
• Yes, he taught me about unconditional love and living in the moment, but maybe the biggest lesson he taught me was how to die with grace and dignity and without fear or regrets.
• Rhett, I will miss you more than you ever know and I will love you forever my precious boy.
New! Gallery in 2012
Live! Intuitive Reading Gallery
Hosted by: Cheryl Andrea & Sandra Larson
DATE: January 11th, 2012
DAY/TIME: Wednesday, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
FEE: $25/$30 ($25 Pre-Paid/$30 at Door)
LOCATION: 7920 Belt Line Road, Dallas TX 75254-8148
• Share two hours of live readings with Cheryl & Sandra
• Get clear and loving messages from your Spiritual Guidance Team
• Experience empowerment and improvement in your life
• Get Clear about your life right now
Animal Communication Gallery Readings Meet Up
DATE: 1st Saturday of the month
TIME: 1:00 PM-3:00 PM or until we are complete!
FEE: $20.00 per person
LOCATION: The Light Workers Sanctuary
7336 Main Street,
The Colony, TX 75056
• Bring your live animal companions for a talk or we can use a picture
• Please bring leashes and carriers as appropriate for all animals
• Share your ‘intuitive hits’ with the group
• Watch the magic unfold as we talk with each one of the animals
Please join the Meet Up and RSVP at:
http://www.meetup.com/animal-communication-gallery-readings-by-sandra-larson/
New Teleconference Call
Spiritual Questions & Answers
Hosted by: Cheryl Andrea & Sandra Larson
DATES: January 17th, 2012
TIME: 7:00 - 9:00 PM (CDT)
FEE: $20.00 per person
LOCATION: Teleconference call
CONFERENCE CALL-IN: 1-218-862-7200
CONFERENCE CODE: 906859
• Begin with a grounding, clearing and intention exercise
• Participants ask Cheryl & Sandra questions on the call
• The group receives messages from their Spiritual Guidance Team
• These messages are intended to help you bring clarity into your life
Please join the Meet Up and RSVP at:
http://www.meetup.com/International-Animal-Intuitive-Translators
International Animal and Intuitive Translators
DATE: 1st Tuesday of the month
TIME: 7:00 - 9:00 PM (CDT)
FEE: $10.00 per person
WHERE: Teleconference call
CALL-IN NUMBER: 1-218-862-7200
CONFERENCE CODE: 906859
• On this teleconference call we begin with a grounding exercise
• Each participant submits one picture of an animal & five questions
• Together, using our intuition we talk with the animal or subject
• At least three days before the call, email a picture & questions to: sandra@sandralarson.com
Please join the Meet Up and RSVP at:
http://www.meetup.com/International-Animal-Intuitive-Translators
New Workshops
“In-Vision Boards”
Manifest Your Ideal Life NOW Workshops
Co-Facilitators: Cheryl Andrea & Sandra Larson
DATE: January 21st, 2012
DAY/TIME: Saturday 10:00 – 5:00 PM
FEE: $150.00
LOCATION: 7920 Belt Line Road, Dallas TX 75254-8148
• Experience a Guided Visioning Quest
• Learn what Visioning is and why it’s so Powerful in Manifesting
• Determine your Personal Vision Statement
• Create your Personal Vision Board of your Ideal Life
• Launch yourself into the Future of your Choosing
Animal Communication Workshop
Would you like to learn how to be an animal communicator? Join us for this fun, and rewarding workshop in animal communication!
