Tuesday, May 27, 2008

A message from Tasha

As a last post from us (the humans), we want to share a few experiences with you. We believe the spirit lives on and has a choice to go to the "bridge" right away, delay to convey a message or remain earthbound.

The first time that this happened to us was when Tia passed to the bridge in January '04. Tia had a habit of circling around Doug and then standing between his legs with her rear sticking out the front so that Doug could scratch her rump. About an hour after Tia passed, Tasha did this same action. Understand that Tasha had never done this behavior before or since. We took this as a message that Tia was letting us know that she had made it to the bridge and she was OK.

Last Saturday, after Tasha had passed and while I could still feel her spirit next to me, one of the things that I asked of her was to send us a message that she was OK and that she understood.

When we got home, we needed a distraction so we took Eva to a new dog park. While we were there, another dog tried to show his dominance and mount her. Typically, Eva would scurry away and hide behind us. This time, she exhibited a Tasha behavior and whipped around and let him know that this was not acceptable. Tasha was a dominant dog but a calm easy-going dominant. With just a look and an occasional snarl, everydog knew that Tasha did not tolerate this behavior. We were stunned that Eva did exactly what Tasha would have done and thought "is this the sign from Tasha"? Eva then returned to her normal submissive nature. Eva does not like loud noises, quick movement, children and is not fond of anyone but us. Even people she knows have learned to let her slowly approach them.

Sunday morning, I took Eva for a walk. Our neighbor Jeff was outside and Eva was actually pulling at the leash to go up to him to be petted. Once again, this is Tasha behavior and not Eva behavior.

Monday afternoon, we were out front planting flowers. Eva was just hanging out with us off-leash. (She can be trusted since she won't wander far from us and has great recall. And we live on a cul-de-sac, so there is no traffic) Another neighbor Bob comes over. And then his wife Jane. Each time, Eva easily went up to them to be petted. Once again, Tasha behavior and not Eva behavior.

Could this be explained that since Tasha is not here, Eva is more confident? Maybe. Or it could be Tasha's spirit knows that Eva is not ready to be alone yet and is providing guidance to her? Maybe. Are we crazy? Yes.

Again, thank you for all of your support. It helps to know that Tasha will be missed by so many. We'll be visiting each of your blogs to thank you personally over the next few days. Tasha may not be with us physically but she'll always be in our hearts and memories. We will be spreading her ashes at some of her favorite places.

We're turning the blog over to Eva. Since she is now the focus of our attention and we need distractions, she has been having a few adventures that she wants to share with you. She'll start blogging again in a few days.

Hugs to your pups
Vicky, Doug and Eva

26 comments:

Lorenza said...

Tasha's spirit will be always with you all and with us too!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Lacy said...

w00f's Eva, Vicky and Doug..i truly believe that angel Lacylulu sent rocky to us...i had been wanting to get another dog b4 she died, but out of respect for her i didnt..she was older and didnt need the hassle of a puppy or younger dog...we haVE A little publication called iwanna, it tells u about all kinds of things for sale and free..i had seen rocky in there for a few weeks..and after lacy died i had to call that #..i feel like lacylulu set all that up...she knew we would miss her sooo much, and of course we did..i do believe Tasha is helping her sister...my sis thought mayb i would not like rocky cause he was alive and she wasnt, but i never ever felt that way..lacylulu will always have her place in my heart, just like Tasha will always have her place in ur hearts...

b safe,
rocky
bear and
angel lacylulu
and mama, claudette.

The Husky in the Window said...

You'all have a wonderful relationship and she is still there. Treasure it. Give Eva a big hug.
Husky Hugs to all. Gerri,
MayaMarie, Missy and Bella

Steve, Kat, & Wilbur said...

Very interesting and I really like your interpretation of Eva's behavior. Dogs are so amazing and I wouldn't be surprised if Tasha is letting you know she loves you and maybe if Eva is trying to step up and help bridge the loss of Tasha.

We continue to think of you!

Valerie, Steve, and Kat

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

No doubt at all about this!

Woo are not khrazy - BUT should woo be, woo have LOTS of khompany!!

Seriously, healing takes time - but the hurt will never khompletely khlose over - Tasha's spirit in YOU needs some breathing space -

I shared with you that Holly played a similar role in helping her mom Jan find khomfort that Shula was safely akhross The Rainbow Bridge -

We'll be looking furward to reading Eva's posts -

Hugz&MOREKhysses,
Khyra
PeeEssWoo: Khould we be furiends please?