DATES: January 13 – 15, 2012
DAYS / TIMES: Fri Eve 7:00 - 9:30 PM Animal Communication Basics
Sat 10:00 - 5:00 PM Experiential Exercises with Pictures
Sun 6:00 – 8:00 PM Friends & Family Bring Live Animals
FEE: $150.00
LOCATION: Light Workers Sanctuary
7336 Main Street
The Colony, TX 75056
• Learn the CLARAC Approach to animal communication
• Discover your animal’s likes and dislikes
• Learn how to negotiate animal job assignments
• Receive verifiable proof animal communication is real
• Become an animal communicator in this hands-on experiential class
To reserve your space, and receive more information:
Email: sandra@sandralarson.com
Web Site: http://www.sandralarson.com/
Phone: 972-955-2756
New Gallery
Live! Intuitive Reading Gallery
Hosted by: Cheryl Andrea & Sandra Larson
DATES: January 11th, 2012
DAY/TIME: Wednesday, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
FEE: $25/$30 ($25 Pre-Paid/$30 At Door)
LOCATION: 7920 Belt Line Road, Dallas TX 75254-8148
• Begin with a Grounding, Clearing and Blessing Exercise
• ‘Hot Topic’ Discussion and/or Channeling
• Live gallery readings with Cheryl & Sandra
• Get Messages from your Spiritual Guidance Team
• Get Clear about your life right NOW
Fair
Dallas Psychic Fair
Sandra Larson will be at Dallas’ Oldest and Largest Fair - since 1979. Meet with more than 75 of the areas Most Gifted Professional Psychics, Wellness Practitioners, Vendors, and more… including workshops, classes and monthly Gallery event!
Angel Cards, Astrology, Clairvoyants, Dreams, Face Reading, Numerology, Palmistry, Past Life, Tarot Cards, Psychics, Curandero, Mediumship, Medical Intuitive’s, Reiki, Animal Communication, Feng Shui, Crystal Ball, Aura Photography & More!
Special Announcement: Our current hotel (Sheraton Dallas North) has announced they are closing briefly for $17M in renovations. For the following fair dates, we will be temporarily located at the DoubleTree Hotel - Midway Road and LBJ Freeway.
DATE: January 1, 2012
DAY/TIME: Sunday, 12:00pm until 6:00pm
LOCATION: DoubleTree
4099 Valley View Lane
Dallas TX 75244
Please mark your calendars for:
January 1, 2012 - NEW YEARS DAY
February 5, 2012
March 4, 2012
** TEMPORARILY LOCATED AT: **
DoubleTree Hotel
4099 Valley View Lane, Dallas TX 75244
*FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF THESE EVENTS, CONTACT ME AT 972-955-2756 OR AT: sandra@sandralarson.com
Annette Bingham and Sandra Larson will be Co-Hosting a new monthly call-in radio show called Animal Connections.
Join us as we discuss all things related to animal wellness and communication. We will be offering live animal communication readings to our callers and answering your questions live on the show!
It was an early Monday morning after a late night when suddenly my dog Buddy and I heard an ear-shattering howl just outside my bedroom window. Buddy immediately jumped up to check it out. It was the cry of an animal in excruciating pain. Even though I heard the cry, I laid in my bed for a few seconds more. My Spiritual Inner Guidance System usually speaks to me gently, encouraging me to take inspired action. But this morning I was too tired to move. That’s when I heard a not so gentle internal voice say, “Sandra Larson, are you not an animal communicator? You know that animal needs you so GET UP right now!”
Now I was listening! So, I jumped out of bed, threw on my clothes without even bothering to brush my hair or teeth and flew out the door to investigate. Immediately, checking my own front yard and finding nothing, I walked to my neighbor’s. There I saw a beautiful green-eyed small chocolate Lab being gently restrained by my neighbor who told me the dog had been hit by a car. I noticed the dog couldn’t put any weight on his back left leg and was concerned that it might be broken.
In a few minutes, the dog’s human person pulled up in the driveway. She seemed flustered and frustrated that her dog had dug his way out of the backyard, and had run into traffic. She explained she’d only had the dog for a few months. I told her about a local vet which was a few blocks away and volunteered to hold the dog while riding in the back of her hatch-back car. I slid into the car and she handed the forty-pound dog to me. The dog was in pain and whimpered when his leg was touched. Yet, on the ride to the Vet’s office, he allowed me to hold him gently and securely without biting or growling as the car went down the bumpy road.
As we drove, I spoke soothingly to the little guy, telling him everything would be alright. Even though it was a short drive, as Empath it seemed to take an eternity to arrive. With assistance we gently lifted him out of the car and I carried him into the Vet’s office. Because the Vet was involved in a surgery we were told we would have to wait for about 30 minutes. At first, I was sitting on a chair, holding the dog but then his human person suggested we sit on the floor together with him. Every time we moved him it seemed to cause him more pain and it hurt my heart to do it.
On the floor, the dog stood on three legs and a vet technician joined us there. To my amazement, I watched this little dog that was in so much pain hobble over to all three of us to give us comfort. He came to me last, reaching out to give me the sweetest kisses of love and appreciation.
As we waited for the Vet to finish the surgery and examine our sweet boy, I heard my Spiritual Inner Guidance System ‘yell’ at me yet again, “Sandra, did you not just teach an animal communication class this past weekend about animal healing? Please, use your hands and channel healing energy to this dog!” Even though I felt a little embarrassed, without hesitation, I set my intention and began to channel healing energy through my hands. The dog seem to sense what I was doing and positioned himself to have his wounded back leg area in alignment with my hands.
A few minutes later, the Vet Tech administered a pain shot to the dog and shortly after that the Vet came out to say he could bring the dog into his office for an examination. The dog’s person volunteered to give me a ride home while the dog was getting an X-ray. I told her that she could stay with the dog and I would gladly walk home. But she insisted on giving me a ride. Fifteen minutes after arriving home I received a call from the woman who said the X-rays revealed there was nothing wrong with the dog! I was in awe and told her I was grateful and happy for the good news.
I began to wonder how just how badly the dog had been hurt and if he’d possibly experienced an instantaneous healing while we were together? I don’t have the answers, but I do know as I watched this little guy, I witnessed a Master Teacher and Role Model exhibit incredible grace under fire. Once again, an animal had become my teacher, and I am inspired to ‘walk in the footsteps’ of one so unconditionally wise, loving and kind!
I think I have sent you pictures of my cat Herman.
He was a Siamese cat. When he was little he kept climbing the Christmas tree every year.
Well about the third year he got so big that when he climbed the tree, it got so top heavy because of where he was at the top that it just fell over and crashed. It busted a bunch of ornaments and everything.
Ha! After that fiasco he never tried to climb the tree again. Guess he learned his lesson. Here he is at about fourteen, still under that tree.
The session really gave me peace of mind, especially how he was “not saying but shouting and yelling”. Thank you so much. It was the most helpful thing I have experienced since he passed on April 7. I will absolutely be in touch with you in the future!
Sending you my deepest gratitude for your help, thanks so much again.
>^..^<
Joan
Good Morning! Thanks again for coming over! I wanted you to know that this is day 3 and no Maxi “presents” in the kitchen or the living room corner. Truly in awe!
I just wanted to follow up from our call yesterday with a quick note.
I have not done this type of session before and wanted to let you know our session helped me very much. I no longer have a sharp pain in my heart when I think of Mackenzie. I can now see her many pictures around the house with happiness. Although I miss her deeply and will still be sad she is no longer with me in the physical sense to hold, I do indeed believe she is in my heart. I do have comfort now and that is because of you!
Thank you for caring and doing what you do. You will be in my thoughts often.
On September 17th, 2011, I was invited to offer animal communication to the dogs and their human companions attending the fund raiser called Wags and Wavs at Hawaiian Falls in Garland Texas. From my space, I could look down on the area that simulated waves. With delight, I watched as the dogs ran in and out of the water, swimming with joy and abandon! It seems dogs really do know how to have a good time!
After quickly setting up my space in the morning, I sat down on my rug, and one by one communicated with the wiggly, happy, wet dogs, doing my best to translate their messages to their human friends. It was a long and wonderful day! By late afternoon, I had spoken with approximately 30 dogs and their people!
The volunteer team at Wags and Wavs were very kind in helping me unload and load up my car, so around 4:00 PM I left the event to go visit with my family, some of whom were visiting from out of town. I found them at the Clubhouse, but because my dog Buddy was with me, the security guard at the complex would not allow him into the pool area. Isn’t it funny how I could come from an event where dogs were swimming in a public area and then go to another public place where they are not allowed? So Buddy and I went back to my sister’s house located in the development.
After he was settled, it was my intention to go back to the Clubhouse to be with my family. However, my mother told me that earlier in the day she had seen a stray dog. So on my own, I grabbed Buddy’s leash and began to walk the neighborhood to find the dog. It was funny because I saw him as he went around the corner and then it seemed he just disappeared. I looked but I couldn’t find him anywhere.