Janet Roper said...

What a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing your experiences. I don't think you're crazy at all, simply in sync with your beloved animals.

My horse took on a behavior of one of his buddies when that buddy passed and Shiloh moved into his empty stall, and one of my cats took on some behaviors of his adored brother when the brother passed.

I'm glad I discovered your blog - I'm looking forward to reading Eva's posts.
Harmony,
Janet

Kapp pack said...

Tasha was certainly special and will be very missed. Prayers still being said for all of woo.

Woo woo, Kelsey Ann

-The Mullin Clan's Mommy- said...

Vicky, Doug and Eva,

I read about Tasha's crossing to the Rainbow Bridge on Bama's blog. I am so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful, sweet girl. My boys loved to share comments with her & Eva.

Take care all,

Marlene (Cosmos' & Juneau's Mommy)

Thor said...

You're not crazy at all! Tasha would definitely want to let you know she's okay, and it makes sense that she would choose to do so through Eva!

Woos,
Thor and the rest of the Wild Hunt

Khady Lynn said...

No, you are NOT crazy. They have a way of letting us know they are fine and happy.

I adopted a Siberian named Shula at the age of 13 1/2 from some people who no longer wanted her. She lived to be 16, and passed away the Thursday before Thanksgiving in 2005. I was devastated. I had done everything I could to help her medically, but it just was not meant to be. It was the hardest decision of my life to let her go.

On December 24th 2005 hubby, his neice and I were driving home from a Christmas Eve gathering with his family, when I spotted Holly in a corn field. Of course I stopped, and she came home with us.

Not too long after, she started doing things that only Shula had done, and none of my other dogs did. She would rub/scratch her chin on the rug, rubbing it back and forth. Shula use to do that. The first time Holly did it, I knew immediately that it was Shula's soul, somehow letting me know she was there. I even remember saying outloud "Oh my God, it's MaeMae (my nick name for Shula Mae). And, when Holly went to lay down, she would scratch and dig at the spot she wanted to lay down. Shula did that. And again, I would say "stop that, Shula use to do that!" Holly did those things for a couple months, and then never did them again. I knew in my heart that Shula was trying to tell me that she was fine, and that she was still with me in spirit. I had a terrible time recovering from her loss, and the only thing that helped was Holly. She gave me a new reason to be happy and helped trememdously in healing my broken heart. Somehow Shula led me to find Holly, and bring her home. Then she let me know, in her way, that not only was SHE ok now, I was going to be ok too.

Tasha is now free. She is also letting you know you did the right thing, and that she will help you take care of Eva too.

Sending lots of hugs and kisses!

Jan (Holly's mom)

i said...

Tasha was special. Hope you'll take comfort in the fond memories of her.

Bama said...

Vicky & Doug,
If you are crazy then we all are, at least all the sibe people we know, and even most of the DWBers. It takes someone who really loves their kids to spend the kind of time we do with them and go so far as to blog in "their" voices, I believe that kind of love transcends even death. Take comfort that she's still with you and letting you know she's ok. As I said in my post, "If love could have saved her she would have lived forever, but she will live forever in your hearts", so relax and take comfort from it.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you still, having lost our Starr & Ice in 2006, I know the pain never goes away, but it will mellow.
Much love to all all 3 of you,
The River Hill Pack & their mom

roughseasinthemed said...

What a lovely way to interpret Eva's differing behaviour.

We had a dog with similar characteristics to Eva (didn't like loud noises, children etc - and pretty good at coming back, well for me anyway). But he never changed because he never ended up being the only dog. There was always another one with him in the pack The dominance and behavioural traits are fascinating.

Hugs to Eva, look forward to her posts.

Kate (and Pippa)

Girl Girl Hamster said...

I think Tasha will always be around and help guide Eva. I sure missed her.

~ Girl girl

Princess Patches said...

We don't think you are crazy at all! Many times, when one of our dogs has gone to the bridge, the one remaining seems to take on their personality. We also believe that the dog at the bridge keeps watch over all of us and even leads us to other dogs that are right for us. We are soooo sorry that Tasha had to leave us. Run free, sweet Tasha and watch over your family!

Aire-hugs,
Poppy, Penny & Patches

BenTheRotti said...