Since I was already out, the thought occurred to me that instead of driving back, I could walk to the Clubhouse which was about a mile away. Although I didn’t exactly know how to get there on foot, at least I knew the general direction.
So, with leash in hand, I set out walking toward the Clubhouse. I headed down the hill toward the wet watery greenbelt area. To my amazement, hiding in the tall grasses, I saw two beautiful green cat eyes cautiously staring up at me! Carefully, not wanting to frighten this huge twenty pound hunting cat, I slowly made my way down the hill toward him all the while speaking with gentle loving tones. He had no collar, but he looked very well fed and my intuition told me he lived with a human family who allowed him to freely enjoy the outdoors. So, I wasn’t worried that he was lost.
As I got to the bottom of the hill, I noticed the ground was wet and soggy. The cat must have felt safe with me because as I called to him, he tried to come across the wet area toward me. Each time he tried, he would stop because he didn’t like the feel of wet ground on his feet. He stood in the dry area, kneading the ground with his paws, calling to me. Speaking calmly, I told him it was alright. Finally, after a few failed attempts at him trying to cross the wet patch of ground, I told him if he couldn’t come to me, I would cross and come back to him. So, I took a big jump across the wet ground which momentarily frightened him and he began to run in the other direction.
After calling gently to him, he came back to me. Amazingly, with every sentence I spoke to him, he answered me with a loud ‘meow’! We were really talking now! Slowly, I climbed the hill as he followed me to the sidewalk. There he yawned and showed me his huge teeth! I was quite sure, I didn’t want a bite with those huge fangs, but he reassured me that he was my friend by walking around me in a circle several times, marking me with his head and asking me to gently pet him, so I did. We visited for a long time like this.
Finally, I decided it was time to walk home to my sister’s house and visit with my family. (It’s true that I can really lose track of time when talking with an animal!) I began to walk down the sidewalk and at first he followed me. Then, he stopped and sat down on the sidewalk, saying, “This is where we say goodbye! I need to stay in my area near my human family!”
As I walked away, I looked back to admire the grace and elegance of the big fellow. Then, I smiled when I realized just how renewed and refreshed I felt. I’d spent most of my day talking with wet dogs and in contrast ended the day with a loving cat conversation. You might wonder what we talked about. Actually, it was really more of a blessed energy exchange of honor, respect and unconditional love!
He, while trying to hide in plain sight in the tall grasses had taken time to communicate with me which recharged my battery after a very long day.
Seeing the cat hiding yet completely visible reminded me one of dreams where I was trying to hide too! In my dream, I was in a beautiful temple where I found the Sacred Scrolls of Intuition. I remember wanting to hide them so they wouldn’t be destroyed. I tried to make myself and the Scrolls invisible. There was a man in my dream, so I asked him, “Excuse me Sir, can you still see me or am I invisible?” He answered me with a cockeyed grin, “Hey lady, I can still see you! You’re standing right there!” I remember feeling embarrassed for thinking I was invisible!
From that dream, I realized that we have all been given the Sacred Scrolls of Intuition. But we haven’t been given them to hide, but rather so that we can make visible our intuition everyday! Sometimes it’s scary to let go of fears and trust our intuitive guidance, but the rewards are so rich and sweet! My commitment is to listen and when invited, to share the spiritual guidance I receive with others. No more hiding! There is a loving world of life just waiting to connect with us! This recent reminder came to me via the courtesy of a big beautiful cat hiding in the tall grasses!
Sweetest Blessings,
Sandra
PS If you have an animal companion who recharges your battery after a long day, please email me your stories to share here in this newsletter. You can email them to me at sandra@sandralarson.com
So often I’m called upon to be with my clients in their most difficult moments of saying ‘goodbye’ to their sweetest and dearest animal companion. Deborah asked me to be with her and Max on this sad day. She has kindly sent to me her ‘Journey’ of moving through the grieving process so I can share it with you!
In loving memory of my precious Max……I miss you every day, my sweet, sweet boy.
When I wrote the email below I never imagined the impact it would have on so many who received it. Honestly, it was quite surprising because it just didn’t occur to me that it would touch those reading it as deeply as it did.
I had one friend tell me I should send it to the newspaper. Another said she was going to save it to share with other grieving pet owners. Others told me about their personal experiences of losing their beloved pets and many, more than I ever thought, told me they cried and cried as they read my story; men included.
Yesterday marked one year since little Max passed away. It’s just too hard to fathom it’s been this long. He lives in my heart so to me, he’s with me every single day.
I decided to send another email to share my journey since losing Max. My hope is that it will be uplifting, inspiring and also give you the same peace and confidence that I so eagerly sought that provided the reassurance that one day we would be reunited with our pets in heaven.
Max died way too young. I didn’t get the extra time with him that I just assumed I would have. For this reason, it became important to me to know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I would one day see him again in heaven. He was just too, too precious for me never to see, touch or love on him again. And I just couldn’t bear this thought.
The Lord’s first attempt to give me the peace I wanted, was through a friend who happened to hear on a radio talk show about a book called “Cold Noses At The Pearly Gates,” which was
written by a theologian who was a huge pet lover.
The book did help me a lot. But it didn’t keep me from missing Max. And, as is probably true with many people, I needed more reassurance. It’s called lacking faith. And having faith is something that I have to work on daily!
Then came the second attempt from the Lord.
It was actually on Max and Macy’s 8th birthday in March. Kevin and I were strolling at Addison
Circle, a mix development community with residences, stores, restaurants and businesses.
As we walked along the sidewalk I noticed an apartment with its blinds open. Out of curiosity for
what it looked like inside I walked to the window to take a peek. And it was then that my mouth dropped and my eyes widen as I gasped in disbelief at what I was seeing. A Boxer
who looked so much like Max was sitting upright in its crate staring right at me! I called Kevin to witness this incredible sighting and at that point I just broke down. On one hand, it was an awesome moment, but on the other, a very sad one, too, since I wanted my Max, not another Boxer who looked like him.
There was no other explanation than God. The odds of seeing a Boxer, much less one that looked so much like Max, on a day that I was especially missing him while I took a walk somewhere
I’ve never been before could only have been a loving act of God. He was revealing to me
that Max was okay and giving me a glimpse of him on his birthday while gently communicating to me, without spoken words, that I will see Max again. It was truly a
blessing.
The third, and the boldest, attempt from the Lord was during a conversation with a childhood girlfriend who I hadn’t spoken to in about two years. This was only a month ago.
My need for reassurances was still with me. Now it turned into the a bigger question: What is eternal life really like?
A close friend of my father’s as well as my dad’s sister had both passed away. This is usually a time that one may seriously question life after death. I was speaking with my Christian counselor about my Aunt and wondering what heaven would be like. I told him that I’ve
heard of people “seeing the light” or experiencing the peace. My grandmother was
one of them that I knew about and recently my mother told me of one of her Aunts having had this experience, too.
The last thing I said to my counselor before I left that session was that I wanted to know that someone had actually experienced heaven. Just the light and the peace wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to know that there was someone who had experienced eternal life much more than this.
And it was when I was catching up with my dear friend that she told me that someone she knew
had recently read a book about a little boy who went to heaven and back. WOW! There was
the Lord, again, reaching out to me to continue to try to give me the reassurances I so desperately wanted and needed.
I was immediately on the internet searching for this book and what I found was truly life changing for me. Even the biggest skeptics admitted that it was difficult to argue with the content of this book.
The book is called “Heaven Is For Real, A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back” and is written by the little boy’s father, Todd Burpo, who is also a Paster.
Some of you may have heard about it or even read it. It immediately became a New York Times Bestseller, with more than three million copies in print.
This book has had such an impact on me that I wanted to share it with you. I can’t imagine
that it won’t touch you in some magnificent way, as it did me. That is my hope anyway.
In addition to a link to Colton’s story, I’m including links to reports on Akiane as well.
Colton’s father found a news clip about Akiane and was struck by the similarities between the two children’s recollections of heaven.
Of literally dozens of portraits of Jesus they’d seen since 2003, Colton had never seen one he thought was right until he saw Akiane’s. Colton hadn’t known the portrait, called Prince of Peace: The Resurrection, was painted by another child who had claimed to have had visions of heaven.