Hi Doug, Vicky and Eva,

Bens Mum here,

What a lovely post, You are not crazy at all, when Ben Snr crossed to the bridge I was tortured over our decision. It didn't matter that all the professionals were saying it was right or that my heart felt it was right there is ALWAYS an element of doubt just because the decision is such a horrible one to have to make. I was desperate for some kind of sign. A few nights after Ben crossed over I was lying awake in Bed when i heard the distinct sound of claws plodding across the wooden floors downstairs, i sat bolt upright listening intently .. was i imagining it?? Then my husband (whom I had thought was sleeping) said, "No you didn't imagine it, I heard it too.. Ben walking around downstairs?" We heard it several more times over the next week or so, it comforted us and we gradually fell back into a more normal sleeping pattern, our grief softened. To this day i am convinced that this was Ben's message .. his way of attempting to ease our grief, him telling us that he is ALWAYS with us even though his physical presence has gone. Some may mock, but both me and my husband know what we heard and how it helped us at the darkest time of our grieving process.

I believe that animals are connected to us spiritually and that bond does not die.

All of our love to you all, thank you for sharing that moment with us.

Sue, Ben & Family.

Hey Ben here...

gosh she babbles on.. just wanted to sneak some big ole-rotti kisses in for Eva.. Ben xxxxxxx

Ferndoggle said...

Those stories gave me chills. Crazy? Aren't we all just a little bit crazy??? I think Tasha is definitely sending you signs that she is still with you. She's watching over Eva and making sure she's OK.

I thought about you guys all night. And must have hugged the dogs 1000 times. Hang in there...

Jen

The Army of Four said...

That doesn't sound crazy to us at all. It does show how close you are to your pups and they to you. :)
Luv,
Dave

Summit the Super Mal said...

Add us to the "crazy" list. There is no doubt in my mind that there are messages from those that have gone before, around us all the time. The key is to recognize them and enjoy them, as they are intended to comfort us and ease our hearts. Tasha loved you and Eva and she doesn't want you to hurt over her freedom. You will have her in your hearts and soon you will see a message from her and be able to smile. Soon, when she has given you some time to heal and the raw edge is gone...you will be smiling at her messages.

Moco said...

We all believe that their is a special spirit when a loved one goes to the Rainbow Bridge. They never really leave. The rest of us just adopt some of their behaviors. Dogs are so smart and sensitive.
Would it be OK to add you to our friends list. It is the only way Grammie can keep organized to visit all the great friends that we have made. If I could type faster I wouldn't need her help.

One of the pack said...

Crazy? Absolutely! Crazy about those wonderful animals! We completely understand over here.

We made the difficult decision to put Panda Rue down 2 years ago. Several months later we ended up with Lola (with a host of medical issues that should have already killed her). Panda was one of the all time great mamma dogs who took care of many fosters and permanent residents. She had fur that never would land, except on black clothes, and a yelp that would make you deaf. We always told her we would miss her terribly, but wouldn't miss the fur and yelping. Guess who sent us Lola? Same yelp and same fur (different breed and color).

We think Panda is watching over Lola even now. FYI, Panda also sent us a hawk in our back yard to rescue. She even managed to talk the hawk into a dog kennel so I could take her to the bird sanctuary to fix her wing.

How can you not love these wonderful dogs! Tasha and Panda are definitely having a good time taking care of others!

Alpha Female
www.forgetsitandstay.blogspot.com

DogMom said...

We don't think you're crazy at our house! Dogmom says that Gomer looked at her the same way that her Floppy-dog did and that's why she took him home.

Can't wait to hear what Eva has to say about her new adventures!
Wuf Ya - Gomer, Opie and Floyd

Anonymous said...

Please accept our condolences.

We are so out of touch with the dog blogs, we have only just caught up with your sad news.

Love and much sad light,

Jeannie and Marvin xxxxxxx

Unknown said...

Perhaps Eva would enjoy a blogging Belgian as a friend?

It's geared to kids, but funny and Shelby is as reticent as Eva.

shelby.warchild13.com

A loss of a beloved canine companion is a loss to all dog lovers.

Randi said...

Oh- your post just melts my heart...its Randi's mom here...I truly belive everything you shared with us...they have a way of comunicating with us that just cannot be explained...Tasha will forever be Eva's guardian...

Love to you all,
Randi & her mom

Anonymous said...

Not crazy at all! What a special series of events to have happened.
Hugs,
Sitka