And my question of seeing our pets again was answered, too, in this book. Colton saw lots of animals in heaven, including dogs!
I will be seeing my precious Max again and this I know for sure!
Here are links to interviews:
News report with Colton & his parents:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdUGoFTfP7w
Interview and news report with Akiane:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTPYDSi0Rok
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=_u3apiryjmw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49wut32Cguw
I hope you enjoy these real life stories. If you chose to order the book to read in more detail, which I highly recommend, here’s the link to the site that I purchased my copy:
In loving memory of my precious Max; may you find comfort that Heaven is for real and as Colton puts it “we are going to like it!”
Love,
Deborah
P.S. Macy is doing extremely well. She is healthy, playful youthful…and spoiled, spoiled, spoiled! Although she and Max were from the same litter, they hardly look anything alike. But every once in a while she has an expression that looks just like her brother’s, and when
I see it a huge smile comes across my face. She’s my little companion. She loves to be with her mommy and I love having her with me!
My RE/MAX Broker gave me the most wonder gift I’ve ever received of an etched stone in memory of Max. I’ve included a photo of Macy posed next to her brother’s stone, which was taken last holiday season. The stone reads “Maximus [Max] Joseph. Forever in my heart.”
From: Deborah Comer
Date: September 27, 2010 9:00:42 PM CDT
Subject: Maximus [Max] Joseph, March 4, 2003 - September 24 2010
I wanted to let you know that my precious Max passed away on Friday, September 24, 2010 at around 1:48 p.m. He was home with his mommy right by his side loving on him until he took his last breath on his own. My father and Macy were both present, which was very comforting to me.
It was sudden and unexpected but as I have reflected and cried over these past few days, I have
come to realize that God blessed both Max and me with his passing so quickly. It’s certainly not how I felt when it happened but I have come to a peace that it was absolutely the best way for my precious boy to leave this life.
I had no idea that Max was as sick as he was because he didn’t show it. This was one of the blessings because had I known just how fragile he really was I would have treated him very differently; that is, I would have been extremely overprotective and probably a nervous wreck a lot of the time. As a result, Max lived the three months since his cancer diagnosis as a very happy, playful pup; up until four days prior to his passing.
The other blessing was that he didn’t endure pain or suffering during his illness. Even during
his hospitalization I was told that he didn’t show any signs of discomfort. There were maybe two or three days plus one full week that he didn’t feel well, but other than that, he was acting just like any other healthy, happy dog. It makes my heart so content to know that he continued to have an awesome life up until the end.
The Lord protected Max from suffering and me from seeing him suffer because on the few
days that he didn’t feel well I was beside myself. It pained me to see him when he wasn’t
himself and the Lord has spared me this pain.
What ultimately caused Max’s demise was the lack of an immune system. Ironically, Max did go into remission, which the vet didn’t think he would because he was on a rescue protocol. But Max and I worked very hard with diet and lots of supplements and homeopathic remedies to get him into remission. The problem was that the chemo wiped out his bone marrow. So when he got an insect bite, his ultra fragile body just couldn’t protect itself. Even the ER vet told me that there was no way of knowing that Max’s immune system was so weak since dogs generally don’t show the signs until it’s too late.
We thought Max would pull through because he seemed to be getting better. But on Thursday he required a blood transfusion, which appeared to have gone well. The vet said I would be able to take him home on Friday if his blood counts went up. When I visited him on Thursday evening I could tell he wasn’t feeling well. He seemed much more lethargic. I thought that maybe he was just worn out from the transfusion. I also noticed redness on his skin, which the ER vet didn’t tell me was possibly a sign of internal bleeding.
I didn’t expect to hear great news on Friday morning from the oncologist, but I never imagined it would be that Max was dying from internal bleeding that they couldn’t stop since he didn’t have any platelets.
I rushed to the cancer center with Macy and after discussions with the vet and calls to the homeopathic vet in North Carolina I determined that there was nothing else I could do for my baby boy. Another transfusion would not stabilize him. At that time I took him home, which is exactly where I wanted him to be during his last hours.
I snuggled with him and loved on him for about two hours before he took his last breath.
I wanted him to know that I would be with him until the very end. I gently petted and kissed his little face letting him know how much I loved him, how much joy he brought to my life and how he was the best pup ever and there would never be another one like him, ever! I finally told him that it was okay to let go.
I never thought that I could be in the presence of a deceased pet, but I discovered that when it’s your baby you want to continue to love on them as long as possible. I was fortunate to have had four hours with Max before he was picked up. And I treasured those hours immensely since I knew once he was taken I would never to able to touch or see him again. The reality was that I
didn’t want him to go. I’m glad that my mom was there when the home care vet picked him
up because that was a very tough time; seeing your baby being taken away.
His ashes arrived today. It came with a bookmark style card that reads:
“You were always my best friend. Cherish this gift of love as a token of our enduring friendship.
Below this is a drawing of a ribbon that says “Friends forever!”
And under “Friends forever!” is a silver pendant of a broken heart that has “Friends” engraved on it. At the very bottom of the card it says:
“The other half of the heart pendant remains in the urn with me.”
The tears came pouring down my face as I read this because Max truly was my best friend and he definitely considered me his very best friend, as well as his mommy. He knew that I would do anything for him, that I would protect him, and provide him the best life a dog could ever have. I’ve had people jokingly say that they would love to come back as my pet.
I was afraid of having feelings of guilt when my pets died. I suppose it’s my nature to feel guilty. But I have not felt any bit of guilt because I loved on Max many times throughout the day every single day. He was so loved and you could tell in his precious, loving personality
that he felt very loved. Macy is the same way. She just doesn’t need as much attention and loving as Max. She’s getting it now for the both of them. Poor little girl, she’s going to be smothered!
I was incredibly blessed to have been able to spend most of Max’s life with him since I work from home. And I took the commitment of dog ownership extremely seriously. So I made sure they had lots of play time every day, lots of love, great food and treats and fun experiences.
The finality of it all is what’s the hardest for me now. I miss Max so terribly. I keep
picturing his sweet face and his wiggly body from wagging his tail so hard and his talking. Yes, he was a talker and now there is a lot of silence in the house.
Macy surprisingly didn’t react at all to any of what was going on. Being that she and Max are litter mates and have never been separated since birth, I expected her to be wining, anxious and sad. But she just let me have the time with Max all by myself. And when he was gone she sniffed him and that was it. I know she knew what happened. She just hasn’t started grieving yet. I believe she is trying to stay strong for me. She acts playful when we walk, like she was with Max. And I felt like she was trying to keep my spirits up. I also thought that maybe she was feeling Max’s presence.
I so much appreciate the prayers, love and support that I have received from so many of you. It truly means a lot to know that there are people who sincerely care and grieve the loss along with me.
To my precious, Max: I love you so much. You’re mama’s precious, little boy. You’re my little co-pilot; always going for the arm rest in the car and sitting side saddle right next to me as I drove us to do fun things or to run errands. You’re my prince. You have brought me more joy than you can imagine and so much love. I will miss you so, so, so very much. But you’ve left me with so many loving memories that light up my face with a big smile every time I think of you. There will never, ever be another pup like my little boy. Much love, hugs and sweet gentle kisses from your Mommy.
Life has been amazing lately! It feels so very good to be living my dream and life’s purpose. Last week I found myself putting on many different hats. I had the opportunity to attend a marketing seminar, teach an animal communication class to over 45 volunteers at Operation Kindness, do animal communication with about 30 wet dogs at the charity event Wags and Waves at Hawaiian Falls in Garland, have several wonderful client sessions, attend a Life between Life training session with my beloved sister and have my family visit from out of town! Then, on Sunday after a beautiful session with a client and her two amazing cats, in the evening I was asked by a very good friend to assist in doing an energy clearing of a clinic.
While continuing to experience this hectic yet, joy-filled life, I find myself being the Sacred Observer which means a part of me is watching as I live this life. Some have called this Sacred Observer our Highest Self. It’s my belief that all of who we are could never fully fit into these physical bodies. Even though it feels like we are ‘peddling fast’ through life, the Sacred Observer or our Highest Self helps us to maintain our grander perspective. It allows us to make course corrections which are in alignment with our ‘Pre-Birth Plan’. Personally, I don’t believe in predestination in a traditional sense of the word, but rather as souls we have created a Pre-Birth Template or Blueprint for our lives. As eternal spiritual beings, we make choices before we are born into our physical bodies of kind of life we would like to experience as human beings.
Choosing to be aware of your intuition might feel sometimes like you are ‘following the bread crumbs’ as we have heard referenced so often in fables and fairy tales. You may not feel like you have all of the answers, but as you ask for spiritual guidance, you see another ‘bread crumb’ or a sign. Long ago, I promised Spirit I would pay attention and follow my spiritual guidance. Sometimes the messages come to me clearly like, “Say hello and be friendly because that person needs to be encouraged right now!” But other times, it might just be a feeling that I’m supposed to take an inspired action which results in a favorable outcome.
So perhaps if you are feeling stuck in any aspect of your life right now, you can ask Spirit to assist you. Try saying this, “Spirit, I know you want only the best for me. Let me be clear about my Pre-Birth Plan. Help me to live my life with passion, joy, love and peace. Show me the path of inspired action and I will follow! I thank you in advance and so it is!”
Readers and clients, thank you for allowing me to share this perspective with you. As always, I bless, honor and invite your views, comments and opinions!
It always thrills me to receive letters from those of you who take the time to read my newsletters! I like to share your comments with everyone in our newsletter. Please know we also want to share your animal stories, so send them in to me at: sandra@sandralarson.com
Dear Sandra
I just had to tell you thank you for your last newsletter. I had saved it to look at when I had time to sit and enjoy it properly and just got around to reading it tonight. I think I must have saved it for a reason, as it was exactly what I needed tonight. I loved that love letter from your Guidance Team. It felt like mine was speaking to me as well. And the clarity exercise was exactly what I needed. I have been really struggling lately with all that is going on… the job search has not been exactly successful lately, and I have only had a couple of days’ work the past two weeks and none so far this week, so that has been a major worry for me. I have been hanging on mainly by constantly reminding myself to handle this in a spiritual way… and you know that isn’t the easiest thing.
My saving grace is my “kids” who make me laugh every day. I don’t know if I told you I have Ralph in obedience classes now. I found a wonderful deal here at Flagpole Hill in East Dallas. It’s a club, so it was affordable for us, a year’s membership is only $50 and you can show up every week, what a deal, hey? He had been through basic obedience a couple of years ago but we hadn’t continued, and he was getting back into bad habits, so we started back in July. Ralph is finally getting the hang of “down”. I was pretty worried about him there for awhile. He was so resistant to the whole idea that when his teacher made him do it he screamed bloody murder. To the extent that the rest of the park thought we had a dog seriously injured there! Ralph can be quite the drama queen when he gets an idea in his head, I’m afraid, and he just decided he was not going to learn that particular move. We mostly had to make him keep doing it until he kind of realized it wasn’t hurting him, and maybe it wasn’t so bad. He was good last week, I got him down for the “down and stay” and was actually able to stand up (with my foot on his leash just in case he tried to jump up and run), but he stayed down for the full three minutes. That is amazing for Mr. Poster Dog for ADHD (hee hee). I am enjoying my practice sessions with him though and I have to say it is making him a lot more focused and just better mannered all around. These days at the park I am getting compliments on how well behaved he is… a far cry from a few months ago when I was constantly apologizing for my idiotic dog!
I enjoyed that article. I had no idea that Sonya Fitzpatrick was now a Texan. I always enjoyed her TV show. I remember a couple of episodes that were so touching, I often think of them. Glad to see you got some publicity out of it too. I would like to tell that woman who thinks pet communication is a “parlor trick” that I’d like to see her explain how you could possibly know that a kitty who had not been seen for three weeks was right out the back door, much less why he chose that night to get up on the porch and come into the house. After all, if it were a “parlor trick” you could have just as easily told me he was long gone, couldn’t you? I am just so grateful to you for getting Boots home that night and I know he is too.
Hope you and yours are well. I don’t get up into your area much these days but maybe some opportunity will arise where we can meet up sometime soon. Thanks for the newsletters, I always enjoy them.
Blessings,
Animal Communication Blog 